In Part 2 of our deep dive into Camp Hale, host Christian Beckwith explores the rocky beginnings of the mountain troops’ high-altitude military encampment. From the soldiers’ grueling acclimatization to the challenges of uniting skiers, mountaineers, and draftees under the harshest of conditions, Episode 12 uncovers the untold stories of struggle, frustration and resilience that emerged from the smog-filled valley.
We also rejoin John McCown as he embarks on his first journey to Camp Hale, witnessing the stark contrasts among the soldiers who would form the nucleus of this iconic unit. Through McCown’s eyes, we experience the Army’s struggles to adapt traditional flatland tactics to the demands of mountain warfare and the creation of protocols that would go on to revolutionize skiing, mountaineering, and wilderness travel after the war.
Show Notes and Resources: https://christianbeckwith.com/camp-hale-part-2-episode-12/
In This Episode:
- The Army’s ambitious yet chaotic vision for Camp Hale
- The psychological and physical challenges faced by recruits
- The cultural impact of bringing America’s best skiers and climbers together in one place
- The first steps toward institutionalizing mountaineering and outdoor skills within the military
- John McCown’s reflections on leading a diverse group of soldiers, from seasoned mountaineers to young draftees from the south who would comprise the heart of the unit
Sponsorship Acknowledgments:
- CiloGear: Makers of the finest alpine backpacks. Visit cilogear.com and use code "rucksack" for a 5% discount and a matching donation to the 10th Mountain Alpine Club.
- Snake River Brewing: Wyoming's oldest and America's most award-winning small craft brewery. Discover their beers at snakeriverbrewing.com.
Partnership Acknowledgments:
- The 10th Mountain Division Foundation's mission is to honor and perpetuate the legacy of the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division past, present, and future by doing good works that exemplify the ideals by which they lived.
- The Denver Public Library's 10th Mountain Division Resource Center is the official repository for all records and artifacts related to the World War II-era 10th Mountain Division.
- The 10th Mountain Division Descendants, Inc. exists to preserve and enhance the legacy of the WWII 10th Mountain Division and 10th Mountain Division (LI) for future generations.
- The 10th Mountain Alpine Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing alpinism in the 10th Mountain Division community.
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