HONOR HEROES AT 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION DAY

Be sure to catch a special event at Ski Cooper near Leadville, Colorado, honoring World War II heroes. The 10th Mountain Division Day celebration features a ski-down tribute to the brave ski troopers who trained at Cooper and Camp Hale in the mid-1940s and ultimately played a large role in defeating German forces. This event takes place miles from the nation’s newest monument, the Camp Hale – Continental Divide National Monument.


The 10th Mountain Division troopers trained at Cooper Hill to prepare to travel by ski and fight in harsh winter mountain conditions. After returning from the war, many Camp Hale veterans founded ski resorts in Colorado and throughout the United States.


SKI-DOWN TRIBUTE – FRIDAY, FEB. 24 AT 1:30 P.M.

The annual 10th Mountain Division Day takes place on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Visitors are encouraged to come for the parade of flags at 1:30 p.m. Those honoring the troopers’ contributions ski down to the Cooper lodge carrying flags, many dressed in winter white uniforms. Be sure to come watch this inspiring ski-down.


From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., soldiers and descendants can reunite with one other and enjoy Cooper’s slopes and lodge.


LEARN ABOUT THE FAMOUS SKI TROOPERS

Want to learn more about the 10th Mountain Division’s impressive legacy before you visit? Check out “8 Fun Facts about the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument.”


You can stream or buy the Warren Miller film “Climb to Glory” or “The Last Ridge.” Or watch for a screening of the new 10th Mountain Documentary Project “Mission Mt. Mangart.”


VISIT LOCAL 10TH MOUNTAIN ATTRACTIONS

Build out your trip with more ways to honor the 10th Mountain Division ski troopers.


CAMP HALE – CONTINENTAL DIVIDE NATIONAL MONUMENT

The ski troopers’ training camp is now part of the Camp Hale – Continental Divide National Monument, designated in 2022. You can drive 10-15 minutes north of Ski Cooper’s entrance to see informational plaques and remains of a few Camp Hale buildings.


In winter, backcountry skiing and snowmobile tours are among the best ways to see the monument’s landscape. In summer, you can reserve a spot in a Camp Hale campground or hike or mountain bike area trails. Learn about recreating in the Camp Hale – Continental Divide National Monument.


SKI COOPER

To follow in the footsteps of the 10th Mountain heroes, ski or board at Ski Cooper.


MONUMENTS TO HEROES

Along Highway 24, the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway, stop at the turnoff to Ski Cooper. There you can pay tribute to the fallen soldiers at the 10th Mountain Division War Memorial. A second monument commemorates the soldiers of the 99th Battalion, Norwegian nationals who also trained at Camp Hale and liberated Norway in May 1945.


TENNESSEE PASS COOKHOUSE & NORDIC CENTER

Gain a sense of the local terrain by Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center. Equipment rentals are available. Enjoy your own unique experience by skiing or snowshoeing one mile to the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse, an off-grid yurt serving gourmet candlelit dinners and delicious lunches (by reservation only).


10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION HUT ASSOCIATION TRIP

For an adventure inspired by 10th Mountain veterans, gather friends and family and book a trip to a 10th Mountain Division Hut. Depending on weather conditions, you can ski, snowshoe, or hike into these backcountry huts for an experience to remember forever.


Among the 10th Mountain Division’s exploits was a ski touring trip from Camp Hale to Aspen in 1943 and 1944. Veteran Fritz Benedict, said to be a fan of the area’s ski touring, was a founder of the hut association. Five of the 12 huts were built with donations to honor the memory of 10th Mountain Division soldiers who died in the war.


Please note that hut trips require planning and endurance—and in winter, strong avalanche skills training and preparedness for safe travel.

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 !
February 20, 2025
If you love deep snow, bluebird skies, and zero lift lines, the first two weeks of March in Leadville and Twin Lakes are calling your name. While other Colorado ski towns are packed this time of year, this high-altitude haven stays refreshingly quiet—meaning more powder, more solitude, and more space to explore safely. Whether you’re carving fresh turns at Ski Cooper, venturing into the pristine backcountry, or enjoying a peaceful après-ski with no wait at the bar, this is your chance to experience winter without the chaos.  But with all that extra room comes extra responsibility—so before you head into the untouched snow, let’s talk backcountry safety tips.
February 5, 2025
GIDDY UP! March 1-2, 2025 Every winter, Leadville transforms into a high-octane winter wonderland with the annual Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival Weekend . This two-day event is packed with adrenaline-pumping sports, winter races, and community fun. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a unique winter experience, Leadville is the place to be! This weekend always draws a crowd! Book a place to stay today .
February 5, 2025
In Leadville and Twin Lakes, we want to help you fall head over heels (hopefully not literally) with winter in the mountains. Whether you’re exploring solo, surrounded by family and friends, or with your special someone, come to Leadville-Twin Lakes to spark or rekindle your love of winter.
February 5, 2025
Ah, February. That special time of year when you can’t remember what it feels like to be warm outdoors and spring is still oh so far away. It’s the worst, right?  At Leadville and Twin Lakes, we invite you to turn that February frown upside down and experience how amazing winter in Colorado can be (yes, even in February).
January 2, 2025
Fun in the Snow at Ski Cooper If you're searching for an authentic mountain experience filled with fun in the snow, Ski Cooper near Leadville, Colorado, is your perfect winter destination. Here's why this hidden gem stands out among Colorado's ski areas.
January 2, 2025
Fat biking has surged in popularity over the past decade, and nowhere is this more evident than in Leadville. With stunning mountain landscapes and groomed winter trails, Leadville has become a premier destination for fat biking enthusiasts. Its growing reputation helped bring the Fat Bike World Championships back to Colorado in 2024. This year, the event is staying in Colorado for a second year in a row, returning to Crested Butte (where it all started), marking its 10th anniversary. 
January 2, 2025
Hello outdoor adventurers! Winter fun in Leadville and Twin Lakes starts with knowledge and preparation—let’s make your adventures safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
December 23, 2024
While Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado, is known for abundant winter activities, it also offers plenty of great things to do inside. When you need a winter warmup, explore these off-the-beaten-path indoors options!
December 22, 2024
This year, be sure to visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado ! Here at the top of the Rockies, you’ll find a wide breadth of things to do outdoors and in our genuine and historic downtowns. While the list of possibilities is nearly endless, here are our top 12 reasons to visit in 2025!
More Posts
Share by: