Warren Miller Movie "Climb to Glory" Celebrating the 10th Mountain Division

I feel so fortunate that photography jobs have led me to learn about the 10th Mountain Division TWICE in the last six months.  It’s one of those experiences that I CAN’T WAIT to share with anyone and everyone, especially if you ski or snowboard!!

The story began in 1939 when a small number of Finnish soldiers on skis were able to defeat much larger and more powerful force from the invading Russian military.  Not long after, the United States Army created a unit that would be trained in the mountains and specifically designed for fighting in challenging conditions.

At a base elevation of over 9,000 feet, the training for the 10th Mountain Division took place at Camp Hale, outside of Leadville, Colorado. They were trained in mountain survival, skiing, snow shoeing, rock climbing, winter combat…etc.  After heroic battles overseas, the returning soldiers are credited with jump starting the recreation and sport skiing industry.  Many became ski instructors, resort developers (Vail, Aspen, Arapahoe Basin are just a few examples), equipment designers and manufacturers, lodge owners, ski-shop and ski-area owners.  There’s a great article here for more info: http://voices.yahoo.com/the-10th-mountain-division-boom-post-war-384375.html

My path to this event began with the non-profit based in Denver called, “Wish of a Lifetime.”  Started by Jeremy Bloom (Olympic skier, football player, model…), it grants wishes to folks above 65 years of age all over the country.  Wish of a Lifetime collaborated with the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum and Warren Miller Entertainment to produce a 45-minute documentary called “Climb to Glory” that tells the story of the 10th Mountain Division Ski Troopers and how they transformed the U.S. Ski Industry after World War II.  It was a pleasure photographing the premiere.  There were nearly a dozen original members of the 10th Mountain Division in attendance, and they were met on the red carpet by actors wearing their original equipment:

It was neat seeing Jeremy Bloom and another legendary skier, Chris Anthony do their part in celebrating and honoring the 10th Mountain Division.  Chris Anthony even arranged a trip for a 10th veteran where he drove him up to Vail in a Ferrari!  I’ve never before wondered why certain ski trails are named the way they are… But now I look forward to seeing the runs named after the 10th, like Riva Ridge, named after the 1945 battle…or dining at the 10th Restaurant in Vail!

It’s more than just saying ‘thank-you’ to these men.  And it’s more than honoring Veterans as a whole.  Part of what makes this photo shoot, and this experience so special is that it’s also about learning a bit of history and understanding what these men did upon returning from war and how that shaped so much of our present, 60 years later…

A final treat for the night was a performance by the band, ‘The Moderators‘.  Comprised of business owners and CEO’s, they specialize in playing (and helping) non-profits!

Thank you Ali Miller for helping!