HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY, SKI COOPER!

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The 2017-2018 season marked the 75th birthday of Ski Cooper and the winter of 1942-1943, when Cooper Hill first was used for ski training.


SKI COOPER’S YOUNGER DAYS

So what happened in Cooper’s first year? The area played an important role in World War II—it served as a training ground for ski troopers who ultimately helped turn the tide of the war.


In 1942, the United States Army chose an isolated railroad stop called Pando, Colorado, to be a winter training site. The area was chosen for its nearby rail transportation, rugged mountainous terrain, and 250-inch average annual snowfall, which ensured that troops could do ski training six months out of the year. Cooper Hill, at 11,700’, was part of Camp Hale, which trained the ski troopers of the famed 10th Mountain Division. (See 7 Intriguing Facts about Camp Hale.)


10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION HISTORY

After two years of rigorous training, the 10th Mountain Division was ordered to Italy in 1945 to spearhead the advance of the U.S. Fifth Army. In a series of actions that included Riva Ridge and Mt. Belvedere, the 10th Mountain Division breached the supposedly impregnable Gothic Line in the Appenines and secured the Po River Valley.


The 10th Mountain Division’s victories played a vital role in liberating northern Italy. By the time the Germans surrendered in May 1945, 992 ski troopers had been killed in action and 4,000 wounded, marking the highest casualty rate of any U.S. Division in the Mediterranean. After the war, Ski Cooper was opened to the public as a ski area.


SKI COOPER’S BIRTHDAY YEAR

Today, Cooper continues to grow and develop organically, improving its base area facilities, adding new events, and keeping Cooper unique. For example, Ski Cooper continues to host its 10th Mountain Ski Down tribute every year. This unique ceremony honors the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division.


Cheers to another great year!

February 20, 2025
No matter when you visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, you’ll find yourself two miles above sea level (ok, technically 1.9 miles, but who’s counting?). When you visit in March, you’ll be even closer to the glorious Colorado sun because by this time of year, Leadville and Twin Lakes have typically received around two meters of snow! Yes, meters. Here are some great ways you can enjoy the abundant snow and sun! 1) HIT THE SLOPES AT SKI COOPER Like to ski or ride? Check out Ski Cooper for affordable access to uncrowded slopes. Cooper is open seven days a week through Sunday, April 13, 2025. To learn to ski or board or to improve your skills, sign up for lessons for the whole family. 2) RIDE THE TRAIN Hop aboard the Leadville Railroad Winter Express for a 2-hour train ride through some of the area’s most spectacular scenery. The Winter Express runs until April 13th, departing Thursdays through Saturdays at 1:00 p.m plus daily at 1:00pm during spring break from March 9th through March 29th. This is a popular attraction and reservations are required! Book your seats here . 3) GO SNOWMOBILING Snowmobile and ATV tours are a great way to explore Leadville’s historic East Side Mining District, Turquoise Lake Recreation Area and the surrounding hills. A variety of tour styles are available with options for experienced adventure seekers to beginners and families. Vroom, vroom! 4) GO DOGSLEDDING Want a spring break story that’ll make your friends jealous? Hop on a sled and let a team of energetic, tail-wagging huskies whisk you across the snow! You'll glide through stunning mountain scenery with your new four-legged crew leading the way. Dogsledding is a thrilling, unforgettable adventure—and fun for the whole family! 5) GO SNOW ZIPPING Have you ever wanted to zipline in the winter? Now’s your chance! Experience the thrill of our 2-hour Winter Mountain Zip Line Tour , where you’ll descend not one but six exhilarating zip lines, spanning over 8,000 feet of fun. Extend your adventure with the Zip Line and Snowmobile Combo Tour . Get the full scoop on rates, reservations, and restrictions here !
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