Public events to honor history, celebrate future of Vail’s historic Camp Hale

“Discover our Past, Celebrate our Future” will highlight efforts to protect historic Camp Hale in a combination of public events in Vail on Saturday, Jan. 21.

The public will have a chance to explore Camp Hale in the Pando Valley and experience a living history demonstration by the 10^th Mountain Division Foundation early in the day, followed by a reception and film screening of Icelantic Skis Film, “The Mountain Infantry,” at the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum in Vail in the evening.

Camp Hale holds great historical and cultural significance dating back to 10th Mountain Division training during WWII. It’s also the wild landscape that inspired today’s booming ski industry and is being proposed for protection as a National Historical Landscape.

“The lands along Colorado’s continental divide have a story to tell about America’s history and the significance this region played for our military, our economy and our wildlife,” said Susie Kincade of the Continental Divide Coalition, one of the host organizations. “Here’s an opportunity for us to learn more about the role of Camp Hale and the nearby lands while also looking ahead as to how we can protect this sensitive region for our veterans and our future.”

State Senator Kerry Donovan and 10^th Mountain Division Veteran, Sandy Treat will be joining the Continental Divide Coalition and the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum to host the evening event. The public is invited to attend either or both of the day’s event.

WHEN/WHERE

Saturday, January 21, 2017.

• 10 to 2 pm Camp Hale/Pando Valley
• 5  to 7 pm Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum, Vail, CO

10 am to 2 pm Discovering Our Past: Exploration of Camp Hale

o   Meet at Camp Hale in the Pando Valley and learn about the 10th Mountain Division troopers who trained there during WWII

o   Living History Demonstration by the 10th Mountain Division Foundation

o   Bring your own skis or snowshoes to explore the area further

5 pm to 7 pm Celebrating Our Future: Reception at Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum, Vail CO

o   Reception including Vail native and State Senator Kerry Donovan, 10^th Mountain Division Veteran, Sandy Treat

o   Screening of Icelantic Skis Film, “The Mountain Infantry”

o   Discussion of proposal to protect Camp Hale as a National Historical Landscape

“It’s important to ensure that Camp Hale’s historical value and ecological character are protected for future generations. Further, special designation will elevate the area’s status on the National Register and thus increase opportunities to secure funding for remediation and other needs,” offered State Senator Donovan.

For more information about this event, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/events/676267262535298

To learn more about efforts to protect Camp Hale and other lands in the region, visit: http://continentaldivide.org