The Solstice Summit offers a unique challenge to summit iconic Rib Mountain
Olivia Schmitt and her dog near the summit of Rib Mountain. Photo credit: Chris Pollack
Tony Sandoval carries a ten pound pack to the top of Rib Mountain as part of the rucking division at the 2024 Solstice Summit. Photo credit: Jessica Schaefer
RIB MOUNTAIN – IRONBULL’s Solstice Summit returns on June 14 for its third year, offering racers the unique challenge of summiting Rib Mountain. Racers start at the base of the Granite Peak Resort ski hill and climb one mile to the highest point of Rib Mountain State Park, accumulating 700 feet of vertical ascent.
The event, presented by the Village of Rib Mountain, appeals to a range of participants from recreational hikers through competitive trail runners with untimed and timed divisions. “The race is challenging, but you step away with a new accomplishment and new experiences with friends, both two-legged and four-legged,” said Katie Ernst. Ernst is a returning racer joined this year by her training partner, Major, a high energy 1.5 year old Australian Shepherd.
Carolyn Buzby and Korrina Mohr navigate residual snow on top of boulders on the Triple Bypass route at the inaugural Solstice Summit. Photo credit: Coates Photography
The Solstice Summit is a Trail Sisters approved event with a near equal gender split (46% female) since its inception. For many, it’s one of participants’ first times ascending the entire hill, with participants as old as 84 conquering the mountain. Upon finishing, racers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape including downtown Wausau and Lake Wausau atop the observation tower. Many participants are eager to test their limits, with the most popular event the Triple Bypass challenge, where competitors make three climbs on three separate routes. To make the climb more challenging, two of the routes include rock scrambling and one may include lingering snow this year. The Solstice Summit has been well-received, with all racers responding to the anonymous post-event survey saying they’d recommend the event to others since its inception.
Children including Harrison Ehrhardt enthusiastically start the Solstice Summit kids run. Photo credit: Jessica Schaefer
Additionally, the free kids run sponsored by Ruder Ware offers an age-appropriate challenge while removing financial barriers for outdoor recreation. The kids bolt off the start line with huge smiles, including Harrison Ehrhardt, returning for his third year. “We love it because it is a fun way to encourage healthy exercise habits, personal drive, and the confidence boost kids need to feel good about themselves,” said Harrison's mom, Kayla Ehrhardt. “The staff and volunteers always provide a positive environment by cheering and encouraging each runner.”
Racers and spectators are encouraged to stay for an evening on the hill with live music, food & drinks, and lawn games culminating at Granite Peak’s Historical Chalet. “We are excited to welcome back the IRONBULL team to Granite Peak for the third installment of the Summit Solstice event,” said Greg Fisher, General Manager of Granite Peak. “It’s wonderful to work with a group like IRONBULL to create events like this that challenge competitors across our terrain.”
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025 with a free kids run beginning at 5 pm
- Location: Granite Peak Ski Resort 227200 Snowbird Ave, Wausau, WI 54401
- More info: https://www.ironbull.org/summit
- Registration (including day of registration): https://ironbull-signup.redpodium.com/2025-solstice-summit
Banner photo: Boulders and even snow provide racers an extra challenge while summiting Rib Mountain. Photo credit: Coates Photography
Related:
Solstice Summit race report featured in Beyond Trails & Canicross Magazine