Audi Ajax Cup Co-Chairs
We are excited to announce that Alana Bly and Christine Heller, longtime AVSC supporters and Aspenites will join our Team as 2023 Audi Ajax Cup Co-Chairs to elevate, captivate and execute an Ajax Cup like you’ve never seen before…
A little bit about....Christine Heller
AVSC: Your hometown and how long you have lived in Aspen.
CH: I am originally from New York but have always been drawn to ski towns. I’ve lived in Lake Tahoe and Telluride in my twenties. I’ve been living in Aspen for 4 years and now call it home.
CH: I have always been impressed with the tremendous impact AVSC has on the community, particularly the children who dream to go to the World Cup or Olympics. AVSC has been so impactful in helping to fulfill those dreams. It’s also very exciting to see AVSC alumni give back to the club and help inspire the kids in the program.
AVSC: What excites you most/do you love the most about Ajax Cup?
CH: EVERYTHING! From the coordinating of events, raising awareness, to the race and the gala. I’m very excited to be co-chairing with my friend Alana this year. She has the most incredible energy- she literally lights up the dance floor, which I’m looking forward to doing with her this year at the gala.
AVSC: What is your main goal in co-chairing Ajax Cup?
CH: To raise awareness for this amazing club and to help our young skiers pursue their dreams.
Christine (third from right) with her 2022 Audi Ajax Cup Team!
A little bit about....Alana Bly
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AVSC: Your hometown and how long you have lived in Aspen.
AB: I grew up in both Washington, DC and Pittsburgh, PA so the place in the "middle" was a ski resort named Seven Springs. I was in the Saturday ski club which taught me a lot of important lessons -- the most significant one -- When I grow up I'm going to live near a ski town. Living in San Francisco and having Tahoe in my "backyard" made me realize it was possible but I never thought making Aspen home would ever be my reality. So when I met my husband here 10 years ago and he also had the itch to move here ... we made it happen 6 weeks later ... I still think "pinch me, I might be the luckiest girl alive" every morning when we wake up here and get to call the valley home.
AVSC: How has AVSC impacted you to be such amazing supporters of the club?
AB: If you have ever been on any mountain in the valley -- you see AVSC in action. I'm actually a better skier now because I started to follow 8-year-old AVSC racer Chloe Collins around Ajax, she knew where all of the powder was stashed and our only deal was, "Don't make me cry and I'll buy you Bonnie's apple pie." Skiing connects people of all ages. It is a sport that builds trust & independence, and I love that AVSC helps bridge the gap so that so many families in the valley can have access to the reason we call Aspen home.
AVSC: What excites you most/do you love the most about Ajax Cup?
AB: The intense competition between skiing enthusiasts, the sense of camaraderie, and the charitable aspect of the event all come together to create an electrifying atmosphere and really make the Ajax Cup such a standout event in the skiing world. Plus, seeing individuals and teams push their limits while supporting a good cause is truly inspiring!
AVSC: What is your main goal in co-chairing Ajax Cup?
AB: When I was invited to co-chair with Christine the first thing that popped into my head was "Yes!!!! This is going to be F-U-N and F-A-B" ... I mean she is SO MUCH FUN and EKS Events are so FAB... I just know we are all going to be able to create an unforgettable experience -- So my main goal ... Let's make this FUN!!! And let's crush some fundraising records for the kids!!!
Alana (right) at the 2022 Audi Ajax Cup with AVSC Athlete Chloe Collins.