History of Spider Sabich in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 7, 2026

Vladimir "Spider" Sabich Jr. was a prominent American alpine ski racer, competing on the U.S. Ski Team in the late 1960s. He participated in the 1968 Winter Olympics and achieved significant success as the pro ski racing champion in both 1971 and 1972. His life was cut short in 1976 when he was fatally shot in a controversial incident involving his girlfriend, singer Claudine Longet.

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Full Timeline

1911: Birth of Frances Sabich

In 1911, Frances Sabich (Spider's mother) was born.

1915: Birth of Vladimir Sabich

In 1915, Vladimir Sabich (Spider's father) was born.

January 10, 1945: Vladimir Peter Sabich Jr. Born

On January 10, 1945, Vladimir Peter Sabich Jr. was born. He later became a renowned American alpine ski racer.

1948: Winter Olympics and World Championships

From 1948, the Winter Olympics also served as the World Championships for alpine skiing.

1950: Family moved to Kyburz

In 1950, Spider's father was transferred to Kyburz on Highway 50, southwest of Lake Tahoe.

1954: World Championships Combined

From 1954 through 1980, the combined event at the World Championships was a "paper race" using the results of the three events.

1968: Competed at the 1968 Winter Olympics

In 1968, Spider Sabich competed at the Winter Olympics as a member of the U.S. Ski Team.

1968: Fifth in Slalom at 1968 Winter Olympics

In 1968, at age 22, Sabich finished fifth in the slalom at the Winter Olympics. Two months later, he secured his sole World Cup victory in a slalom at Heavenly Valley.

1969: Reached World Cup Podium

In 1969, Sabich reached the World Cup podium three more times in the slalom. He finished seventh in the slalom standings and 11th overall.

1969: Downhill Racer film

In 1969, the film "Downhill Racer" starring Robert Redford, which was suspected to be inspired by Sabich, was released.

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February 1970: Billy Kidd Joined the Pro Tour

In mid-February 1970, Billy Kidd joined the pro tour and won the first title. Sabich turned professional after the 1970 season.

1971: Built a House in Starwood

In 1971, Sabich built a house in the Starwood area near John Denver's home.

1971: Won Pro Championship and moved to Aspen

In 1971, Sabich won the pro championship and took home $21,189. He then moved from Boulder to Aspen.

1971: Pro Ski Racing Champion in 1971

In 1971, Spider Sabich became the pro ski racing champion.

1972: Met Claudine Longet

In 1972, Sabich met Claudine Longet at a pro-celebrity event in Bear Valley, California.

1972: Won Pro Championship in 1972

In 1972, Sabich won the pro championship.

1972: Pro Ski Racing Champion in 1972

In 1972, Spider Sabich became the pro ski racing champion.

1973: Back Injury at Aspen Highlands

In 1973, while chasing the pro title, Sabich incurred a back injury at Aspen Highlands, leading to hospitalization and Killy winning the season title.