Industry News
The X Games are action sports’ biggest stage, where the best in skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and BMX push the limits of what’s possible. For the past 25 years, the Winter X Games have been anchored in Aspen, Colorado, but that could change soon. With Aspen’s contract set to expire after next year, Utah has emerged as a serious contender to host the event in Park City.
That momentum comes after the success of this summer’s X Games stop in Salt Lake City, which drew over 40,000 fans to the Utah State Fairgrounds and sold out every ticketed bleacher event. The broadcast audience increased by 12% over last year, and athletes raved about the courses and the energy of the crowd, making it one of the most successful X Games in recent history. From Tony Hawk and Bob Burnquist skating alongside the next generation, to Ryan Williams landing the first-ever triple backflip in competition, the event had the feel of a classic X Games with a modern edge.
According to Fox 13, Governor Spencer Cox has already spoken with X Games organizers about bringing the winter edition to Park City, and in a recent news conference, called it an opportunity to cement Utah as the “headquarters of winter sports.” For athletes and fans, the state’s combination of world-class venues, Olympic legacy, and passionate winter sports community makes it a natural fit.
When X Games CEO, Jeremy Bloom, was asked by The Park Record if the Games would consider returning to Salt Lake in the future or coming to nearby areas like Park City for winter events, this was his response:
“Absolutely. Salt Lake and Park City have a deep legacy in action sports, both in summer and winter. We’ve now proven that this market draws a large audience, has the infrastructure to host top-tier events and brings a community vibe that really aligns with the spirit of the X Games. We’re already exploring possibilities to return for a winter edition, and we’re in active conversations with regional partners about what it could look like.”
Hosting the Winter X Games could also help fill the gap left by the Sundance Film Festival, which after 40 years of being held in Park City will move to Boulder, Colorado, after next year as the permanent home. According to state estimates, Utah will lose approximately $132 million annually in economic impact by losing Sundance. That figure includes not just direct spending, but also job creation and global media exposure that benefits tourism year-round. Adding the X Games would help fill that void.
An annual winter event would bring visitors, energy, and international attention back to the Wasatch, while also serving as valuable preparation for the 2034 Winter Olympics. With its mix of infrastructure, history, and enthusiasm, Utah is making a strong case to become the next home of the Winter X Games.
