50th Al Johnson race this Sunday, March 17

Be a part of history, and hysteria 

By Than Acuff 

It’s hard to find a local event that has been going on as long as the Al Johnson Memorial Uphill/Downhill Telemark Ski Race, aka the AJ. Flauschink, and I think maybe the Crested Butte Arts Festival, are the others that come to my mind.

It all started in 1974 on Mt. Axtell and has a long history of athleticism, debauchery and home-grown good times. On Sunday, March 17, the AJ celebrates its 50th year in existence and the hope is the 50th can live up to the hype.

But it won’t happen without you.

Of course, the biggest hurdle is not the race itself, but the gear, I mean who has telemark gear anymore?

Well, I’ve got some to loan out and the Alpineer has some as well. Furthermore, our good friends from Bishop Telemark will have a tent set up at the base area the morning of the race with gear available as well.

There’s also Facebook Marketplace and I bet if you put out the call looking for telemark gear for the AJ, someone will come through.

And while the word “race” is in the title, we all know it’s more than just a race. Sure, there’s 10 or 20 that still like to pin it and turn themselves inside out, but it’s also a showcase for local creativity with costumes that challenge the mind and body. Four-person cars, spawning salmon, the Praying Mantis, Sean Horne lookalike, the four-person dragon, Tetris, Road Construction crew complete with a steamroller, the ski lifts (which included Painter Boy actually painting a picture during the race), Crazy Cat Lady, Al’s Johnson, Naked Jesus… the list goes on and on.

Race pre-registration and information is available on the homepage of the CBAC website under the “Latest” header as well as on Eventbrite if you simply look up Al Johnson race.

New this year, the good people at the Majestic Theatre are hosting a free Al Johnson race movie night on Friday, March 15 at 7 p.m. Folks can pre-register there prior to the showing of old AJ footage as well as Powderwh*re Productions Telemark movie, Television.

In addition, whether you’ve already signed up or sign up for the race that night, you will get your coffee cup. As long as you’re one of the first 100 to sign up.

We do ask all participants to come to the Treasury Center at the CBMR base area on Sunday between 9-11 a.m. to sign a waiver, pick up your bib, your AJ hat and a commemorative mug, if still available. We will also have day-of race registration available there.

The race starts at 1 p.m. at the bottom of the North Face Lift.

The party and awards ceremony is at Butte 66 from 4-6 p.m. with live music from local band High Lifters. Butte 66 will have drink specials and awards will be handed out for top men and women as well as costumes and others, thanks to the Alpineer and CBMR.

Still, why? I mean, why do the race?

Two reasons.

Three actually.

It’s a part of local history and traditions are the fabric of any community.

You get a hat, and even a commemorative coffee cup for the first 100 to register.

It’s a fundraiser for the Crested Butte Avalanche Center.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention another reason.

It’s been a rough winter for our community, and everyone is running in a million different directions, and many are struggling just to hang in there. The AJ is an opportunity to spend one day with each other and remind us of who we are and why we are here, for each other.

Is it the last AJ?

Tough telling not knowing but why risk it? 

See you Sunday, March 17 at the AJ.