History: The end of an era

In 1984, the hallowed Ski Splash, a wild ski-jumping event that was originally part of Winterskol in Snowmass and had jumpers dressed in themed costumes — and some not dressed at all — landing in a pool, was canceled the day before the qualifying trials. It was explained that because the event didn’t provide enough safety precautions and that the kinds of jumps contestants attempted were not limited, the liability to hold the event was considered too costly. A similar fate came to fruition for the long-held skijoring competition that next year. Cece Connable, who owned Case Che with her husband in 1984, where the Ski Splash was held, was disappointed because the event brought them the biggest day of the year, selling over 1,000 hamburgers and accompanying beers to the rowdy crowd that gathered to watch.