“X Games are absolutely a catalyst for the progression of sports and the athletes who lead them,” notes Olympian Gretchen Bleiler. “When I think back on my competitive career, X Games moments are definitely the highlight where I learned so much about myself.”
Let The X Games Begin!
X is arguably the most rebellious letter in the alphabet—often breaking the rules of phonics, and in the case of X Games, the rules of gravity. Not only a convenient abbreviation for the word “extreme,” X is the mark of danger, of treasure, of the unknown. From Friday, January 26 through Sunday, January 28 for the 23rd consecutive year at Buttermilk, the world’s best snowboarders and skiers will launch themselves into that unknown as 480 million viewers across 198 countries and territories hold their breath.
What to Look Forward to This Year
This year, Buttermilk is thrilled to welcome spectators back for the 2024 Games, where athletes will demonstrate the training, commitment, and passion that is displayed year after year. The event is free to attend with ticketed options for better viewing, and will include the first-ever dedicated Women’s Ski and Snowboard Knuckle Huck, as well as Men's and Women's SuperPipe, Slopestyle, and Big Air. Aside from three days of high-octane action, there will also be live DJs and VIP offerings with opportunities to interact with the world’s best snowsports athletes.
There is perhaps no better metaphor for the growth of the Winter X Games than the mighty halfpipe at the base of Buttermilk Mountain. Those swooping curves of adrenaline have come a long way from the abandoned swimming pools of California where skateboarders first discovered the thrills of manmade inclines. Indeed, the Buttermilk halfpipe, dug physically into the side of the mountain, has become something of a monument to extreme sports—its line of white snow lasting well into the summer.
There is perhaps no better metaphor for the growth of the Winter X Games than the mighty halfpipe at the base of Buttermilk Mountain. Those swooping curves of adrenaline have come a long way from the abandoned swimming pools of California where skateboarders first discovered the thrills of manmade inclines. Indeed, the Buttermilk halfpipe, dug physically into the side of the mountain, has become something of a monument to extreme sports—its line of white snow lasting well into the summer.
The Continuation Of A Legacy
“When X Games first arrived on the scene here at Aspen Snowmass, we were unsure how long the partnership would last,” explains Deric Gunshor, Aspen Snowmass’s Director of Event Development. “No one really knew how big and long-lasting the event would become.”
Looking back, it all tracks with Aspen’s long history of celebrating the greatest in athletics. From the FIS and the World Cup ski races to the X Games, Aspen continues to inspire the next generation of snowsport stars by hosting world class athletes to compete in elite ski and snowboard events.
The Legacy Goes On
X Games Aspen 2021
Aspen local and X Games gold medalist Alex Ferreira was a 6-year-old when the event first came to his hometown. “I remember sneaking out of class in middle school with my fellow competitor Torin Yater-Wallace just to get a glimpse,” Alex recalls. In fact, when the events were still held during the day, so many kids were skipping class to get a sneak peek at their idols throwing down in their backyard, that the Aspen school district decided to turn the X Games into an unofficial holiday and give the students the day off to spectate.
Let The Games Begin
No one will have to skip school to watch this year. No matter how you choose to interact (ESPN, ABC, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram) the X Games, and in particular the athletes themselves, will be waiting for you and your digital love. Tune in January 26 through 28 to see the action come to life.
While the world continues to change, the X Games embodies much of our collective experience: pushing ourselves, lifting each other up, overcoming our struggles and celebrating our victories, no matter how big or small they might be.
While the world continues to change, the X Games embodies much of our collective experience: pushing ourselves, lifting each other up, overcoming our struggles and celebrating our victories, no matter how big or small they might be.
