The Story
Inextricably linked within the annals of Western skiing in the United States are Aspen Highlands, Vail, and the storied 10th Mountain Division military unit of WWII. Closely intertwined in a narrative of grit, gumption, and alpine sporting passion, these bastions of ski culture within the United States tell a tale of camaraderie come vision which lead to the birth of American resort skiing during the mid-20th century.
Founded by veterans of the 10th Mountain Division whose own inception occurred at Camp Hale,
Colorado in 1943, Aspen Highlands and Vail founded in 1958 and 1962 respectively, were visions born of military veterans Pete Siebret and Whip Jones. Wildly considered the fathers of Western resort skiing in the U.S. Siebret and Jones were trained at Camp Hale and in the post-war boom of skiing these gentlemen translated a mode of winter sport & recreation into a lifestyle that is enjoyed by millions today.
Bold and sturdy, like the spirit of the skiing pioneers which it aims to honor, the High West Knit and its annual graphic presentation pay tribute to the adventurous soul of skiing’s Western origin story and the people and places on whose shoulders alpine sport stands today.