Unfortunately, in April of 2021, the Hunter S. Thompson Shrine, along with many others in the area, were removed by ski patrollers. You can still ski by its old location, but little evidence is left to discover.
Instead, consider stopping by the Woody Creek Tavern in the neighboring village of Woody Creek to imbibe and chow down where Hunter S. Thompson used to do the same. He also lived in that little town next to Aspen. Cheers!
History of the Former Shrine
After prominent gonzo journalist and long-time resident of Woody Creek, Hunter S. Thompson took his own life, his followers erected a shrine to his memory in the woods of the Snowmass ski area by Aspen, Colorado.
Following the tradition of erecting shrines to locals and celebrities in the woods surrounding the ski area, the shrine became a quirky collection of items honoring Thompson’s life and a testament to the funkier side of Aspen’s ski culture. The shrine was originally erected on February 20, 2006, to mark the occasion of the one-year anniversary of his death.
It was placed by a group of 5 of Thompson’s friends and fans that call themselves GLUM, short for Glorious Leaders of the Underground Movement.
While the shrine had grown considerably over time, some of the significant items that made up the original shrine were an American flag, Tibetan prayer flags, a gloved arm with the word “Gonzo” written on it, a multi-colored jeweled lizard, and a copy of The Woody Creeker. Some items were donated by Thompson’s widow, Anita Thompson.
While it was possible to hike up to the shrine, which was located near Gunner’s View run at Snowmass Mountain Ski Resort, most of the visitors who went there were skiers. To access the ski run you had to have a pass to the ski resort. In the past, you wouldn’t be able to find the shrine unless a local told you as it was situated near Elk Camp in the woods just outside the ski area.
Details
Address: Snowmass Mountain, 120 Lower, Carriage Way, Snowmass Village, CO 81615
Season: Shrine has been removed
