American Phil Mahre was the most celebrated skier in Aspen in 1983, where he clinched his third consecutive World Cup victory. Mahre and Ingemar Stenmark of Sweden were arch rivals in the giant slalom, which Mahre won handily, placing first in the first run to Stenmark’s second, and third in the second run, to Stenmark’s seventh. “Winning is not everything,” Mahre said about his victory in Aspen. “I really just want to enjoy myself.”

While Mahre was supreme in the GS, Canada’s Todd Brooker won the men’s downhill after the race was delayed one day due to 25 inches of snow that fell during World Cup weekend. Phil Mahre placed ninth, and Ingemar Stenmark finished 13th in the GS.

The Canadians, led by Brooker, Steve Podborski and Ken Read, faced a dilemma in Aspen when the Canadian Ski Team announced it was short of funds and presented bills to the racers asking them to pay a share of the shortfall. This infuriated racers who resented the billing, especially on the eve of a major race. On top of that, Canadian Head Coach John Ritchey announced in Aspen that he would retire at the end of the season. Making matters worse, Podborski suffered a serious crash at the bottom of Spring Pitch. His resulting knee injury was said to have terminated his racing career.