The 10th Mountain Division in WWII was the only division of mountain ski troops the U.S. Army ever had. The 10th Mountain Division began on November, 15, 1941, with the activation of the 87th Infantry Mountain Regiment. A history of the 10th Mountain Division, along with lots of other information about the division, can be found on the 10th Mountain Division Association Web site.

My father-in-law was in the 10th and my wife and I are both members of the 10th Mountain Division Association Descendants. We have enjoyed socializing with the fine veterans and their families at various 10th Mountain Division Association reunions around the country for many years.

The 10th did the majority of its training at Camp Hale, CO, in the Pando Valley, high up in the Rockies.

The division saw heavy action in the Apennine Mountains of Italy, with two of the major battles having been for Mt. Belvedere and Riva Ridge.

The Denver Public Library has pictures of the 10th Mountain Division in action.

Mt. Belvedere and Riva Ridge today

A view of Mt. Belvedere from the home of an Italian veteran in Trignano, Italy.

Mt. Belvedere and Trignano, Italy.

Riva Ridge

10th Mountain Division veterans are largely responsible for the recreational ski industry in the U.S., having started or been instrumental in starting many of the ski resorts throughout the country.

The 10th Mountain Division Trail and Hut System

The 10th Mountain Division Trail System was created in memory of the veterans of the division. It is a popular trail in the Aspen/Vail area.

The division manages a series of 29 backcountry huts along the trail system. (Check out the interactive version of this map.)

More information on the trail and hut system can be found on the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association Web site.

The Modern 10th Mountain Division

The division was officially reactivated on February 13, 1985, at Fort Drum, New York, as the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). This site also contains some interesting history of the division, including WWII.