Clubhouse Chronicles: Reflecting on a successful Audi Ajax Cup

The adage holds that planning your next annual event begins the moment the last one ends. At the clubhouse, we at the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club are allowing ourselves a brief pause to reflect, celebrate, and fully appreciate what was an extraordinary few days for our community.

With fundraising figures exceeding $1.7 million, this year’s Audi Ajax Cup will be record-breaking in its impact. More importantly, the event brought hundreds of community members together in support of athletes, youth, and winter sports in a way that felt both joyful and deeply meaningful. 

The 2025 Audi Ajax Cup was, by every measure, a triumph. From the pro draw and qualifying stages, which together raised more than $200,000, to the final race on Tuesday, the event unfolded against bluebird skies, fast conditions, and an unforgettable evening celebration under the stars. The paddle raise at the St. Regis alone generated north of $400,000.

Among those gifts was a transformational $100,000 contribution from Board President Beth Hoff Blackmer, given in honor of her late mother, Ruthie. It was a gesture emblematic of the generosity and spirit that defined the entire event.

While we are grateful to Mother Nature for the beautiful weather (and now gently remind her that snow would be welcome), the success of the Cup was the result of months of tireless effort by an extraordinary group of people. The Stewardship Team, under the steady and fearless leadership of Director Ash Farrington, devoted countless hours to making the event seamless.

Alongside Ash, Jared Ettlinger, Dave Stapleton, and Noah Wheeless navigated the complexities of what is, in truth, two events in one: a world-class race and a major fundraising initiative. From race handicapping rules and sponsorship logistics to après décor, ticketing, and volunteer coordination, the scope of planning was immense.

Critical support came from this year’s co-chairs, Elizabeth Slossberg, founder of EKS Events, Courtney Brown, and Jennifer Styslinger. Their expertise and commitment elevated every aspect of the Cup.

We are also deeply grateful to Aspen Skiing Company for allowing us to take over the base area during the height of the holiday season, and to AVSC Operations Director Cody Oates for his partnership throughout.

Our coaches deserve special recognition, as well. Not only did they help set the racecourse alongside SkiCo’s outstanding events team, they also returned the very next day to deliver athlete training, exemplifying the dedication that defines AVSC.

And then, of course, there were the winners. Team Snowriders emerged as true hometown champions. Elder statesman Mike Maple, who raced for AVSC in the 1960s and ’70s, summed up his wisdom at the finish line with characteristic humor: “Just stay upright. It matters.”

His son, Wiley Maple, has carried Mike’s racing legacy forward, pausing his own Olympic ambitions this year to join us at the Cup. Kevin Hartmann’s story is equally special. He has been part of every iteration of this race team since the Cup’s founding. Alongside musician Eric Andersen of AMA5, Andrea Korber, and Tim Mills, their names will now be engraved on the storied Gorsuch Cup.

From the youngest racers, U8s and even toddler Hayden Oates, who experienced her first course side-slip in the arms of coach Annie Tansley, to emerging professionals, legacy racers, and local families, the Audi Ajax Cup was a true community endeavor. It showcased the best of who we are and what we value. 

Even as we celebrate, we are already looking ahead. Twelve teams have verbally committed to return in 2026, and with no Olympic Games next year and AVSC’s 90th anniversary on the horizon, the potential pro field includes athletes who were unable to attend this year. Equally important is the work ahead to ensure the funds raised continue to strengthen our programs, filling gaps, expanding opportunities, and ensuring access for any athlete in the valley who wants to explore winter sports.

Meanwhile, the season is just getting underway. Interclub mogul competitions for U10 and U12 athletes kick off this weekend at Highlands. Our Aspen Supports Kids recreational program will begin shortly, and Alpine’s Wilder Dwight Series runs Jan. 7–15.

On Jan. 10, we will celebrate a “Road to Italy” send-off of U.S. ski team athletes in partnership with Aspen Snowmass. We anticipate that AVSC athletes and alumni competing or attending the Games will include Alex Ferreira, Keith Gabel, and others soon to be announced.

Beyond that, our athletes are competing across our mountains, our state, and around the world, from freestyle park & pipe World Cup contenders to Nordic athletes here at home. When first-ever Freeride World Tour athlete Kelly Hilleke was asked when he might next be back in the valley, his answer was astounding: August.

AVSC continues to move steadily toward Executive Director August Teague’s ambitious goal of being the best ski and snowboard club in the world, and we’re guided by a vision that is both legendary and uniquely our own. We are not only developing exceptional athletes, we are shaping thoughtful, resilient people. It is an honor to be part of a community that supports this mission with such generosity and conviction. 

Thank you for helping us approach 90 years strong and for helping us step boldly into the next 90 as a cherished institution in this valley. 

Clubhouse Chronicles is a behind-the-scenes column written by the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club that runs periodically in the Aspen Times.