Aspen became embroiled in a major controversy in 1995 when heavy snow cancelled the super G and halted the America’s Downhill in mid-race, in which American racer AJ Kitt had distinguished himself with the fastest time.

Since most of the racers — all the top-seeded competitors — had run the downhill course before the race was canceled, it was assumed Kitt’s victory would stand. When a similar cancellation had occurred in 1993, Kitt had also been in first place and, despite a protest by the U.S. Team, was denied the victory.

In 1995, the FIS on-site jury validated the downhill and awarded Kitt the first-place win. In the aftermath of protests from France, Canada and Luxembourg, however, another FIS jury revoked Kitt’s win just three days later.

Despite the FIS ruling, Aspen Skiing Company announced they would recognize Kitt’s apparent victory by awarding him the Roch Cup.