Winter X Games to Stay in Aspen Through 2019

High-flying skiers and soaring snowmobiles are here to stay in Aspen, at least for the next five years. The ESPN Winter X Games will remain in Aspen through 2019, officials announced today. Winter X Games 2014 marks the 13th year the annual event has been in the Roaring Fork Valley, and this extension contract between ESPN and Aspen Skiing Co. makes it the longest-running home to an X Games host city. Earlier this year, Summer X Games announced it was moving to Austin, Texas after 11 years in Los Angeles.

“It’s amazing how X Games has seemingly become part of Aspen/Snowmass’s identity over the years,” says John Rigney, vice president, sales and events, Aspen Skiing Company. “There’s a rich cultural history here and we’re fortunate to host many world-class events, but I can’t think of a single event that resonates so well with kids and young adults as X Games does – and that’s a win for our resort, and more importantly the sports we love. Our community is proud to collaborate with ESPN and we look forward to five more great years together.”

Winter X Games takes place at Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen this week, Jan. 23-26. Four days of events include snowboarding, skiing and snowmobile competitions featuring more than 200 athletes from around the world. More than 120,000 visitors come through for the event, filling up Aspen/Snowmass lodging and ski hills.