‘Friedl’ screening brings story of ski pioneer, 10th Mountain veteran to Leadville

LEADVILLE — The remarkable life of an Austrian ski champion who left his homeland after the Nazis came to power, became a U.S. citizen and fought with the 10th Mountain Division during World War II comes to the screen Sept. 5 at the historic Tabor Opera House in Leadville.

Colorado Mountain College's Center for Civics Education & Engagement and the Tabor Opera House will present “Friedl,” a documentary by Colorado filmmaker and professional freeskier Chris Anthony. The film begins at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. A question-and-answer session with Anthony will follow the screening.

Became U.S. citizen, joined 10th Mountain

Born and raised in St. Anton, Austria, Friedl Pfeifer became one of Europe's top alpine ski racers and instructors. A protégé of legendary ski instructor Hannes Schneider, he was strongly anti-Hitler. After Germany annexed Austria and the Nazis arrested Schneider in 1938, Pfeifer left Austria, traveling through Italy and Australia before eventually making his way to the United States and Sun Valley, Idaho.

Despite his opposition to Hitler and the Nazis, Pfeifer was later arrested by the FBI and interned as an enemy alien during World War II. Pfeifer became a U.S. citizen and joined the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division, serving as a ski instructor and training at Camp Hale near Leadville. He later fought with the division in Italy, where he was seriously wounded in combat.

It was while at Camp Hale that Pfeifer first encountered Aspen. After the war, he returned to Colorado and became a driving force in developing Aspen as a ski destination, working with Walter Paepcke and others to establish the Aspen Skiing Corporation and Aspen Ski School.

The screening comes as Leadville is taking another look at its connection to the 10th Mountain Division. History Colorado's Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin is currently presenting “Winter Warriors: The 10th Mountain Division in World War II,” an exhibit exploring the soldiers who trained for mountain warfare at nearby Camp Hale before fighting in Italy. The museum is offering $1 off admission to see the Winter Warriors exhibit during Labor Day weekend (Sept. 5-7) for those who bring in their “Freidl” ticket/receipt.

Chris Anthony: Pro freeskier and filmmaker

Anthony is a Colorado native, professional freeskier and filmmaker who has appeared in 29 Warren Miller films. He has been inducted into both the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame and the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division's Warrior Hall of Fame.

The 53-minute film is open to all ages. General admission is $21; youth 11-18: $11; veterans/active duty: $11 and under 10: free. The Tabor Opera House is at 310 Harrison Ave., Leadville. Visit Friedl information to purchase tickets and more.

Colorado Mountain College's Center for Civics Education & Engagement brings students and community members together to explore history, current issues and differing perspectives through educational programs and civil dialogue.

This event is supported by the U.S. Department of Education through the American History and Civics Education National Activities Program and Colorado Mountain College's Center for Civics Education & Engagement.