U.S. Ski & Snowboard today announced a partnership with the U.S. Army that places the military service as the official armed-forces partner of the national governing body for alpine, freestyle, snowboard and other ski disciplines. The alliance honours the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division, whose soldiers helped build America’s modern ski and snowboard industry after World War II.
The 10th Mountain Division, famed for its mountain-warfare training and its assault on Italy’s Riva Ridge during the war, returned home with alpine skills that its veterans converted into ski resorts, schools and patrol units—laying the infrastructure many ski and snowboard athletes and enthusiasts use today. This marks the first time U.S. Ski & Snowboard has entered into a formal partnership with an armed-forces branch.
Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, said the idea dates back to a Chile training camp where 10th Mountain Division soldiers worked on the same slopes as the women’s alpine team. Recognising the soldiers’ contributions to the sport’s foundation, the organisation sought a collaboration to highlight this history. Brig. Gen. Matthew W. Braman, U.S. Army Chief Marketing Officer and former Deputy Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division, noted that “many Americans may not realize that two of their favorite winter pastimes, skiing and snowboarding, have deep roots in the U.S. Army.”
As part of the partnership, athletes on U.S. Ski & Snowboard teams will wear a patch carrying the Army/10th Mountain Division insignia on team outerwear. Additionally, the U.S. Army is investing in the athlete-influencer programme of the governing body and will maintain a presence at the Stifel Copper Cup (Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Nov. 27-30) and the Stifel Lake Placid Finals (COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup, Mar. 20-22).
The alliance takes effect immediately and supports U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s programme for the 2025-26 season, including preparation for the Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. U.S. Ski & Snowboard represents nearly 240 elite athletes across 10 teams and serves thousands of clubs, coaches and parents in the U.S.
