Vail Mountain is celebrating the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division this weekend with a packed two-day event honoring the ski troops who helped shape the mountain and the sport itself.
Legacy Weekend runs February 28th through March 1st and is loaded with activities for history buffs and après enthusiasts alike. On Saturday, the party kicks off at the 10th Restaurant where Denver-based DJ duo Faculty Club takes over for an on-mountain set from 11am to 1:30pm Admission is free, but space is limited. From 2 to 5pm, the Fabulous Femmes and the 10th Mountain Band perform vintage 1940s-era music at the Express Lift base area.
One of the weekend’s most significant moments comes at 3:45pm Saturday, when 10th Mountain Division soldiers, Colorado National Guard members, and veterans join together for the Riva Ridge Ski Down, departing from the Legacy Hut and finishing at the Gondola One Base Area. After that the night continues with a torchlight Legacy Parade marching through Vail Village, a fireworks show, and a film presentation about the Division’s history, all starting at 6:30pm.
Sunday brings brunch at the 10th Restaurant paired with a soldier meet and greet from 10am to 2pm. At 11am., head to the top of Avanti Express to watch the annual UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter landing on Eagles Nest Ridge. The afternoon wraps up with the Troopers Ski Cup competition from 2 to 4:30pm., followed by an awards ceremony and closing remarks at 5pm.
All weekend, visitors can stop by the 10th Mountain Headquarters village at the base of Gondola One to see WWII vehicles and connect with organizations including the 10th Mountain Foundation and National Ski Patrol. View the entire schedule for the weekend ahead here.
