Ski Cooper, Colorado Weather Cams
Ski Cooper Ridge View
Ski Cooper Mountain Top
Ski Cooper Snow Stake
From Ski Troopers to Ski Trails: The History of Ski Cooper and Its Mountain Legacy
Ski Cooper, Colorado Weather Cams. Nestled atop Tennessee Pass in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Ski Cooper is more than just a ski resort—it’s a living monument to American resilience, alpine adventure, and small-town spirit. With roots in World War II and a legacy shaped by the famed 10th Mountain Division, Ski Cooper has evolved from a military training ground into one of Colorado’s most beloved and affordable ski destinations. Its surrounding region, steeped in mining lore and natural grandeur, adds depth to a story that spans war, wilderness, and recreation.
Wartime Origins: The Birth of Cooper Hill
In 1942, as the United States entered World War II, the Army sought a rugged, snow-laden site to train a new kind of soldier—ski troopers. The result was the creation of Camp Hale, located near the remote rail stop of Pando between Leadville and Minturn. The site was chosen for its high elevation, deep snowpack (averaging 250 inches annually), and proximity to rail transport.
The Army cleared ski runs on nearby Cooper Hill, installed a T-bar lift, and began training the 10th Mountain Division in alpine warfare. These soldiers endured grueling conditions, often hiking uphill with 90-pound packs, skis, and rifles. Their training paid off: in 1945, the 10th Mountain Division played a pivotal role in breaching the German Gothic Line in Italy, helping to liberate the northern part of the country. The division suffered heavy casualties—992 killed and over 4,000 wounded—but left an indelible mark on military and skiing history.
Postwar Transformation: From Army Outpost to Public Ski Area
After the war, the Army decommissioned Camp Hale and auctioned off Cooper Hill. The U.S. Forest Service reclaimed the land, and the Lake County Recreational Board seized the opportunity to develop it into a public ski area. In 1945, the board secured a 99-year lease and began operating what was then known as Cooper Hill Ski Area.
The early years were modest. The resort retained its original military T-bar and three ski runs. Improvements were incremental and often funded through small loans. Yet the area’s affordability and authenticity made it a local favorite. In the 1960s and ’70s, most skiers were from Lake County, with only a trickle of visitors from neighboring Summit and Eagle counties.
A Quiet Corner in a Booming Industry
While nearby resorts like Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge exploded into international destinations, Ski Cooper remained a humble, community-focused operation. It officially rebranded from Cooper Hill to Ski Cooper and continued to offer a no-frills, family-friendly experience. The resort’s nonprofit management model, overseen by a volunteer board, emphasized accessibility over profit.
This philosophy paid off. Ski Cooper became known for its laid-back atmosphere, short lift lines, and natural snow—no snowmaking machines here. It also gained a reputation as one of Colorado’s best skiing bargains, second only to Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs.
The Surrounding Landscape: Leadville and Tennessee Pass
Ski Cooper’s story is inseparable from its surroundings. Just a few miles away lies Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the United States. Once a booming silver mining town in the late 19th century, Leadville was home to figures like Horace Tabor and Molly Brown. Today, it retains its Victorian charm and serves as a gateway to outdoor adventure.
Tennessee Pass, where Ski Cooper is located, straddles the Continental Divide and offers sweeping views of Colorado’s highest peaks, including Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. The area is also home to the 10th Mountain Division Memorial, a solemn tribute to the soldiers who trained and died in WWII.
Modern Expansion and Enduring Legacy
In January 2020, Ski Cooper expanded with the opening of the Tennessee Creek Basin Area, adding expert terrain and enhancing its appeal to advanced skiers. The resort also operates Chicago Ridge Snowcat Tours, offering guided backcountry skiing across 2,400 acres of powder-filled glades and bowls.
Despite these upgrades, Ski Cooper has stayed true to its roots. It continues to host annual reunions and tributes to the 10th Mountain Division, including ski-in ceremonies and Memorial Day events. The resort’s commitment to honoring its past while serving the present makes it a unique fixture in Colorado’s ski landscape.
Conclusion: A Mountain of Meaning
Ski Cooper is more than a ski hill—it’s a historical landmark, a community hub, and a symbol of enduring values. From its wartime origins to its modern-day role as a family-friendly resort, it offers a rare blend of authenticity, affordability, and alpine beauty. Whether you’re carving turns on its natural snow or reflecting at the 10th Mountain Division Memorial, Ski Cooper invites you to be part of a story that’s still unfolding—one run, one memory, one legacy at a time.
For more information, visit the Ski Cooper ski resort’s official website.