Beginning Friday, Vail Mountain and the Town of Vail will celebrate the unique history of its founders with the 10th Mountain Legacy Parade.
On select Friday evenings (Jan. 4, Jan. 18, Feb. 15 and March 8) in Vail Village, guests are invited to watch skiers dressed in traditional 10th Mountain Division Ski Trooper uniforms perform a Torchlight Ski Down to the base of Gondola One, followed by a parade of military veterans, also in traditional uniform, marching from Gondola One down Bridge Street, across the Covered Bridge and finishing at the 10th Mountain statue. The side of Vail Mountain will be illuminated with the 10th Mountain Division logo, and the celebration will feature a film on the history and legacy of Vail projected at the base of Gondola One and animated with fireworks.
Vail’s recently renovated Colorado Snowsports Museum will stay open after the parade for guests to visit and learn about Colorado’s ski history.
“The 10th Mountain Legacy Parade brings history to life and pays homage to the founders of Vail and those that have represented our country,” said Doug Lovell, chief operating officer at Vail. “This event is an example of the partnership between the town and the resort and how we can work together to bring the past into the present.”
Each 10th Mountain Legacy Parade will begin at 6 p.m. EpicMix Photographers will be available to take pictures of guests with the soldiers and commemorative Legacy of Vail pins and hot chocolate will be offered, on a first-come, first-served basis.