Wheeler Opera House hosts screening of ‘Spider Lives’ on Thursday
Aspen Historical Society/Courtesy photo
Award-winning tribute film about renowned American ski hero Spider Sabich, “Spider Lives,” will screen at the Wheeler Opera House at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14. The screening is presented by Aspen Historical Society, Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club, and Head2Head Foundation. Filmmakers Christin Cooper and Mark Taché will share insights in conversation with Amy Redford following the film.
Continuing the momentum of a weekend of World Cup ski racing, “Spider Lives” captures the spirit of the sport and its roots in Aspen through the story of Spider Sabich.
“It was an amazing journey to make this film,” said self-proclaimed “accidental filmmaker” Christin Cooper in a prepared statement. “We were intent on bringing Spider’s story to life, but the magic happened when word got out we were attempting something. Out of the woodwork came gifts of photos, film clips, historic race footage, and treasured stories. The outpouring of love and respect was… extraordinary.”
The film chronicles Sabich’s historic career trajectory from racing phenom to Olympian; from World Cup winner to 2-time World Pro Tour champion, including an epic season-long battle with triple Olympic gold medalist Jean-Claude Killy for the 1973 Pro title, which came down to a dramatic final battle in the final race on the slopes of Spider’s adopted hometown of Aspen.
“The film isn’t just about Spider, it’s a glimpse into our sport and Aspen in their funky 1970s heyday,” Cooper said. “It’s about how character matters most of all, and generosity of spirit, which Spider had in spades. So many were inspired by Spider in his prime, but we can still endeavor to act, and ski, more like him! If even a few of us are inspired by the film to do that, his legacy lives.”
Sabich’s tragic passing at 31 years old sent shock waves through the town and the ski world, where he seemed destined to become an industry icon in his post-competitive life. Newly unearthed stories from friends and those who worked and raced with Spider recount the talent, generosity, and celebrity of this charismatic once-in-a-generation superstar.
Fellow filmmaker Mark Taché added, “Spider impacted all young Aspen Ski Club racers of the day. We felt so proud and lucky to have a superstar living in our hometown. At age 13, I got to forerun the final Pro Race at Aspen Highlands when Killy and Spider battled it out for the overall title in 1973–this battle is featured in ‘Spider Lives’ using clips from Dick Barrymore’s iconic ‘The Spider and the Frenchman.’ Later, I learned how to be a pro from watching how he trained, competed, gave interviews, and mostly, how he carried himself around town, how generous he was with people and with us kids.”
Proceeds from the screening support AVSC and Aspen Historical Society thanks to the generosity of the Head2Head Foundation.
Tickets: $18 (includes surcharge) https://aspenshowtix.com/event/aspen-historical-society-presents-spider-lives-film-and-conversation/
Info: aspenhistory.org/programs-events/programs-events/ – OR – https://www.teamavsc.org/Spider-Lives
Bar Talk: Omakase and cocktails at Bad Harriet
aikun Sushi has returned to Aspen for its just over 14-week winter vacation at the Hotel Jerome’s Bad Harriet. Running through March 31, the New York-based sushi restaurant found success in the mountain town as it has returned to impress the Aspen crowd for another winter season.
