ASPEN, Colo. (June 10, 2026) — In a move that signals a seismic shift for the landscape of global action sports, Aspen Snowmass and the X Games organization have officially announced a new three-year host agreement. This landmark deal ensures that the hallowed slopes of Buttermilk will remain the epicenter of winter competition through the 2028/29 season. More importantly, this agreement serves as the foundational anchor for the newly formed MoonPay X Games League (XGL), ushering in a revolutionary team-based format that promises to redefine how athletes, fans, and sponsors interact with winter sports.
The Foundation: A Partnership Defined by Excellence
For over two decades, the relationship between Aspen Snowmass and the X Games has been more than a simple venue-promoter arrangement; it has been the heartbeat of winter sports culture. Since 2002, Buttermilk has played host to the most iconic moments in freeskiing and snowboarding, transforming from a ski area into a global stage for athletic progression.
The new three-year commitment is a testament to the enduring viability of this partnership. By securing the venue through the 2028/29 season, both organizations are signaling stability and a long-term vision for the evolution of the sport. As the X Games transitions into its new, year-round league structure, the Aspen event remains the "crown jewel" of the calendar—a location that commands reverence from every professional athlete in the field.
Chronology: From Annual Event to Year-Round League
The evolution of the X Games has been marked by several distinct eras, each pushing the boundaries of what is possible on snow.
- 1995–2001: The Formative Years. The X Games established its identity as a counter-culture phenomenon, bringing extreme sports into the mainstream consciousness.
- 2002: The Aspen Arrival. The first winter event in Aspen marked the beginning of a golden age for the brand, establishing Buttermilk as the permanent home for winter progression.
- 2002–2025: The Classic Era. During this period, X Games Aspen became the definitive test of skill for the world’s best snowboarders and freeskiers. Athletes like Shaun White, Chloe Kim, and Mark McMorris cemented their legacies on the Aspen halfpipe and slopestyle courses.
- 2026: The Paradigm Shift. Following the successful 2026 season, X Games leadership unveiled the MoonPay X Games League (XGL). This move away from a "one-off" event model toward a structured, seasonal, team-based competition represents the biggest change in the organization’s history.
- 2027: The Inaugural XGL Winter Season. Beginning in January 2027, the new team format will officially debut in Aspen, featuring regional clubs and drafted rosters competing for a season-long championship.
Supporting Data: Why Aspen Matters
The statistics behind the Aspen partnership are staggering. Over 25 years of collaboration, the event has not only produced the most-watched moments in the sport but has also served as a catalyst for local economic development.
- Medal Milestones: Legendary snowboarder Mark McMorris, who has competed in Aspen for 15 years, holds the record for the most medals in Winter X Games history with 25. His 2026 performance in Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle marked his 12th career gold and 10th win in Aspen, highlighting the unique connection between specific athletes and the Buttermilk venue.
- Economic and Cultural Impact: The event draws tens of thousands of spectators to the Roaring Fork Valley annually. The collaboration with the Aspen Chamber Resort Association and the Town of Snowmass Village has created a robust ecosystem that sustains local businesses, hospitality, and infrastructure throughout the winter season.
- Global Reach: With the transition to the XGL, the audience scope is expected to expand. The league format is designed to increase broadcast and streaming engagement, as season-long storylines replace the episodic nature of the previous iteration.
Official Responses: Leaders Weigh In
The consensus among leadership is that this deal represents a necessary and exciting evolution.
"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. We can’t wait to do it again."
Jeremy Bloom, CEO of X Games, emphasized the prestige of the venue in the new global hierarchy. "As the X Games League expands globally, Aspen remains our crown jewel," Bloom stated. "It is the iconic winter stop that athletes, fans, and partners circle on the calendar every year."
The athletes themselves, who stand to benefit most from the stability of a league structure, have expressed enthusiasm. Mark McMorris noted, "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 the X Games League to take place in Aspen."
Implications of the X Games League (XGL)
The shift to a league model is not merely cosmetic; it is a fundamental restructuring of the professional action sports industry.
A New Economic Model for Athletes
Historically, professional action sports athletes relied heavily on sponsorship and individual prize purses. The XGL model introduces a team-based structure that allows for consistent earnings and a more secure career path. By creating eight distinct clubs—four dedicated to winter and four to summer—the league provides athletes with a sense of team identity and, crucially, access to a wider pool of revenue and long-term compensation models.
Engagement and Storytelling
The "tournament" style of the XGL is designed to foster deeper fan loyalty. By following a team through a full season rather than a single weekend, fans can track progress, rivalries, and developments over time. This format is intended to boost broadcast ratings, streaming numbers, and social media engagement, providing the data-driven metrics that modern sponsors demand.
Strengthening the Global Brand
While Aspen remains the home of the winter season, the XGL’s global ambition is clear. By linking geographic identities to the teams, the league hopes to attract a more diverse, international fanbase. The structure allows the X Games to act as an umbrella organization, housing both the historical legacy of the event and the modern, high-stakes requirements of a professional sports league.
The Future at Buttermilk
As the industry looks toward the inaugural 2027 season, all eyes are on the Buttermilk venue. The upcoming months will see the release of specific event dates and the unveiling of the club rosters that will define this new chapter.
The success of this transition will depend on the ability of the XGL to maintain the "soul" of action sports—the raw, unfiltered talent and the thrill of the trick—while professionalizing the surrounding infrastructure. With the backing of the Aspen Skiing Company, the local community, and the massive, dedicated following of the X Games brand, the stage is set for a new era of winter sports excellence.
Conclusion: A Legacy Reimagined
For three decades, the X Games in Aspen has been the ultimate arbiter of cool in the snowsports world. By committing to this three-year deal, Aspen and the X Games have ensured that the traditions of the past will not be lost but rather elevated. The X Games League represents the next logical step in the maturation of action sports, moving from a subculture event into a robust, global, professional sport.
As we approach January 2027, the atmosphere at the base of Buttermilk will undoubtedly crackle with the same intensity it has for 25 years, but with a new, professionalized edge that ensures the sport—and its most talented competitors—will continue to thrive for decades to come.
About Aspen Skiing Company
With roots dating back to 1946, Aspen Skiing Company, a division of Aspen One, operates the four-mountain complex of Aspen Snowmass. Dedicated to the coexistence of resort, community, and the environment, the company focuses on delivering world-class experiences across 5,680 acres of terrain.
About X Games
Since its inception in 1995, the X Games has served as the premier cultural and competitive force in action sports. From the rise of skateboarding and BMX to the modern era of professional freeskiing and snowboarding, the X Games continues to be the definitive platform for the world’s most talented athletes.
About MoonPay X Games League (XGL)
Launching in 2026, the MoonPay X Games League is the world’s first year-round, team-based, co-ed league in action sports. By fusing geographic identity with global athletic talent, the XGL aims to elevate the professional standards, fan engagement, and economic opportunities within the action sports industry.
