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Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club turns 80

Erica Robbie, Anna Stonehouse and Jeanne McGovern ❘ The Aspen Times
Doug Throm, Lifetime Achievement Award
Courtesy photo |

Happy 80th birthday, Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club!

What started as a small sports club in January of 1937 is now oldest and largest youth nonprofit organization in the Roaring Fork Valley, according to AVSC executive director Mark Godomsky.

Today, Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club offers more than 2,000 local youth – from first-time skiers to professional racers – the opportunity to participate in winter sports.



“There’s no doubt that this club would not have grown the way it did without the support of countless community members that dedicate time, energy, money and everything else you could think of to ensure our kids have a great experience,” Godomsky said in a statement. “That’s why I am looking forward to the other part of Saturday’s programming: recognizing our 2017 Hall of Fame Inductees.”

In honor of the occasion, The Aspen Times compiled sentiments from a few of the inductees.




See their thoughts below.

FROM AVSC’s 2017 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:

Q: What makes AVSC an important part of your life and the fabric of the Aspen community?

“Aspen is a ski town and the Aspen Valley Ski Club gets kids up on the mountains. Giving kids this amazing experiences. Lucky us get to live here!” – Beth Madsen, Athletic Excellence Award

“When I moved to Aspen as a 9 year old all I wanted to do was fit in with the crowd — and they were all ski racers. Little did I know that the friends I met and the sport I pursued would fill my life with the fun and tradition that is alpine ski racing. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of the club as an athlete, coach, board member and parent and seen ASC transform from a small competitive alpine club into the winter sports center it is today — offering an opportunity for almost any child in the valley to experience the sense of this place. AVSC is our mountains, our town and our history.” – Doug Throm, Lifetime Achievement Award

“The reason AVSC has been an important part of mine and Jackie’s life is because of the major role the club has played in the Aspen community for the last 80 years. Not only has AVSC produced many Olympians, but it has also provided new found skills and confidence to thousands of Roaring Fork Valley youth. Aspen is one of the most renowned winter sports communities in the world. AVSC allows kids of all backgrounds and abilities to participate and enjoy this great winter wonderland through the generous gift of club scholarships. The mountains and the activities that so many of us enjoy are not necessarily available to everyone who lives in this beautiful valley. AVSC makes the mountains, skiing and snowboarding accessible. There are many people who call Aspen home – either on a part-time basis or permanently. All of us who love and benefit from this community and its natural wonders need to recognize that AVSC has been one of the bedrock organizations in this valley for the last 80 years. Jackie and I can’t think or a better organization to be involved in and where we can help contribute to the dreams and aspirations of kids up and down the Roaring Fork Valley.” – John Bucksbaum, Patron Award