National Ski Patrol & 10th Mountain Division Commemorate Their Legacy, 80th Anniversary Of Battle of Riva Ridge, & Hale to Vail,

National Ski Patrol (NSP) and U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division celebrated their historic bond and shared legacy of service, while commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Riva Ridge and other important milestones, such as the Hale to Vail Traverse, Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge, Ski-In Daze at Ski Cooper, and Vail Legacy Weekend. From Feb. 18-23, current 10th Mountain Division soldiers, WWII veterans and their descendants, members of the 10th Special Forces Group, the Colorado Army National Guard, the 10th Mountain Division Descendants, the 10th Mountain Division Foundation, the 10th Mountain Alpine Club, and representatives from National Ski Patrol, including NSP CEO Stephanie Cox and Trux Dole, grandson of NSP founder Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole, gathered at Camp Hale, Vail Mountain, and Ski Cooper to honor this connection and bridge the past to today.

NSP has deep roots in the 10th Mountain Divisions’ history, combining skiing and mountaineering skills. NSP was originally organized and directed by Minnie Dole as a committee of the National Ski Association. During WWII, Dole was responsible for establishing the famed 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army, as well as helping recruit and train.

Many 10th Mountain Division veterans, inspired by their experiences, went on to establish and operate numerous ski resorts across the United States, including Vail, Aspen, and A-Basin. Many veterans also became – and still do today — ski patrollers, bringing their technical military and wilderness expertise to the safety role.

“Our history with the 10th Mountain Division is the cornerstone of NSP. Their legacy of preparation, safety, and technical proficiency are integral to everything we do outdoors. Last week, we returned to our collective roots with training, commemorating historical milestones and honoring our long-time relationship,” said Stephanie Cox, CEO of National Ski Patrol. “National Ski Patrol and 10th Mountain Division’s shared commitment to safety and innovation continues to shape outdoor recreation, ensuring that people can safely enjoy the mountains for many more generations. We are modernizing our partnership and taking this history into the future.”

Last week’s events, called OPERATION MOUNTAIN LEGACY, served as a powerful reminder of this shared history and the bond between the two organizations. Significant highlights included rigorous ski, alpine and avalanche training for current 10th Mountain Division soldiers at Camp Hale, echoing the training their predecessors underwent. The commemoration also honored the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Riva Ridge, a pivotal moment in WWII that saw the 10th Mountain Division play a decisive role. Technical traverses skied by descendants of these WWII heroes further underscored the legacy of skill and courage passed down through generations.

The following snapshot, as well as daily photos and videos (PC: The 10th Mountain Division), illustrate the stories and camaraderie:

• Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge (Feb. 18): Participants across the country and in Colorado at Vail Mountain, Ski Cooper, and A-Basin simultaneously tested their endurance in a challenging tribute to the 10th Mountain Division’s rigorous training.
• Hale to Vail Traverse (Feb. 19): Teams traversed from Camp Hale to Vail Village, culminating in a ski descent of the Riva Ridge run, symbolizing the connection between the division’s past and present. NSP and the 10th Mountain Division prioritized safety and notably rerouted the training due to avalanche warning that day.
• Ski Cooper 50th Ski-In Daze & Tennessee Pass Memorial (Feb. 21): A day of remembrance and celebration at Ski Cooper, honoring the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division and its contributions to the ski industry.
• Vail Torchlight Parade (Feb. 22): A spectacular display of lights illuminated Vail Village, symbolizing the enduring spirit and legacy of the 10th Mountain Division.
• Ski Trooper Cup (Feb. 23): Teams competed in a friendly ski race at the base of Gondola 1 at Vail Mountain, fostering camaraderie and celebrating the skills of the ski troopers.

OPERATION MOUNTAIN LEGACY embodied the 10th Mountain Division’s motto, “Climb to Glory,” by honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring future generations. The partnership between the 10th Mountain Division and the National Ski Patrol, rooted in shared history and a commitment to service, was a central theme of the week’s events.