DESTINATION
VAIL
Rocky Mountain resort town reaches new heights of popularity among meeting groups
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rior to the United States’ entry into World War II, multiple battles in Europe saw outnumbered forces familiar with rugged mountainous terrain defeat larger well-equipped armies. When drawn into the war in the early 1940s, United States Army officials expressed concern about the ability of their forces to fight winter battles in Europe or even in the United States, and took action to remedy that concern. The result was the creation of the 10th Mountain Division — then referred to as the 10th Light Division (Alpine) — that took residence in a newly constructed Camp Hale, 9,200 feet above sea level in the Colorado Rockies. At the base, soldiers were trained in combat as well as mountain climbing, various styles of skiing and winter survival techniques. When the camp was in full operation, approximately 15,000 soldiers were housed there. The 10th Mountain Division made its mark on the region. Across the country, soldiers of the division returned home after the war and used their skills to help shape the burgeoning skiing industry. Vail’s founders were soldiers of the famed army division that had encamped on Vail Mountain during their training and identified it as an ideal location for skiing — and to build a resort. The division
FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS 2019-2020 WINTER
is commemorated in public art and monuments throughout the area. Local distiller 10th Mountain honors the division “in spirit” by crafting bourbons, ryes and other spirits from locally sourced ingredients. 10th Mountain has tasting rooms in Vail and welcomes groups to host events in its distillery. While its founders’ fortunes waxed and waned, today’s Vail Resorts is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange. Some of the notable resorts in its portfolio include Vermont’s Stowe Mountain Resort, Colorado’s Keystone
Vail’s off season includes many recreational opportunities for the active attendee. 29
