Vintage Winter

Vintage 10th Mountain Division Downhill Snow Skis made by Groswold    
c. 1943, 20th century
Wood, Metal
86"l x 3.5"w x 2.75"h
© Vintage Winter

A very rare example of 10th Mountain Division ski equipment - especially unique because these were made by Groswold Ski Company in Denver, Colorado.  This style of ski was made for soldiers during WWII.  They were painted white to be camouflaged during missions on snow covered terrain.  Most 10th Mountain Division soldiers were actually recruited by the U.S. National Ski Patrol.  Skis like these were monumental in the successful missions against the Germans in the Italian mountains.  This set has the original bindings.  They are marked 10-51, meaning they were made in October 1951.  

Last year, I was able to meet Jerry Groswold, son of Thor.  He said that their company didn't think that the specifications that the Army was requiring made for a good ski and they made a decision to pull out of the bidding for making these skis, making this set of 10th Mountain Division skis even more unique and rare.  

WWII 10th Mountain Division on Skis.