Be sure to catch a special event at Ski Cooper near Leadville, Colorado, honoring World War II heroes. The 10th Mountain Division Day celebration features a ski-down tribute to the brave ski troopers who trained at Cooper and Camp Hale in the mid-1940s and ultimately played a large role in defeating German forces. This event takes place miles from the nation’s newest monument, the Camp Hale – Continental Divide National Monument.
The 10th Mountain Division troopers trained at Cooper Hill to prepare to travel by ski and fight in harsh winter mountain conditions. After returning from the war, many Camp Hale veterans founded ski resorts in Colorado and throughout the United States.
SKI-DOWN TRIBUTE – FRIDAY, FEB. 24 AT 1:30 P.M.
The annual 10th Mountain Division Day takes place on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Visitors are encouraged to come for the parade of flags at 1:30 p.m. Those honoring the troopers’ contributions ski down to the Cooper lodge carrying flags, many dressed in winter white uniforms. Be sure to come watch this inspiring ski-down.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., soldiers and descendants can reunite with one other and enjoy Cooper’s slopes and lodge.
LEARN ABOUT THE FAMOUS SKI TROOPERS
Want to learn more about the 10th Mountain Division’s impressive legacy before you visit? Check out “8 Fun Facts about the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument.”
You can stream or buy the Warren Miller film “Climb to Glory” or “The Last Ridge.” Or watch for a screening of the new 10th Mountain Documentary Project “Mission Mt. Mangart.”
VISIT LOCAL 10TH MOUNTAIN ATTRACTIONS
Build out your trip with more ways to honor the 10th Mountain Division ski troopers.
CAMP HALE – CONTINENTAL DIVIDE NATIONAL MONUMENT
The ski troopers’ training camp is now part of the Camp Hale – Continental Divide National Monument, designated in 2022. You can drive 10-15 minutes north of Ski Cooper’s entrance to see informational plaques and remains of a few Camp Hale buildings.
In winter, backcountry skiing and snowmobile tours are among the best ways to see the monument’s landscape. In summer, you can reserve a spot in a Camp Hale campground or hike or mountain bike area trails. Learn about recreating in the Camp Hale – Continental Divide National Monument.
SKI COOPER
To follow in the footsteps of the 10th Mountain heroes, ski or board at Ski Cooper.
MONUMENTS TO HEROES
Along Highway 24, the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway, stop at the turnoff to Ski Cooper. There you can pay tribute to the fallen soldiers at the 10th Mountain Division War Memorial. A second monument commemorates the soldiers of the 99th Battalion, Norwegian nationals who also trained at Camp Hale and liberated Norway in May 1945.
TENNESSEE PASS COOKHOUSE & NORDIC CENTER
Gain a sense of the local terrain by Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center. Equipment rentals are available. Enjoy your own unique experience by skiing or snowshoeing one mile to the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse, an off-grid yurt serving gourmet candlelit dinners and delicious lunches (by reservation only).
10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION HUT ASSOCIATION TRIP
For an adventure inspired by 10th Mountain veterans, gather friends and family and book a trip to a 10th Mountain Division Hut. Depending on weather conditions, you can ski, snowshoe, or hike into these backcountry huts for an experience to remember forever.
Among the 10th Mountain Division’s exploits was a ski touring trip from Camp Hale to Aspen in 1943 and 1944. Veteran Fritz Benedict, said to be a fan of the area’s ski touring, was a founder of the hut association. Five of the 12 huts were built with donations to honor the memory of 10th Mountain Division soldiers who died in the war.
Please note that hut trips require planning and endurance—and in winter, strong avalanche skills training and preparedness for safe travel.
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