Camp Hale was created in 1942 as a training site for the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division, a unit created to prepare soldiers for combat in extreme winter and high altitude conditions. (Think, James Bond on downhill skis wearing a tuxedo and carrying a machine gun.)

The valley was chosen for its deep snow, rugged terrain and isolation. Solders trained there in skiing, mountaineering and cold-weather survival before being deployed to the mountains of Italy during World War II.

The 10th Mountain Division played a major role in the final push of the war in Europe, and many of the soldiers who trained at Camp Hale later returned to Colorado and helped develop the modern ski industry. Vail, Aspen and Breckenridge are major beneficiaries of this.

After the war, Camp Hale was decommissioned and the valley was returned to the U.S. Forest Service. Many of the buildings eventually disappeared but the landscape remained the same - open meadows, quiet rivers and mountain peaks in every direction. Today the area is protected public land, known for its history and scenery.

Camp Hale is a little off the beaten path but very accessible. We selected it because we like bringing people together in a place that's a little different but that has space, character and a story behind it.

We're excited to celebrate here and even more excited to share the experience with you.