From Battlefields to Black Diamonds: The 10th Mountain Division’s Legacy in U.S. Skiing
The 10th Mountain Division’s connection to U.S. skiing is a fascinating tale of a storied Army unit and its intertwining path between warfare and winter sports. This elite alpine division not only played a pivotal role in World War II but its returning soldiers would go on to leave an indelible mark on America. From Colorado to Vermont, veterans of the 10th Mountain significantly influenced the American skiing industry and physically transformed the landscape of the United States. It’s a story of passion and legacy, and a testament to the American veteran.
A Unique Battalion is Born
In November 1939, during the Soviet Union’s invasion of Finland, Finnish ski troops devastated two Soviet tank divisions, showcasing the effectiveness of ski warfare. Inspired by this, Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole, president of the National Ski Patrol, lobbied the U.S. War Department for the creation of specialized mountain troops. By September 1940, General George C. Marshall, the Army Chief of Staff, approved Dole’s proposal, leading to the formation of the U.S. Army’s first ski patrol units for mountain and winter warfare.
Fearful of the German Army’s three mountain infantry divisions, the Gebirgsjäger, the U.S. Army established the 10th Mountain Division. Initial plans called for ten divisions, which was whittled down to three, then one. Even then, U.S. Army staff debated the feasibility of a whole division of mountain warfare troops, until Greek mountain troops devastated unprepared Italian troops in the Albanian mountains.
After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, the Army activated the 10th Mountain Division’s first unit in Fort Lewis, Washington. The National Ski Patrol played the crucial role of recruiting skiers, mountaineers, and outdoorsmen from civilian life. After they successfully recruited the soldiers for the 87th Infantry Battalion, they then filled the requirements for the rest of the division.
The Division’s Heroic Feats
The 10th Mountain Division’s moment to shine came in 1945, in the mountains of Italy. Here, they executed a series of daring assaults against the entrenched German positions in the Northern Apennines. In one battle, Mount Belvedere had been unsuccessfully assaulted three times by other divisions. The 10th Mountain scaled a lightly defended ridge considered impossible to climb and took the Germans by surprise. This victory opened the door to an offensive towards the Po Valley and played a pivotal role in the liberation of Italy. The campaign was fierce and the division took significant casualties, but they persevered and ultimately emerged victorious.
From Soldiers to Ski Pioneers
Immediately after Japan surrendered, veterans of the 10th Mountain Division returned home, bringing with them a profound expertise in skiing and an unwavering love for the mountains. These men played a pivotal role in transforming skiing from a niche hobby into a major sport and thriving vacation industry. They were instrumental in constructing ski lodges, designing innovative ski lifts, and improving ski equipment. Their entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there; they also founded ski magazines, established ski schools, and were pivotal in creating some of the United States’ most famous ski mountains.
Ski Resorts
Beyond the well-known contributions to Steamboat, Sugarbush, Crystal Mountain, and Whiteface Mountain, 10th Mountain Division veterans were instrumental in the development of other ski areas across the country. Pete Seibert, a 10th Mountain Division veteran, co-founded Vail, Colorado. Bob Durrance played a significant role in the development of Alta in Utah. And Larry Jump founded Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin.
Aspen and the Ski Boom
Perhaps the most iconic of their contributions was the transformation of Aspen into a premier ski destination. Veteran Friedl Pfeifer partnered with industrialist Walter Paepcke to develop Aspen. Together they worked tirelessly to transform the quiet mining town into a bustling ski resort. Pfeifer’s contributions were multifaceted; he founded the Aspen Ski School, designed and developed the Aspen Mountain ski area, laid out trails and installed lifts, and shaped what would become Aspen’s iconic ski culture.
All Things Ski
The veteran’s influences extended into ski equipment manufacturing. Veterans like Klaus Obermeyer, an innovator in ski apparel, founded Sport Obermeyer, contributing significantly to the development of down jackets and other ski wear.
Minnie Dole, the founder of the National Ski Patrol and the 10th Mountain Division, contributed to the promotion of ski safety and ski culture through various publications. John Jay, another veteran, produced ski films and contributed to ski magazines, showcasing the thrill and beauty of skiing to a wider audience.
The Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) was influenced by the teaching methods developed by veterans. While ski schools at resorts like Aspen and Vail were staffed and sometimes founded by veterans, who used their expertise to teach a new generation of skiers.
The Division’s Enduring Legacy
The list of individuals associated with the 10th Mountain Division is exhaustive. It includes mathematicians, research pioneers, environmentalists, and notable figures such as Presidential candidate and Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole. This eclectic group of veterans illustrates the wide-ranging impact of the 10th Mountain Division, on not just skiing, but the entire of the United States.
The legacy of the 10th Mountain Division is a testament to their determination, innovation, and love for the mountains. They not only fought bravely during World War II but also returned home to transform the American landscape. They almost single-handedly turned skiing into the beloved winter sport and industry that it is today. So, the next time you hit the slopes, take a moment to remember the 10th Mountain Division and the trails they blazed in both war and peace.
