The Boys of Winter: Life and Death in the U.S. Ski Troops During the Second World War

by Charles J. Sanders

"An immensely valuable and substantial addition to 10th Mountain literature and to the history of skiing in the United States."
- International Ski History Association The Boys of Winter tells the true story of three young American ski champions and their brutal, heroic, and fateful transformation from athletes to infantrymen with the 10th Mountain Division. Charles J. Sanders's fast-paced narrative draws on dozens of interviews and extensive research to trace these boys' lives from childhood to championships and from training at Mount Rainier and in the Colorado Rockies to battles against the Nazis.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Military History

257 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

Reviews

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a real heart-breaking story. It follows the lives of 3 young men who lived for the outdoors and then fought in in World War 2 with the 10th Mountain Division in Italy. It follows each of the men from their youth and all it's adventures. It also gives good background on early ski culture in the USA and the start and training of the first mountain troops in America, and the combat operations in which they took part. It is a sad story as you know the 3 men does not make it out alive, though it is a great tribute to the many young men who was part of the 10th Mountain in World War 2. I read the book during the same time as I read James Bradley's "Flyboys: A True Story of Courage", and in both books the question is asked what these young men would have achieved in their lives had they lived, and it makes one wonder...

[Bill Linton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was in the 82nd Airborne Division, so my interest and reading has been more focused on the invasion of France.

This narrative is more about the preparation for war rather than the actual fighting. Further it focused more on three individuals, none of whom were key leaders, rather than the unit as a whole.

The stories are interesting, but there were other men in the unit who could have been profiled in greater depth as well. It also feels like the writer does not have much experience chronicling the military. Some of the terminology is wrong, so if you are stickler for that, be aware.

Still, a good story about some really good soldiers in a very difficult situation.

[Andrew Tolve · Rating 3 out of 5]

A moving account of the 10th Mountain Division (America's ski troops) and their training and fighting during WWII. The book is told from the perspective of three of the 10th's more memorable members. The fact that all three members will die in action looms over the entire book and adds a feeling of constant somberness and poignancy. One wishes that feeling would go away, that the boys would be okay and outrun or outflank or outsly the bullets and shrapnel you know are headed their way.

[Snail in Danger (Sid) Nicolaides · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting (and sad at times, of course) discussion of an obscure aspect of World War II. There were times where the author imposed his perspectives excessively, but all in all it was a good look at the events and people involved.

[Jeffrey Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author did an exceptional job in tracking down people close to his subjects and was able to provide "color" to a normally static subject. By the end of the book, we felt like we knew them.

As an advisor to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, Sanders is able to provide us with a good understanding of skiing during the depression years and the origins of skiing at Aspen, Colorado. As a descendant of a 10th Mountain Division veteran, he gives us a closer look to the personal lives of his three subjects. He does an excellent job in combining the two with a fresh narrative style.

This is not a stale academic work, and is worthy of a read if you are interested in World War II, skiing, the 10th Mountain Division, and the characters who served with them.

[Phil Bayly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book about the legendary Tenth Mountain Division that I've ever read. Author Charles Sanders brings to life the soldiers who were recruited off snow, ice and mountain tops to confront the Nazis on the snowy peaks of Europe. A unique collection of Americans, and those who came to this country to escape the expanding Third Reich, trained on snow skis and prepared for battles anticipated above timberline. Saunders makes them people you care about and worry for. It's also a story about the men and the era that later gave birth to snow skiing as an American past time.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my all time favorite books is A Separate Peace, in which one character enlist in the ski troops. It’s good to learn about the real life ski troops, even if some of their stories are tragic. I’m happy to of read this book at the end of summer. The cold setting of the book is a contrast to the summer heat.

[Arah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Still hate war: such a waste of lives, and these men we're remarkable! So many of my favorite ski areas/resorts in the US were founded by soldiers that came back! It makes me appreciate skiing and the mountains even more.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

When one compares the sentiments, love and actions of the men and women of the 1940’s to those of today there is no comparison. This excellent book should help bring us closer.

[Keith Muehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story about an amazing group of elite men who chose to fight for freedom.

[Bonnie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read. Every American should read this to appreciate the sacrifices our young men made for us as they engaged in WWII battles.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written. Examples of people pushing their phyical limits and accomplishing amazing goals. Without hyperbole shows the horrors of war.

[Jilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Broke my heart!