Author Louise Borden, an avid skier, shares the story of Pete Seibert, a solider in the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division. Pete enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18 and was part of the first division of soldiers trained to ski and patrol the mountain ranges in Italy. For his service and injuries incurred during World War II, Pete was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
This engaging biography includes photographs, maps and drawings from the ski soldiers’ diaries, providing insight into their experience during the war. The author reveals the mental and physical horrors that the men faced in the mountains of northern Italy and details the severe injuries Pete endured, his valiant return to skiing and racing and his creation of the Vail ski resort in Colorado.
Extend Your Learning:
Ask questions about this story.
Pete was inducted into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in 1984. Read more about his induction.
Learn more about the history of the 10th Mountain Division.
Watch Pete’s 2003 induction video for the Colorado Business Hall of Fame.
Listen to NPR’s 2-part series, “Battle on the Slopes: World War II’s Ski Troops.”
If you are one of our central Ohio neighbors, check out the book at your local branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library or search WorldCat.org to find the book in a library near you!
