Snowmass History: Irish Olympics, 1980
Courtesy photo/The Aspen Historical Society
“Snowmass plans Irish Olympics,” announced The Aspen Times in March 1980. The paper described the event as a six-part relay race beginning and ending on the Snowmass Mall to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
The first two members split the distance to the Divide Cabin, then they handed off to a cross-country skier who skied a one-mile course along the Sleigh Ride Trail, ending at the Top of the Village.
The fourth participant skied a slalom course down to the next person who mini-tobogganed down to the last person who finished the course on snowshoes.
“To keep the celebration going, a ‘Shamrock Shuffle’ will be held at the Timbermill Inn from 8 p.m. until midnight, with music by the Aspen Flyers,” the paper said. Green beer and Irish whiskey were served to those wearing green, and finally an Irish jig contest was held to finish off the night.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Aspen and Snowmass Village make the Aspen Times’ work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.
User Legend: 
Moderator 
Trusted User
