Sharon, Massachusetts provided a hometown for Pete, the 10th Mountain Division directed his destiny, and Colorado became the place where he made his reputation in the world of skiing.

Pete returned to Colorado as a veteran who hoped to recover his skiing skill after major wartime injuries. While skiing the powder, Pete looked for a hill to develop for his favorite sport. While working for the Aspen Ski Patrol and Ski School he became an international competitor, winning both the Roch Cup and membership on the US FIS team in 1950.

He rounded out his background for ski-area development by attending resort management schools in France and Switzerland. Then, in the late 50's, while managing Loveland Basin, Pete and his friend Earl Eaton visited a ridge of Vail Pass that Earl had discovered while prospecting for uranium. With the help of some hard-working friends, a recreation-and-real estate package was put together that resulted in the creation of Vail, soon to become a phenomenon among Colorado resorts.

Pete served as the first president of Vail Associates and, later, as its board chairman. From 1973 to 1975 he also served as president of the National Ski Areas Association.