Stories from Aspen

Stories from the Road
January 24, 2018
Snowmass, CO.

Spider Sabich was a legend in the Aspen area. Growing up along the banks of the American River in California, he became a popular, charismatic, ski racer in the 1960's. Recruited by Bob Beattie, a major figure in the development of American ski racing, Spider attended the University of Colorado, a skiing force at the time.

Spider went on to win enough money on the pro tour that he bought a house next to John Denver in the Starwood section of Aspen for little money by today's standards. Injuries ended his pro career, and he and his girlfriend, Claudine Longet, the ex-wife of Andy Williams, settled down to live in Aspen. In 1976 Claudine claimed Spider was showing her how to operate his pistol when "it accidentally discharged". Spider Sabich was shot in the stomach and died from a massive loss of blood.

Local Aspenites were outraged when the judge in her trial sentenced Longet to thirty days in jail for the shooting. She was allowed to spend her time in jail on weekends so she could be with her children. Some evidence suggested, contrary to her report, that the relationship between the skier and celebrity was flawed and troubled. The situation became more incendiary when Longet vacationed with her defence attorney shortly after the trail. They eventually married and reportedly live in Aspen.

In the late 60's I was skiing with Frank Stokes either at Snowmass or Aspen Highlands. We were standing at the side of the trail when I heard a skier race over an undulation and come to a quick stop. A cameraman followed him. Wearing a classic Norweigan fisherman's sweater, Stein Erickson flashed his trademark smile, accelerated forward and disappeared around the corner.I looked at my friend and said, " Did that just happen?"

I am grounding myself again today and looking to get back on the hill tomorrow. Tonight Bruce, Kirby, and Carl are putting together a pizza party in the lobby, as they leave tomorrow. It is always fun when they are here, and I am hoping we can reunite in 2019.