Jackson, WY- Take a break from the backcountry to explore ski history with a new Teton County Library exhibit, “Soldiers on Skis,” featuring the role of the 10th Mountain Division, an elite Army ski corps, in World War II.
Get a sneak preview and take a short, informal tour of the exhibit with Dave Little, director of the 10th Mountain Division Living History Display from 11 a.m. to noon, Sunday, January 11 in the library’s Exhibit Gallery. Celebrate the exhibit opening with a Soldiers on Skis: Film Screening & Talk from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, January 16. The evening will feature the documentary film, “Fire on the Mountain,” followed by a Q&A with veteran Jim Van Nostrand, who trained with the division. All programs are free and open to the public.
In 1940, the War Department began working with the American Alpine Club and National Ski Patrol to develop a specialized unit, the 10th Mountain Division, for winter and mountain warfare. See the uniforms, skis, snowshoes, tents, canned food and other equipment these soldiers used in WWII featured in the library exhibit.
The documentary film, “Fire on the Mountain,” depicts the exploits of this elite Army ski corps, including scenes from the group’s training period on Mount Rainier where soldiers tested their gear with a winter ascent. The documentary follows the soldiers to the Apennine Mountains of Italy where their skills were put to the test, fighting German troops. The film also highlights the veterans’ post war careers, including founding Vail and Aspen ski resorts, manufacturing recreational gear, and promoting wilderness education and preservation.
“These people have just left a legacy for outdoor recreation and skiing that still impacts anyone who puts on a pair of skis and goes out to play in the snow today,” said Robb Sgroi, a Jackson skier and one of a handful of local residents with familial ties to veterans from the 10th Mountain Division.
Sgroi’s great uncle, Forrest MacDonald, arrived at Camp Hale in Colorado in late 1942 or early 1943 for rigorous winter warfare training as part of the division’s Company A, 86th Infantry Regiment. After more training at other camps, he arrived in Italy on December 22, 1944 where he earned a Purple Heart after being wounded in the division’s first major offensive at Pizzo di Campiano. He also earned a bronze star for actions at Bussolengo and became a staff sergeant.
Look for more library programs on the 10th Mountain Division in February in combination with the “Soldiers on Skis” exhibit, which will be on view through February 28 in the library’s Exhibit Gallery. For information on library exhibits and programs, contact the Adult Humanities Coordinator at 733-2164 ext. 135 or visit the library online at www.TCLib.org.
Great documentary. Awesome footage of some courageous American soldiers.
I need to check this out. I live in Leadville, CO, just up from Camp Hale. You can still see some of the old military infrastructure around, and the area has some great ski touring. The 10th Mountain Division legacy on skiing is big around here, with many ski areas founded by veterans. Interestingly, this division still exists. A friend of mine, an avid backcountry skier, is a veteran of Afghanistan from this division.
Thanks for the comments guys. Sometimes living up here in vacation land…it’s easy to forget about those that fight/fought for our rights.
Steve, thanks for promoting this exhibit. During the tour this morning, some veterans and descendents of veterans shared stories about frozen toes from inadequate boots and sleeping bags filled with chicken feathers – apparently not as warm as goose down. More stories to come at the Friday opening!
I would like to commemorate the 10th Mtn Division by painting their Division and Unit markings on a 1951 Military Jeep I am restoring to museum quality. I don’t know what the correct alpha-numeric designation would be for a vehicle stationed at Camp Hale; and was wondering if you may have access to or know of another resource where I could find a photo of a 50’s era military jeep that shows the markings on the front bumper?
Thanks in advance.
Matt Fuller
Golden, CO