(Photo: Courtesy Aspen Historical Society, Aspen Times Collection)
Spider Sabich was the kind of person who made Aspen feel more alive just by being here. He wasn’t solely a world-class skier; he was the heartbeat of a place that’s as famous for its skiing as it is for the personalities who’ve made it their own. Spider, with his blonde hair and California charm, was the quintessential ski racer of his day, the type who’d flash a track with grit and grace—and leave everyone watching, wanting more. He’s a timeless character in Aspen’s storied history, and he’s worth remembering.
“[Spider was] the poster child of American ski racing,” says Mark Tache, a fellow ski racer and longtime Aspen character.
Sabich was a vibrant presence in Aspen, embodying the spirit of ski racing and the freedom of mountain life. Born in California, Sabich quickly rose to prominence on the slopes as a member of the U.S. Ski Team. He was part of the pioneering generation that helped popularize ski racing in America, especially in the emerging discipline of slalom racing, where his aggressive style made him a formidable competitor on the world stage. In 1968, at 22 years old, he narrowly missed a podium spot in the Winter Olympics but continued to build a career that would bring him to the heart of Aspen's ski community.
When he moved to Aspen in the early 1970s, he’d already built a name on the U.S. Ski Team, with Olympic experience and an edge honed from racing against the world’s best. But Aspen was where he wanted to be; it was where ski culture was raw, real, and where anyone who loved the sport could find their community. Spider jumped in with both feet, and he wasn’t just a “guy in town”—he was a local, instantly, like he’d been born to the Elk Mountains.
“He made life fun because he was enjoying it,” said Karen Budge-Eaton, Sabich's fellow 1968 Olympian, to The Aspen Times.
Sabich’s magnetic energy resonated with both locals and visitors alike. Known for his friendly, laid-back charisma, Sabich made Aspen his base for both racing and living, drawing people in with his charm and skill. It wasn’t just his athletic prowess that made him a local icon—Sabich became a core part of the Aspen community by blending seamlessly with its eclectic, outdoor-loving culture. He was often seen sharing drinks with friends at local bars or training on Ajax, further cementing his ties to the area.
(Photo: Courtesy Aspen Historical Society, Bob Krueger Collection)
His competitive streak didn’t end with the traditional World Cup circuit, though. Spider was a trailblazer in every sense. In 1971, he joined the newly formed World Pro Ski Tour, where he helped introduce the world to head-to-head slalom racing, bringing a fresh intensity to the sport. Sabich’s speed, confidence, and competitive spirit drew crowds, setting a standard for racing in the U.S. that inspired generations of skiers who followed.
Bill Marolt, lifelong Aspen local and Sabich’s college roommate and fellow racer at the University of Colorado, highlighted Spider's daring personality, remembering that, “Spider was going to challenge the system, but he was willing to pay the price if he did.” Marolt's memory of Spider shows how he embodied a rebellious, spirited attitude that extended beyond skiing to his day-to-day interactions and helped make him a pioneer in pro skiing.
(Photo: Courtesy Aspen Historical Society)
But Sabich’s influence wasn’t limited to the racecourse or skiing. Around town, he was easy to spot—often found grabbing a beer with friends after a day on the slopes, laughing at a local bar, or just living the Aspen life with the joy that seemed like second nature to him. His presence had a way of pulling people together, bridging locals and newcomers alike, making the mountains feel like home to anyone who loved them.
Yet, Spider’s story took a tragic turn in 1976 when he was shot and killed at his Aspen home by globally known singer and actress Claudine Longet. It was a shocking event that reverberated throughout the skiing and Aspen communities. The news of his passing gripped the nation. Sabich’s death was a story that rocked the country, reaching far beyond Aspen’s quaint roundabout and ski racing’s niche. The entire country mourned the star and watched the scandal play out. His untimely death left a void, a lasting sadness that’s still felt among those who knew him, looked up to him, and have learned about him in his wake. Spider Sabich was just 31.
Today, Spider’s memory lingers in Aspen, in the stories locals share, and in the legacy he left on the ski slopes he loved. His spirit remains a part of Aspen’s DNA, a reminder of a time when skiing was wild, raw, and full of possibility.
Aspen locals remember him not only for his skiing but also for his joy in community and love of the mountain lifestyle. Sabich embodied Aspen’s Gonzo spirit, his story remaining a part of the town’s collective memory and a source of inspiration for skiers seeking to carve out a life both on the slopes and in the heart of a close-knit community.
Spider Sabich’s story is woven into Aspen’s heritage. The energy he brought, and his magnetic personality are unforgettable. He may have left too soon, but his memory still lingers when cold powder drifts down from the skies and on the Spider Sabich race arena in Snowmass. His legacy is an indelible part of Aspen’s soul and the high-energy, mountain-loving community he helped to inspire.