Vladimir ‘Spider’ Sabich, Jr.

Vladimir “Spider” Sabich, Jr., the namesake of the Spider Sabich Race Arena in Snowmass, made his home in the area during his late racing career. His birthday on Jan. 9 would have celebrated 80 years in 2025. Legend has it he gained his nickname of “Spider” from his father due to his long limbs as a premature baby. Those limbs took him onto a prosperous racing career starting with a scholarship to the University of Colorado Ski Team then on to the US National Team where he competed in the 1968 Winter Olympics. He spent two years on the World Cup circuit before turning professional and becoming the lead money winner in 1971-72. He continued to compete into 1976 although a back injury in the last race of the 1973 season at Aspen Highlands against Jean-Claude Killy limited his success. Unfortunately, Sabich may be best remembered by his tragic death more than his skiing. In March of 1976, after skiing and preparing for a shower, he was shot by his partner Claudine Longet in his home, dying on the way to the hospital. The very high profile incident and trial led to a final conviction of criminally negligent homicide, a misdemeanor, in which Longet served a total of 30 days in jail.