Aspen Snowmass and X Games today announced a new three-year host agreement that will bring the MoonPay X Games League back to Buttermilk through the 2028/29 winter season as a part of the league’s build out. The multi-year commitment marks a significant new chapter in one of the longest-running and most enduring partnerships in action sports history — a relationship that has defined winter competition culture in Aspen since 2002.
“Aspen Snowmass is where the best in freeskiing and snowboarding come to compete at the highest levels every year,” said John Rigney, Chief Business Development Officer at Aspen One. “We’ve proudly partnered with X Games for more than 25 years because we love their commitment to showcasing the energy and vibrancy of our sports on a global scale, while delivering an elevated experience for athletes and spectators alike. We can’t wait to do it again.”
Over the years, X Games Aspen has grown into more than a competition — it is a homecoming for athletes and fans, a centerpiece in community culture, and a celebration of freeskiing and snowboarding. This year marks a new chapter: the launch of the X Games League’s inaugural Summer and Winter seasons, in which regionally-based teams of drafted athletes will compete for points and, ultimately, the season championship — bringing a fresh team format to an event that has shaped winter sports culture in Aspen for almost three decades. The inaugural XGL Winter season will launch in January 2027.
“As the X Games League expands globally, Aspen remains our crown jewel, the iconic winter stop that athletes, fans, and partners circle on the calendar every year,” said Jeremy Bloom, X Games CEO.
Snowboarder Mark McMorris, an XGL Winter founder athlete, has won 25 medals, the most in Winter X Games history and third-most overall in X Games. In 2026, he won Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle for his 12th career gold and 10th in Aspen, where he has competed for 15 years.
“Aspen is such a special place to compete at X Games each year,” said McMorris. “The fan energy at the base of the mountain is unmatched and after 25 years of partnership, I’m excited for the first stop of X Games League to take place in Aspen!”
The three-year agreement underscores both organizations’ belief in the continued growth and global relevance of action sports, and in Aspen Snowmass as the preeminent stage for snowsports’ most defining moments. Event dates and details of X Games Aspen 2027 at Buttermilk will be announced in the coming months.
X Games Aspen’s success is made possible by the support of the broader Aspen Snowmass community, including the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Town of Snowmass Village, and countless other local partners that contribute to bring the event to life year after year.
ABOUT ASPEN SKIING COMPANY
With roots dating back to 1946, Aspen Skiing Company, a division of Aspen One, owns and operates four mountains—Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. Aspen Skiing Company takes pride in the coexistence of resort, community, and the environment, which exemplifies its values of living fully, honoring people and place, taking the long view, and pursuing excellence in everything it does. Aspen Skiing Company is where guests from around the world come to renew the mind, body, and spirit through unforgettable experiences at the confluence of nature, culture, and recreation.
Aspen Skiing Company also owns and operates the award-winning Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School, Four Mountain Sports rental and retail shops, and a collection of sustainably sourced on-mountain food and beverage outlets. Aspen Snowmass encompasses 5,680 acres of skiable terrain across four mountains, more than 40 ski lifts, and more than 410 trails. For more information, visit www.aspensnowmass.com or follow @aspensnowmass on Instagram and Facebook.
ABOUT X GAMES
Since 1995, X Games has defined action sports — from Tony Hawk’s 900 to Shaun White’s halfpipe dominance to the rise of BMX and skateboarding as global forces. For over 30 years, it has become more than a competition: it’s a cultural touchstone, blending sports, music, fashion, and community. For more information, visit xgames.com or follow @xgames on TikTok, X, Instagram, or Facebook.
ABOUT MOONPAY X GAMES LEAGUE (XGL)
Launching in 2026, MoonPay X Games League (XGL) brings an exciting new extension to the iconic X Games brand as the world’s first year-round, team-based, co-ed league in action sports. The League features eight Clubs (four winter X Games Clubs and four summer X Games Clubs) that fuse geographic identity with global athletic talent as they compete.
For the first time in X Games history, athletes compete in a structured season and team-based format, allowing for season-long storylines and deeper athlete-fan engagement across broadcast, streaming, live events, and digital platforms. This represents a fundamental shift in the world of action sports as XGL aims to build stronger global presence and regional connections for athletes, teams, fans, and sponsors. The formation of XGL greatly expands compensation opportunities for athletes beyond existing prize purses, with additional earning potential as part of the league’s team model. To learn more, visit xgames.com/xgl or follow X Games on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
