Aspen Historical Society presents Chris Anthony’s ‘Mission Mt. Mangart’ about 10th Mountain Division

In 2021, Chris Anthony debuted his historical documentary, “Mission Mt. Mangart,” which delves into the history of the 10^th Mountain Division. The rich topic of the legendary soldiers, who returned home to help make skiing what it is today, never gets old, which is why Aspen Historical Society presents the 70-minute film, along with conversation with Anthony, at 6:30 p.m., March 4, at Wheeler Opera House.

Anthony’s intrigue with the subject started in earnest after frequenting a bar and family hotel in Italy that prominently highlighted the outfit and happened to be owned by a Vail local, Marco Tonazzi. The subject became even more intriguing when Anthony gained access to a manuscript about the 10^th Mountain Division’s role in protecting the Italian border from invading Yugoslavians; he held in his hand a watercolor painting gracing the front of the document that had actually ripped apart when enemy fire hit a 10^th Mountain Division soldier’s backpack containing the painting.

“Mission Mt. Mangart” opens with Anthony on Mt. Mangart introducing the story, then goes into the history of the 10^th Mountain Division, with interviews from two veterans. It portrays the recruitment, training, and battles of the troops in an artistic, informative, and engaging manner. In fact, it extends well beyond the heroic acts of the 10^th, revealing little-known facts behind the division.

It recounts how the 10^th Mountain Division successfully captured Riva Ridge, which allowed Allied forces to break through German defenses in the seemingly impenetrable Apennine Mountains, as well as the deaths of 10^th Mountain soldiers who drowned crossing Lake Garda in a DUKW (amphibious military vehicle) on April 29, 1945.

And, Anthony didn’t restrict himself to historical photos, videos (one of which highlights the spirit of training at Camp Hale with a rather humorous narration), and interviews for the film. He actually recreated the historic race on Mt. Mangart in 2017.

The original race involved 500 soldiers, 76 of whom raced on skis that they had captured from German troops. Only 25 skiers made it to the finish, on rutted and rough snow in 1945.

When Anthony recreated the race on the same face with vintage wooden skis (and skiers wearing 10^th Mountain uniforms), the snow was “horrible and dangerous,” he said, adding, “those skis just don’t turn.” The footage highlights just how hard skiers had to steer and shove their bodies into the turns to maneuver around bamboo gates.

Anthony’s six-year project is chock full of deep research, offering a fresh look at a legendary group of men who helped change the course of history.

The majority of proceeds raised screening the film benefits the Chris Anthony Youth Project, which provides experiential education, classroom mentors, financial support, and other educational resources that enhance classroom experiences.