Kristina Koznick, center, sprays champagne with the winning team Independiente at the base of the Stapleton Training Center after the 2020 Ajax Cup at Aspen Highlands on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. (Kelsey Brunner/The Aspen Times)
Chase Kelly slows to a stop at the bottom of Stapleton Training Center after a run during the Ajax Cup at Aspen Highlands on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. (Kelsey Brunner/The Aspen Times)
A dog takes a nap in the sun outside the team tents at the Ajax Cup at Aspen Highlands on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. (Kelsey Brunner/The Aspen Times)
Local Landen Saks skis down to a cheering section at the base of the Stapleton Training Center at Aspen Highlands during the 2020 Ajax Cup on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. (Kelsey Brunner/The Aspen Times)
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A skier competes in the 2019 version of the Audi Ajax Cup on Aspen Mountain. The 2020 event, which takes place Wednesday, has been moved to Aspen Highlands because of the pandemic. (Photo by Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times)
Considering the pandemic, it would have been understandable if the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club wanted to pull the plug on this year’s Audi Ajax Cup, its annual ski racing fundraiser and celebration. However, among the roughly 2,400 AVSC athletes there is a significant majority who receive some sort of financial help made possible through the club’s largest event.
Meaning, without the Ajax Cup which brought in about $900,000 for the club last year it would be difficult to get everyone on snow and give them the benefits of being outside with peers, something sorely missing for many in the COVID-19 world.