David Breashears Author of "High Exposure, " Expedition Leader and co-director of the Imax film "Everest" Peter Shelton's "Climb to Conquer" is the story of the birth of American mountain adventure as we know it, brought together with riveting, little-known World War II history. Shelton puts us right alongside these endearing young mountain men as they learn to ski, climb, and survive in a bitterly cold and hostile environment. Their story will have you grinning one moment and gripping your chair the next, as they engage in mischief-making adventures, or ultimately climb a sheer cliff into enemy territory in the dead of night. It's a fantastic story, superbly told, and I highly recommend it.

Dick Bass Co-Author of "Seven Summits" and developer of Snowbird Ski Resort Thank goodness the story of the 10th Mountain Division is finally being told. I've had the distinct privilege and benefit of knowing and learning from a number of those described and quoted within these pages, and "Climb to Conquer" brings their extraordinary achievements to life, showing how their battlefield qualities of courage, perseverance, and resourcefulness also served them well as they became the backbone of the post-World War II evolution of American skiing and outdoor recreation. Peter Shelton tells their story so vividly, poignantly, and inspiringly that I couldn't put it down.

Otto Lang Noted Filmmaker, author of "Around The World in 90 Years, " and prewar Sun Valley Ski School director Reading Peter Shelton's book "Climb to Conquer" is a revelation. Shelton, with his lucid, informative, and entertaining style of writing, vividly brings back the memory of many of the 10th Mountain participants. It's a minutely researched and well-documented piece of work, worthy of one's while to read, with ample rewards.

Russell Martin Author of "Beethoven's Hair" and "Picasso's War" The story of the army's 10th Mountain Division -- the ski troops -- and the decisive role it played in driving the Nazis from Italy is one of the most fascinating sagas of World War II. Peter Shelton, who writes as beautifully as he skis, tells it wonderfully. "Climb to Conquer" is a book about young men, now grown old, who have much to teach us about the immense importance of friendship, the collective nature of courage, and the transcendent gift of high mountains. --This text refers to the paperback edition.

Peter Shelton has been a contributing editor and columnist at Ski magazine (where he first wrote about the 10th Mountain Division), as well as a correspondent for Outside magazine since 1984. He lives in Montrose, Colorado. --This text refers to the paperback edition.