{"id":2452696,"date":"2019-12-29T20:00:01","date_gmt":"2019-12-30T03:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/news\/pros-are-at-the-heart-of-what-makes-avscs-ajax-cup-so-special\/"},"modified":"2019-12-29T20:00:01","modified_gmt":"2019-12-30T03:00:01","slug":"pro-skiers-are-at-the-heart-of-what-makes-avscs-annual-ajax-cup-so-special","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/photos\/pro-skiers-are-at-the-heart-of-what-makes-avscs-annual-ajax-cup-so-special\/","title":{"rendered":"Pro skiers are at the heart of what makes AVSC\u2019s annual Ajax Cup so special"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"swift-gallery p402_hide\" readability=\"6.708560311284\">\n<ul id=\"imageGallery-318421-992\" class=\"gallery list-unstyled\">\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-1024x768.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times | Aspen halfpipe skier Alex Ferreira, right, chats with Swedish ski racer Jonas Nyberg, center, and five-time Olympian Casey Puckett during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. The 10th annual Ajax Cup, the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club's largest fundraiser, will take place Monday, Dec. 30, at the base of Aspen Mountain. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"4.8988764044944\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"20.575280898876\">\n<p><strong>Aspen halfpipe skier Alex Ferreira, right, chats with Swedish ski racer Jonas Nyberg, center, and five-time Olympian Casey Puckett during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. The 10th annual Ajax Cup, the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club&#8217;s largest fundraiser, will take place Monday, Dec. 30, at the base of Aspen Mountain. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)<\/strong><br \/>Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times<br \/><a class=\"buy-link\" href=\"http:\/\/aspentimes.mycapture.com\/mycapture\/remoteimage.asp?backtext=Return+to+AspenTimes.com&amp;backurl=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/sports\/pros-are-at-the-heart-of-what-makes-avscs-ajax-cup-so-special\/&amp;image=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-1024x768.jpg&amp;notes=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-1024x768.jpg\"><i class=\"fas fa-shopping-cart\"><\/i> Buy Photo<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-1024x768.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"Aspen halfpipe skier Alex Ferreira, right, chats with Swedish ski racer Jonas Nyberg, center, and five-time Olympian Casey Puckett during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. The 10th annual Ajax Cup, the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club's largest fundraiser, will take place Monday, Dec. 30, at the base of Aspen Mountain. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-1-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-1-768x1024.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times | Former Swedish ski racer Jonas Nyberg holds up the speed suit he'll be asked to wear as part of team \" chicks on sticks during the audi ajax cup team draw saturday dec. at in aspen. by austin colbert aspen times class=\"h-100\" readability=\"0.48404255319149\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"11.617021276596\">\n<p><strong>Former Swedish ski racer Jonas Nyberg holds up the speed suit he&#8217;ll be asked to wear as part of team &#8220;Chicks on Sticks&#8221; during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)<\/strong><br \/>Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times<br \/><a class=\"buy-link\" href=\"http:\/\/aspentimes.mycapture.com\/mycapture\/remoteimage.asp?backtext=Return+to+AspenTimes.com&amp;backurl=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/sports\/pros-are-at-the-heart-of-what-makes-avscs-ajax-cup-so-special\/&amp;image=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-1-768x1024.jpg&amp;notes=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-1-768x1024.jpg\"><i class=\"fas fa-shopping-cart\"><\/i> Buy Photo<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-1-768x1024.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"Former Swedish ski racer Jonas Nyberg holds up the speed suit he'll be asked to wear as part of team \" chicks on sticks during the audi ajax cup team draw saturday dec. at in aspen. by austin colbert aspen times><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-2-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-2-1024x768.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times | Former World Cup ski racer Daron Rahlves, right, poses for a photo with Jeff Gorsuch during the Audi Ajax Cup apres party at the Gorsuch Ski Cafe on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"1.4486692015209\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"13.520912547529\">\n<p><strong>Former World Cup ski racer Daron Rahlves, right, poses for a photo with Jeff Gorsuch during the Audi Ajax Cup apres party at the Gorsuch Ski Cafe on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)<\/strong><br \/>Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times<br \/><a class=\"buy-link\" href=\"http:\/\/aspentimes.mycapture.com\/mycapture\/remoteimage.asp?backtext=Return+to+AspenTimes.com&amp;backurl=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/sports\/pros-are-at-the-heart-of-what-makes-avscs-ajax-cup-so-special\/&amp;image=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-2-1024x768.jpg&amp;notes=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-2-1024x768.jpg\"><i class=\"fas fa-shopping-cart\"><\/i> Buy Photo<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-2-1024x768.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"Former World Cup ski racer Daron Rahlves, right, poses for a photo with Jeff Gorsuch during the Audi Ajax Cup apres party at the Gorsuch Ski Cafe on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-3-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-3-1024x690.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times | Co-race director Chris Davenport, front, helps out during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. Behind him are co-chair Casey Puckett, at left, and Karim Souki. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"2.4190647482014\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"15.482014388489\">\n<p><strong>Co-race director Chris Davenport, front, helps out during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. Behind him are co-chair Casey Puckett, at left, and Karim Souki. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)<\/strong><br \/>Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times<br \/><a class=\"buy-link\" href=\"http:\/\/aspentimes.mycapture.com\/mycapture\/remoteimage.asp?backtext=Return+to+AspenTimes.com&amp;backurl=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/sports\/pros-are-at-the-heart-of-what-makes-avscs-ajax-cup-so-special\/&amp;image=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-3-1024x690.jpg&amp;notes=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-3-1024x690.jpg\"><i class=\"fas fa-shopping-cart\"><\/i> Buy Photo<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-3-1024x690.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"Co-race director Chris Davenport, front, helps out during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. Behind him are co-chair Casey Puckett, at left, and Karim Souki. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-4-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-4-768x1024.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times | Aspen halfpipe skier Alex Ferreira, the reigning X Games gold medalist, smiles during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"1.4439834024896\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"13.477178423237\">\n<p><strong>Aspen halfpipe skier Alex Ferreira, the reigning X Games gold medalist, smiles during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)<\/strong><br \/>Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times<br \/><a class=\"buy-link\" href=\"http:\/\/aspentimes.mycapture.com\/mycapture\/remoteimage.asp?backtext=Return+to+AspenTimes.com&amp;backurl=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/sports\/pros-are-at-the-heart-of-what-makes-avscs-ajax-cup-so-special\/&amp;image=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-4-768x1024.jpg&amp;notes=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-4-768x1024.jpg\"><i class=\"fas fa-shopping-cart\"><\/i> Buy Photo<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-4-768x1024.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"Aspen halfpipe skier Alex Ferreira, the reigning X Games gold medalist, smiles during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-5-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-5-1024x768.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times | Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club executive director Mark Godomsky gives intros during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"0.48155737704918\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"11.55737704918\">\n<p><strong>Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club executive director Mark Godomsky gives intros during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)<\/strong><br \/>Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times<br \/><a class=\"buy-link\" href=\"http:\/\/aspentimes.mycapture.com\/mycapture\/remoteimage.asp?backtext=Return+to+AspenTimes.com&amp;backurl=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/sports\/pros-are-at-the-heart-of-what-makes-avscs-ajax-cup-so-special\/&amp;image=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-5-1024x768.jpg&amp;notes=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-5-1024x768.jpg\"><i class=\"fas fa-shopping-cart\"><\/i> Buy Photo<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-5-1024x768.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club executive director Mark Godomsky gives intros during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-6-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-6-768x1024.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times | Race co-director Casey Puckett, a five-time Olympian, talks with Chris Davenport during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"1.4444444444444\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"13.481481481481\">\n<p><strong>Race co-director Casey Puckett, a five-time Olympian, talks with Chris Davenport during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)<\/strong><br \/>Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times<br \/><a class=\"buy-link\" href=\"http:\/\/aspentimes.mycapture.com\/mycapture\/remoteimage.asp?backtext=Return+to+AspenTimes.com&amp;backurl=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/sports\/pros-are-at-the-heart-of-what-makes-avscs-ajax-cup-so-special\/&amp;image=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-6-768x1024.jpg&amp;notes=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-6-768x1024.jpg\"><i class=\"fas fa-shopping-cart\"><\/i> Buy Photo<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-6-768x1024.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"Race co-director Casey Puckett, a five-time Olympian, talks with Chris Davenport during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-7-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-7-1024x768.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times | Former U.S. ski team member Daron Rahlves chats with people during the Audi Ajax Cup apres party at the Gorsuch Ski Cafe on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"0.48109243697479\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"11.546218487395\">\n<p><strong>Former U.S. ski team member Daron Rahlves chats with people during the Audi Ajax Cup apres party at the Gorsuch Ski Cafe on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)<\/strong><br \/>Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times<br \/><a class=\"buy-link\" href=\"http:\/\/aspentimes.mycapture.com\/mycapture\/remoteimage.asp?backtext=Return+to+AspenTimes.com&amp;backurl=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/sports\/pros-are-at-the-heart-of-what-makes-avscs-ajax-cup-so-special\/&amp;image=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-7-1024x768.jpg&amp;notes=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-7-1024x768.jpg\"><i class=\"fas fa-shopping-cart\"><\/i> Buy Photo<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-7-1024x768.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"Former U.S. ski team member Daron Rahlves chats with people during the Audi Ajax Cup apres party at the Gorsuch Ski Cafe on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-8-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-8-1024x768.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times | Former Swedish ski racer Calle Lindh, right, laughs while enjoying a beverage next to friend and fellow skier Jonas Nyberg during the Audi Ajax Cup apres party at the Gorsuch Ski Cafe on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"1.9401993355482\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"14.551495016611\">\n<p><strong>Former Swedish ski racer Calle Lindh, right, laughs while enjoying a beverage next to friend and fellow skier Jonas Nyberg during the Audi Ajax Cup apres party at the Gorsuch Ski Cafe on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)<\/strong><br \/>Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times<br \/><a class=\"buy-link\" href=\"http:\/\/aspentimes.mycapture.com\/mycapture\/remoteimage.asp?backtext=Return+to+AspenTimes.com&amp;backurl=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/sports\/pros-are-at-the-heart-of-what-makes-avscs-ajax-cup-so-special\/&amp;image=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-8-1024x768.jpg&amp;notes=https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-8-1024x768.jpg\"><i class=\"fas fa-shopping-cart\"><\/i> Buy Photo<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/12\/ajaxcup-atd-123019-1-8-1024x768.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"Former Swedish ski racer Calle Lindh, right, laughs while enjoying a beverage next to friend and fellow skier Jonas Nyberg during the Audi Ajax Cup apres party at the Gorsuch Ski Cafe on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Aspen. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"caption-toggle\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/sports\/pros-are-at-the-heart-of-what-makes-avscs-ajax-cup-so-special\/#\" class=\"show-captions\">Show Captions<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/sports\/pros-are-at-the-heart-of-what-makes-avscs-ajax-cup-so-special\/#\" class=\"hide-captions\">Hide Captions<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText DropCap\">Wendy Fisher is feeling the pressure. Like it or not, she takes over as the professional for team \u201cSuper G,\u201d the two-time reigning Audi Ajax Cup champion, and doesn\u2019t want to be the one to end the streak.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cEveryone is going to be looking at our team tomorrow and be in the spotlight,\u201d Fisher told The Aspen Times on Sunday. \u201cAm I the one that is going to break their reign? But I\u2019m going to be optimistic. I\u2019m going to try my hardest. It is a team effort. I think last year I won most of my pro races, so I think I actually did pretty decent as a whole.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Fisher, a 1992 Winter Olympian and two-time World Extreme Skiing champion who now lives in Crested Butte, said this is her ninth time taking part in the Ajax Cup, the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club\u2019s largest fundraiser and ski race that is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Monday at the base of Aspen Mountain, 16 teams will square off in a dual giant slalom tournament with the Gorsuch Cup on the line.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cThe reason I started coming is just the group of people,\u201d Fisher said. \u201cIn the ski world, you are all kind of buddies and you try and help support each other. And it\u2019s a mini reunion. So that is an easy yes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Last year, the Ajax Cup raised around $800,000 for the club, that money helping support the roughly 2,400 athletes who take part in AVSC programming. Co-race director Chris Davenport, a big mountain skiing icon and Aspen resident, hopes to see that number top $1 million this time around.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cUnfortunately, skiing is a really tough sport to afford for a lot of families, and this is a good way to kind of give back, pump some money into the ski club,\u201d said former World Cup ski racer Daron Rahlves, one of the 16 pros taking part in this year\u2019s Ajax Cup. \u201cIt gets together the community. It is building culture and it\u2019s a fun time.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Rahlves, the 2001 super-G world champion from California, is competing in the Ajax Cup for the second time. A 12-time winner on the World Cup, Rahlves has a soft spot for Aspen as he said this is where his parents met and where he mostly learned to ski while on Christmas vacations as a child.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cMy first taste of skiing really was coming here,\u201d Rahlves said. \u201cIt\u2019s just one of those feel-good places.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">The list of Ajax Cup pros this season isn\u2019t short of World Cup or Olympic talent, with many coming from the same era that included Rahlves, such as Marco Sullivan, A.J. Kitt and Casey Puckett, a five-time Olympian and AVSC coach who co-directs the races with Davenport. The pro list also includes some homegrown products, such as Katie Ryan, Jake Zamansky and Alex Ferreira, the reigning X Games Aspen gold medalist in halfpipe skiing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Last year, it was two-time Olympian Megan McJames <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/sports\/mcjames-leads-team-super-g-to-back-to-back-audi-ajax-cup-wins\/\">who led team \u201cSuper G\u201d to the repeat crown<\/a>. McJames was a late scratch for this year\u2019s competition, opening the door for Jonas Nyberg\u2019s return. The former Swedish ski racer and brief AVSC coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/sports\/avsc-celebrates-with-most-successful-ajax-cup-ever\/\">was the pro for team \u201cSuper G\u201d when it won in 2017<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cIt\u2019s so amazing to come back. This Aspen community is a special little bubble,\u201d Nyberg said. \u201cI haven\u2019t raced for three years, but when you get in the gate and put your poles out, then the horns grow out. You are going for it, always, trying to find the fastest line. It\u2019s just so much fun every time you get back into the gates.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">This time around, Nyberg is competing with \u201cChicks on Sticks\u201d and will get to wear the team\u2019s special speed suit during Monday\u2019s race, which depicts a piece of women\u2019s swimwear on both the front and back. Nyberg admitted it fit a little snug for his taste but was happy to represent nonetheless.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Davenport, who usually races as a pro, opted to sit this one out and gave his spot to Nyberg\u2019s friend Calle Lindh, another former Swedish ski racer who saw some success on the World Cup and even competed in the 2015 World Championships at Beaver Creek. Davenport will step in to help as a commentator instead.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cHe is one of my best friends, so I wanted to bring him here just to show him the Aspen thing,\u201d Nyberg said of Lindh, who didn\u2019t know he was going to be racing until Saturday night\u2019s team draw at 7908. \u201cThat\u2019s the great thing about it. Everyone is here having fun, having a good time, and then we are helping kids get on skis. It\u2019s awesome.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">The 16 teams are divided into four groups, with the winner of each group making it into the semifinals. A dual giant slalom setup means racers will compete side-by-side, the winner being the first to cross the finish line. A handicap system is in place to keep races competitive.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Racing starts around 9 a.m. Monday with the finals set to go down early- to mid-afternoon on The Little Nell run. General viewing from the side of the course and the base is free, although a ticket will be required to access the VIP viewing area or to get into the after-party at Scarlett\u2019s Aspen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Going until Monday afternoon is an online auction, with many unique prizes that include a VIP experience with NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson and a ski trip to Chile with Davenport. The auction can be found at <a href=\"https:\/\/app.auctria.com\/ev?site=eada99ea-1bf9-41c3-9bee-0768f2e01562\">charityauction.bid\/audiajaxcup<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Again, that money goes back to the club and its 2,400 athletes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cThe clubs are what made skiing fun. I fell in love with skiing, showing up and being with a bunch of kids, ripping around with fun coaches,\u201d said Fisher, who grew up skiing at Squaw Valley Resort in California. \u201cTo not be able to access the mountain and the freedom of it is a shame. So I definitely support kids out on the hill. I just think it\u2019s for your livelihood and to be able to feel that experience of adventure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText Tagline\"><a href=\"mailto:acolbert@aspentimes.com\">acolbert@aspentimes.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/sports\/pros-are-at-the-heart-of-what-makes-avscs-ajax-cup-so-special\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">via:: The Aspen Times<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Aspen halfpipe skier Alex Ferreira, right, chats with Swedish ski racer Jonas Nyberg, center, and five-time Olympian Casey Puckett during the Audi Ajax Cup team draw on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at 7908 in Aspen. The 10th annual Ajax Cup, the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club&#8217;s largest fundraiser, will take place Monday, Dec. 30, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49,3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2452696","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-local-news","7":"category-photos"},"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-10 18:18:01","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"KSPN The Valley&#039;s Quality Rock","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2452696","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2452696"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2452696\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2452696"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2452696"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2452696"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}