Industry News
The U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced the U.S. Army would be the official armed forces partner of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. This partnership goes back to the 10th Mountain Division’s distinguished legacy, which led to the creation of America’s modern ski and snowboard industry. It is the first armed forces partnership for U.S. Ski & Snowboard, according to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s website.
After coming home from World War II, veterans of the 10th Mountain Division started at least 62 ski areas in the United States, like Vail and Aspen, Colorado. These soldiers contributed to the birth and growth of skiing, which can be attributed to the success of skiing in America today. The 10th Mountain Division is based out of Fort Drum, New York, and is distinguished for its contributions during World War II and its deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. “[We are] honored to announce our partnership with the U.S. Army and proud to acknowledge the 10th Mountain Division’s legacy on our outerwear this season,” U.S. Ski and Snowboard wrote on its social media.
- Related: The History of the Legendary 10th Mountain Division, The Men Who Started USA’s Ski Industry
The partnership between the U.S. Ski & Snowboard team, the U.S. Army, and the 10th Mountain Division is a testament to how much the military has influenced skiing in the U.S. over the last 80 years. “Many Americans may not realize that two of their favorite winter pastimes, skiing and snowboarding, have deep roots in the U.S. Army,” Brig. Gen. Matthew W. Braman, Army Chief Marketing Officer, who served as the Deputy Commanding General for the 10th Mountain Division from 2022-24, said. “We are proud to partner with U.S. Ski & Snowboard to bring awareness to the 10th Mountain Division’s achievements, including the development of several Olympic athletes and a significant impact on the recreational ski industry’s culture.”
U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes will don the U.S Army and 10th Mountain Division patch on the team’s outerwear for the 2025-26 season. The U.S. Army and the 10th Mountain Division will invest in the U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s athlete influencer program to highlight the division’s foundation in alpine history and have a presence at the Stifel Copper Cup presented by United, an Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup November 27 to 30 and the Stifel Lake Placid Finals, a COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup, March 20 to 22, according to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s statement.
The partnership takes effect immediately, and the Army’s investment will be used to support the U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes as they enter the 2025-26 season, including the Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games in Italy this upcoming February.
