So this ski destination situated with a base of 10,200 feet has no special extreme runs, no fancy dancy lodge, does not attract the big race scene, a lodge that is simple, however efficient, and does not even come close to a vertical like Jackson Hole or Whistler. It did not even sponsor MauiSkiBus. Why go to this ski destination on the 2015 adventure to ski 50 resorts and visit 50 yoga studios? Honor. To honor soldiers from the 10th mountain division from World War II, carrying packs weighing 122 pounds.
992 lives were lost from soldiers that had winter trained at elevations above 11,000 feet, in temperatures -30 below, and at a destination in a rugged mountainous area near Leadville, Colorado. Ski Cooper evolved out of this history and MauiSkiBus owed it to all of those soldiers that had trained there to visit and honor the heroes of the 10th Mountain Division. Without them, many of the now world famous ski resorts dotting the western USA might not have a history as they do now.
When visiting Vail or Beaver Creek, a treacherous drive up Minturn Canyon, will direct you past a huge open valley that was the former Camp Hale, which is a bit Hawaiian, as “hale” means home in Hawaiian. No Hawaiian homes ever see -30 below and the 10th Mountain trained and became the best winter soldiers to ever ski and win battles in Word War II. A family must put Ski Cooper on their to ski list, as this is THE ski destination with THE history, and as an added benefit, the wallet will love the day ticket of $48, grommets are way less. So saving some cash, a scary drive with a view, re-living a unique history tied into modern day ski resorts, and taking in the views surrounding Ski Cooper, all diehard skiers must pay honor at Ski Cooper.