The U.S. is primed to make history by hosting the Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships, featuring the Visa Big Air presented by Land Rover, at Buttermilk in Aspen, Colo. March 10-16, followed by the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix March 18-21.

This is the first time that a nation has hosted consecutive FIS World Championships following the 2019 FIS Snowboard, Freestyle, and Freeski World Championships held in Utah. Aspen Snowmass will also take on the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix March 18-21, marking back-to-back weeks of elite ski and snowboard park and pipe competition at Buttermilk.

Following the cancellation of the 2021 FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Championships, originally scheduled to take place in Zhangjiakou, China, Feb. 18-28, U.S. Ski & Snowboard in partnership with the International Ski Federation (FIS) and Aspen Snowmass, found a new home for two events which are key to the overall 2020-21 FIS freeski and snowboard calendar as well as the 2022 U.S. Olympic Team selection process.

“We are truly grateful for our valued resort partners at Aspen Snowmass for their willingness and flexibility to host what should be two spectacular weeks of competition,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO Tiger Shaw. “This season has been incredibly challenging for event organizers across the globe, we are fortunate to be able to host World Championships, which will feature the Visa Big Air, and the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix on home snow at a famed venue like Buttermilk. We are thrilled to be able to keep these events on the calendar and provide competition opportunities for the world’s top skiers and riders.”

Aspen Snowmass is no stranger to world-class competition. Buttermilk has been home to X Games Aspen for two decades and hosts the Aspen Snowmass Open annually, now a stop on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Rev Tour. Snowmass served as an Olympic tryout event at the 2018 U.S. Grand Prix and Aspen Mountain even played host to the 1950 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity during a very unique season to add to Aspen Snowmass’s winter sports legacy by hosting the World Championships and another Grand Prix event,” said John Rigney, Senior Vice President of Aspen Snowmass. “Buttermilk has long been a proving ground for the very best skiers and riders in the world thanks to X Games, so while we’ll be mobilizing quickly to support these amazing athletes and our valued partners at U.S. Ski & Snowboard and FIS – we’re proud to offer a world-class venue for these prestigious competitions.”

The Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships will include slopestyle, halfpipe, as well as the second annual Visa Big Air presented by Land Rover, originally scheduled Dec. 18-19 at Copper Mountain, Colo. Following show-stopping performances in Atlanta’s SunTrust Park in December of 2019, it’s only fitting the Visa Big Air found a new arena fit for big air progression. 

The Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix World Cup slopestyle and halfpipe competitions will serve as the first snowboard and freeski Olympic tryout events and will replace the originally scheduled competitions at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Calif., from Feb. 3-6. The Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain originally scheduled from Dec. 13-19 is officially canceled. 

To encourage social distancing, there will not be spectator zones for both the World Championships and World Cup competitions, fans are encouraged to tune in to watch or stream on the networks and streaming platforms of NBC. 

Specific event information will be forthcoming as the local organizing committee works through its detailed protocols with local and state health officials. The World Championships and the U.S. Grand Prix are contingent on local and state health department approvals based on existing and future COVID-19 rules and regulations. FIS, U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the local organizing committee, and Aspen Snowmass are taking a unified approach consistent with guidance from federal, state, and local health authorities. 

SCHEDULE

Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships
Slopestyle, Halfpipe, and Big Air
March 10-16

Snowboard:
March 10 - Slopestyle qualifications
March 11 - Halfpipe qualifications
March 12 - Slopestyle finals
March 13 - Halfpipe finals
March 14 - Big air qualifications
March 16 - Big air finals

Freeski:
March 10 - Halfpipe qualifications
March 11 - Slopestyle qualifications 
March 12 - Halfpipe finals                                
March 13 - Slopestyle finals
March 15 - Big air qualifications
March 16 - Big air finals

 
Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix World Cup
Slopestyle and Halfpipe
March 18-21

Snowboard:
March 18 - Halfpipe qualifications
March 19 - Slopestyle qualifications
March 20 - Slopestyle finals
March 21 - Halfpipe finals

Freeski: 
March 18 - Slopestyle qualifications
March 19 - Halfpipe qualifications
March 20 - Slopestyle finals
March 21 - Halfpipe finals

###

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2020, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined and ski jumping. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.

About Aspen Snowmass
Established in 1946, Aspen Snowmass owns and operates four mountains – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk - creating premium, sustainable and transformative experiences in recreation, culture and nature. In addition, the company runs the award-winning Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen Snowmass, Four Mountain Sports rental and retail shops, and a collection of sustainably-sourced on-mountain food & beverage outlets. Aspen Snowmass works to drive positive social change through climate, community, and minority group advocacy and investment. For more information about Aspen Snowmass, visit www.aspensnowmass.com. Follow @aspensnowmass on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced on Feb. 8, 2021 that the national governing body will not field a team at the 2021 FIS Freestyle, Snowboard, and Freeski Junior World Championships in Krasnoyarsk, Russia March 18-28.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Board of Directors approved a Strategic Panel tasked with determining whether to withdraw the U.S. Junior World Championships Team from the event in accordance with its responsibilities as a national governing body, as detailed in the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act. The Strategic Panel includes one-third athlete representation and their input was included throughout all levels of the review.

After significant evaluation of circumstances specific to the region including the COVID-19 landscape, travel challenges, additional safety and medical concerns, as well as potential quarantine situations, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Strategic Panel unanimously decided to withdraw from the event. The health and safety of all U.S. Ski & Snowboard members, athletes, and staff remain our highest priority. U.S. athletes will not be able to participate independently.

While no U.S. athletes will compete, U.S. Ski & Snowboard wishes the International Ski Federation (FIS), the local organizing committee, and all athletes a successful event.

###

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2020, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined and ski jumping. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.
 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard has named the U.S. Teams for the 2021 FIS Cross World Championships, taking place in Idre Fjäll, Sweden Feb. 11-13.

Following the cancellation of the original Zhangjiakou, China World Championships due to regulations implemented by the Chinese health authorities and government, the Swedish Ski Federation, the organizing committee of Idre Fjäll, and FIS agreed to reschedule the event. According to FIS (International Ski Federation), all stakeholders involved feel extremely confident that the World Cup organizer will be able to hold a successful World Championships. 

“We feel very fortunate that U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes will have the chance to compete in world championship cross competition this season amidst a challenging event landscape,” said U.S. Snowboard & Freeski Director Jeremy Forster. “U.S. skicross and snowboardcross athletes have been off to a strong start and will surely be accompanied by some momentum when they arrive in Idre Fjäll.

The resort is not new to the cross community, and has served as a regular stop on the FIS Skicross World Cup tour since the 2015-16 season. California native and U.S. skicross athlete Tyler Wallasch will be returning to the world championship venue just three weeks after earning the best World Cup result of his career with a fifth place finish in Idre Fjäll.

“I think I can carry momentum from the World Cup into World Champs,” said Wallasch. “Obviously, I think there will be some changes to the course, but Idre Fjäll definitely has a consistent style that I feel very confident on. I’ve been based out of Sweden since June of last year, so this almost feels like coming home.” 

The U.S. Snowboardcross Team is coming into the event ready to defend multiple titles. Mick Dierdorff is the defending individual 2019 World Champion as well as represents one half of the inaugural mixed snowboardcross Championship Team alongside teammate and six-time World Champion Lindsey Jacobellis. 

However, it’s been three-time Olympian Faye Gulini that’s on fire this season earning back-to-back podiums at the first stop of the snowboardcross World Cup circuit at Chiesa in Valmalenco, Italy.

“After being couched for the last World Championships in 2019 due to injury, I couldn’t be more excited to race in Sweden,” said Gulini. “The skicross tour has made a few stops in Idre over the years, and the mountain has always produced a great course. I think the course will favor my style of riding with big jumps and technical start features. I can’t wait to see what Team USA can accomplish!”

With a rock-solid venue and U.S. athletes coming in with confidence, the 2021 FIS Cross World Championships are setting up to be a spectacle. 

The individual snowboardcross competition is set for Feb. 11, snowboardcross team competition on Feb. 12, and the skicross competition will close out the program on Feb. 13. Tune in on the Olympic Channel to catch all the action live!

2021 U.S. Cross World Championship Teams
(Name, Hometown, Club, USASA Series, Birthdate, World Champs Teams)

Snowboardcross
Men

• Hagen Kearney - (Norwood, Colo.; International Snowboard Training Center; Rocky Mountain Series; 11/06/91; 2013, 2017)
• Alex Deibold - (Manchester, Vt.; Stratton Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 5/8/86; 2007, 2011, 2015, 2017)
• Jake Vedder - (Pinckney, Mich.; International Snowboard Training Center; Rocky Mountain Series; 4/16/98; 2019)
• Senna Leith - (Vail, Colo.; International Snowboard Training Center; Rocky Mountain Series; 4/8/1997)
• Mick Dierdorff - (Steamboat Springs Colo.; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 4/30/91; 2019)

Women

• Faye Gulini - (Salt Lake City, Utah; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series; 3/24/92; 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017)
• Lindsey Jacobellis - (Stratton Mountain, Vt.; Stratton Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 8/19/85; 2005, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2019)
• Meghan Tierney - (Eagle, Colo.; Board Stars Race Team; Rocky Mountain Series; 1/15/97; 2019)
• Stacy Gaskill - (Golden, Colo.; Winter Park Snowboard Team; Rocky Mountain Series; 5/21/00; 2019)
   

Skicross
Men

• Tyler Wallasch - (Los Angeles, Calif.; Mammoth Mountain Ski & Snowboard Club; The Unbound Series; 6/8/94; 2015, 2017, 2019)

HOW TO WATCH
All times in EST
Delayed Broadcast*

Thursday, Feb. 11
8:30 a.m. FIS Snowboarding World Championships Snowboard Cross - LIVE, Idre Fjall, SWE, Streaming Peacock
10:30 a.m. FIS Snowboarding World Championships Snowboard Cross - same-day broadcast, Idre Fjall, SWE, Broadcast Olympic Channel

Friday, Feb. 12
6:30 a.m. FIS Snowboarding World Championships Snowboard Cross - LIVE, Idre Fjall, SWE, Broadcast Olympic Channel, Streaming Peacock

Saturday, Feb. 13
6:30 a.m. FIS Freestyle Skiing World Championships Ski Cross - LIVE, Idre Fjall, SWE, Streaming Peacock
11:30 a.m. FIS Freestyle Skiing World Championships Ski Cross - same-day broadcast, Idre Fjall, SWE, Broadcast Olympic Channel

FOLLOW
Instagram - @ussnowboardteam
Instagram - @usfreeskiteam
Facebook - @usskiandsnowboard
 

 Interested in organization, athlete, and event related news?
Sign up for our Daily or Weekly Update

Learn more about how to support the U.S. Freeski & Snowboard Teams.
 

Under bluebird skies and perfect conditions, two-time Olympic slopestyle medalist Nick Goepper stepped up on the final day of X Games Aspen 2021 to earn his fourth slopestyle gold and his first X Games podium since 2017. 

”This win feels incredible and it’s validating,” said 26-year-old Goepper. “Especially with all the hard work I’ve been putting in. After a few years off the podium, a little self-doubt started to creep in, but my body feels great, my mind sharp, and I’m stoked to keep going and represent the over 25 crowd. My friends and teammates have played a major part in keeping me going. I also got married a couple of years ago and my wife has been incredibly supportive. Life has really changed over the last few years and I’m loving it - being grown-up that is!”

During the post event podium interviews, there seemed to be a consensus amongst the field that this year’s X Games course was difficult but enjoyable. 

“I think this course, in particular, was really challenging, which I think is really fun,” said Goepper. "Some of our best tricks were tough to throw, especially on the quarterpipe take-offs, but you just have to adapt. I think with the long challenging course, physical stamina played a big part, and I tried to spend my energy wisely.“
 

According to X Games, Goepper’s win has him surpassing freeskiing legend Tanner Hall in the record books to become the only skier to win X Games slopestyle four times. 

Norway’s Ferdinand Dahl took silver and Canada’s Evan McEachran went home with the bronze. 

The freeskiers closed out their X Games program with the crowd favorite knuckle huck, where Sweden's Henrik Harlaut earned his first-ever knuckle huck gold. 
 

RESULTS
Men’s ski slopestyle
Men’s ski knuckle huck

REPLAY
Men’s ski slopestyle
 

FOLLOW
Instagram -  @usfreeskiteam 
Facebook - @usskiandsnowboard
 

Interested in organization, athlete, and event related news?
Sign up for our Daily or Weekly Update

Learn more about how to support the U.S. Freeski & Snowboard Teams.
 

Chloe Kim remained podium perfect in the superpipe at X Games Aspen 2021 earning her sixth X Games gold, and eighth medal in as many X Games. Teammate Maddie Mastro claimed silver. 

After taking a year off the contest scene to attend Princeton University, Kim watched from afar as the gold medal was awarded to Spain’s Queralt Castellet’s at X Games Aspen 2020. On Saturday night, Kim made a statement through her riding that she is back, reclaiming gold and displaying serious toughness fighting through unforeseen challenges. 

“I have actually struggled a lot this week,” said Kim. “I was in the emergency room a few days ago after a really crazy allergic reaction where my throat closed up, and this morning my face was swollen. Then, after my first run slam, my ribs were bothering me, so I’m actually happy with how things worked out because it wasn’t looking so good when I woke up.”

The fact that Kim went on to land a solid second and third run to take the win while in pain and discomfort, makes her performance all the more impressive. 

One thing is for sure, despite taking the top two spots on the podium, there are some great runs left on the table for Kim and Mastro. Kim will look to incorporate her back-to-back 1080's and the frontside double cork 1080 that she has yet to land in competition. Mastro, despite landing the double crippler at multiple World Cups, has yet to take her signature trick to the Buttermilk superpipe. It’s safe to say great things are on the horizon for both U.S. Snowboard Team athletes. 

Haruna Matsumoto of Japan rounded out the podium earning bronze and 14-year-old Sonora Alba made her X Games debut as the youngest competitor at X Games Aspen finishing eighth. 

Earlier in the evening, U.S. Freeski Pro Team member Alex Hall claimed his fifth X Games medal. Hall used his creativity and consistency to his advantage to earn his first podium at X Games Aspen big air. Hall has a big day ahead of him with slopestyle and knuckle huck both on his agenda for Sunday.

“I have been trying to go mellow in practices, but it’s super fun to take part in all three events and I’m hyped for tomorrow,” said Hall. “I just hope I have some energy left for the morning, but no matter what, it will be fun to get back out here for another beautiful day of competition in Aspen.”

Hall stomped his signature switch double cork 1800 Buick and a new double cork 1620 Nose grab, completely capping the tip of his ski. At 6-foot, 4-inches tall, completing a nose grab while executing a massive rotation is quite the spectacle. 
 

The competition was full of many firsts for multiple athletes including Andri Ragettli of Switzerland, who landed a triple cork 1980 for the first time ever to take the win. Antoine Adelisse of France earned silver with no shortage of impressive tricks including a triple cork triple grab, which he referred to as the hardest trick in his arsenal. 

X Games snowboard and freeski action continues Sunday, Jan. 31 with a chock-full program including men’s snowboard slopestyle and women’s snowboard big air, which were added to the schedule after postponements on Saturday due to weather. 

Tune in to watch your favorite U.S. Snowboard and Freeski Team athletes as they take their final shot at taking home hardware from X Games Aspen 2021.

REPLAYS
Men’s ski big air
Women’s snowboard superpipe

RESULTS
Men’s ski big air
Women’s snowboard superpipe

HOW TO WATCH
Subject to change
All times EST
Next-day broadcast
@XGames - Streaming via YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter pages.

Sunday, Jan. 31
9:30 a.m. - Men’s snowboard slopestyle - Aspen, Colo. - @XGames
1:00 p.m. - Men’s ski slopestyle, women's snowboard slopestyle* - Aspen, Colo. - ABC
1:30 p.m. - Women’s snowboard big air - Aspen, Colo. - @XGames
8:30 p.m. - Men's snowboard superpipe, men’s snowboard big air, ski knuckle huck - Aspen, Colo. - ESPN

FOLLOW
Instagram - @ussnowboardteam
Instagram - @usfreeskiteam
Facebook - @usskiandsnowboard

Interested in organization, athlete, and event-related news?
Sign up for our Daily or Weekly Update

Learn more about how to support the U.S. Freeski & Snowboard Teams.
 

U.S. Freeski teammates Aaron Blunck and Birk Irving rose to the occasion under Friday night lights on day one of X Games Aspen. Blunck took silver after receiving medical clearance to compete only three weeks ago and Irving claimed his first X Games podium taking home the bronze. 

Despite crushing his own expectations and earning his third X Games medal, Blunck could not help but reflect on the bigger picture. 

“It’s incredible to have the opportunity to return to competition and bring back a bit of normalcy to the world,” he said in a calming voice as the adrenaline started to subside. “The pandemic has been hard for a lot of people and it’s made me feel privileged to be able to do what we do. I want to share a big thank you to Aspen and X Games for being so hospitable and welcoming us to town despite the difficult circumstances.”

Blunck did not just recover from minor injuries. His crash in October at Saas-Fee, Switzerland resulted in a grade three laceration on his kidney, a broken pelvis, six broken ribs, and a sprained wrist. In addition, both his lungs and heart were bruised. When asked about his recovery process and his vision for his first event back, it was clear he surprised himself.

“I didn’t get the ok to compete until about three weeks ago, so just being able to be here, skiing with good friends, and watching everyone throw down was amazing,” he said. “I couldn’t have done it without all my fellow competitors and teammates who have pushed me and got me back to where I want to be sooner than I ever could have expected.”

Following the event, Irving reflected on the challenge of carrying momentum from last season, and the work ethic that allowed him to stand atop his first X Games podium. 

“We all knew we would eventually be able to come back to competition, but we didn’t know when,” said Irving. “I tried to do my best to keep the momentum flowing from last year, but it wasn’t easy. I did my best to stay motivated and train for a day like today and an event like X Games. Honestly, I think I have never trained or worked as hard as I have over the past few weeks. I pushed myself as much as I possibly could. I knew I had to keep up with everyone’s pace of progression. Being on the podium for the first time at X Games with two legends like Aaron (Blunck) and Nico (Porteous) is a dream come true.”
 

Kiwi Nico Porteous took gold with no shortage of show-stopping maneuvers. Porteous landed consecutive 1620’s, a never been done combination in the halfpipe. 

For the women, China’s Eileen Gu topped the podium becoming the first X Games rookie to ever win gold in the superpipe. Canada’s Cassie Sharpe and Rachael Karker earned the silver and bronze, respectively. 

Women’s freeski big air also went down on Friday with Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland taking gold. After crashing on her first attempt, Gremaud rallied on her second attempt to land the first double cork 1440 in the women’s freeski competition. Canada’s Megan Oldham earned silver, and China’s Eileen Gu the bronze. U.S. Freeski Pro Team member Caroline Claire also had a strong day finishing fourth, landing a perfect switch double cork 900 and even more impressive switch double cork 1080. 

X Games freeski action continues tomorrow with women’s slopestyle and men’s big air. Tune in to watch your favorite U.S. Freeski Team athletes as they battle for their spot on the podium. 

REPLAYS
Women’s halfpipe finals
Men’s halfpipe finals
Women’s freeski big air

RESULTS
Women’s halfpipe finals
Men’s halfpipe finals
Women’s freeski big air

HOW TO WATCH
Subject to change
All times EST
@XGames - Streaming via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter pages.
*Same-day broadcast
**Next-day broadcast

Saturday, Jan. 30
1:00 p.m. - Women’s ski slopestyle, men’s snowboard slopestyle, women’s snowboard big air, women’s ski big air** - Aspen, Colo. - ABC
8:00 p.m. - Men’s ski big air - Aspen, Colo. - @XGames
10:00 p.m. - Women’s snowboard superpipe, men’s ski big air* - Aspen, Colo. - ESPN

Sunday, Jan. 31
1:00 p.m. - Men’s ski slopestyle, women’s snowboard slopestyle**, Aspen, Colo. - ABC
8:30 p.m. - Men’s snowboard superpipe, men’s snowboard big air, ski knuckle huck - Aspen, Colo. - ESPN

FOLLOW
Instagram - @usfreeskiteam
Facebook - @usskiandsnowboard

Interested in organization, athlete, and event related news?
Sign up for our Daily or Weekly Update

Learn more about how to support the U.S. Freeski & Snowboard Teams.
 

Twenty-eight U.S. freeskiers and snowboarders are set to compete at X Games Aspen 2021 at Buttermilk in Colorado Jan. 29-31. The event will feature men’s and women’s ski and snowboard competitions in the disciplines of slopestyle, halfpipe, big air, and knuckle huck. 

X Games Aspen will also mark the first North American world-class snowboard and freeski event and build momentum as the first back-to-back weekend of elite park and pipe competition this season following last weekend's Laax Open in Switzerland.

In women’s snowboard slopestyle, Jamie Anderson is the most decorated woman in X Games history with 17 medals. Coming hot off a clutch win at the Laax Open, she will be looking to add X Games medal number 18 to her collection.

"I’m so excited to be heading back to Aspen," said Anderson. "X games is one of my favorite events! I have been coming here since I was 13 and I believe I have only missed one year. It's such a trip how quick time goes and I'm grateful for the opportunity again this season."

For the men, Olympic gold medalist Red Gerard is looking to improve on last year’s bronze medal performance. Joining Gerard and making his X Games debut is 2020 U.S. Open silver medalist Dusty Henricksen. The 17-year-old prodigy has been quickly climbing the competitive snowboarding ladder and a podium at X Games would come as no surprise. 

In freeski slopestyle, Colby Stevenson put down a dominant performance last season to become the first X Games rookie to win gold. Stevenson also took gold in the inaugural ski knuckle huck event. 

“I’m feeling super fortunate that X Games is happening during these crazy times,” said Stevenson. “Although there won’t be energy from the crowd we have all come to expect, we will still be pushing ourselves to land the best run possible. There’s nothing more fun than trying to land the most technical run you can think of and that should make for an excellent show.”

Over at the pipe, hometown hero Alex Ferreira is coming off of back-to-back wins in Aspen and will be shooting for the three-peat this year, but it won’t come easy. Alex will have last year’s X Games halfpipe silver medalist, two-time FIS World Champion, and 2019 FIS Crystal Globe winner Aaron Blunck hot on his heels. X Games will serve as Blunck’s first competition back after a horrific crash at Saas-Fee training camp in October. Blunck suffered a grade three laceration on his kidney, a broken pelvis, six broken ribs, and a sprained wrist. In addition, both his lungs and heart were bruised.

“I’m super excited to be back competing again,” said Blunck. “Although I have been working hard throughout my recovery, I am still in shock that I am cleared to ski this soon and I’m beyond grateful for it. I want to come out and do this X Games for myself and for those who supported me through this injury.”

Olympic gold medalists Chloe Kim and Shaun White headline the start list for the snowboarders in the pipe. Kim returned to the contest scene in style last weekend with a victory at the Laax Open after a 22-month hiatus and left a few tricks up her sleeve including back to back 1080’s and the frontside double cork 1080 she’s yet to land in competition. White did not attend the Laax Open and preserved his energy ahead of his first competition since the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Games. X Games Aspen 2021 will be his 25th X Games appearance over the past 21 years and, at 34, he'll be the oldest athlete in the field.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, X Games Aspen 2021 will be closed to the public and produced with comprehensive COVID-19 risk mitigation protocols in place for participants and staff.

ESPN, ABC and ESPN2 will televise a combined 13.5 hours of live X Games Aspen competition, which will also be accessible via the ESPN App to viewers who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider. In addition, four hours of exclusive coverage of X Games Aspen 2021 will be streamed on the @XGames YouTube, Facebook and Twitter pages. Extensive coverage will also be featured across XGames.com, the X Games Aspen App, @XGames on Instagram, Snapchat and more.

Tune in to watch your favorite U.S. Freeski and Snowboard Team athletes take to the famed courses at X Games Aspen 2021. 
 

HOW TO WATCH 
Subject to change
All times EST
@XGames - Streaming via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter pages.
*Same-day broadcast
**Next-day broadcast

Friday, Jan. 29
2:00 p.m. - Women’s snowboard slopestyle - Aspen, Colo. - @XGames
4:00 p.m. - Women’s ski big air - Aspen, Colo. - @XGames
8:00 p.m. - Snowboard knuckle huck - Aspen, Colo. - @XGames
9:00 p.m. - Women’s ski superpipe - Aspen, Colo. - @XGames
10:30 p.m. - Men’s ski superpipe, snowboard knuckle huck* - Aspen, Colo. - ESPN2

Saturday, Jan. 30
1:00 p.m. - Women’s ski slopestyle, men’s snowboard slopestyle, women’s snowboard big air, women’s ski big air** - Aspen, Colo. - ABC
8:00 p.m. - Men’s ski big air - Aspen, Colo. - @XGames
10:00 p.m. - Women’s snowboard superpipe, men’s ski big air* - Aspen, Colo. - ESPN

Sunday, Jan. 31
1:00 p.m. - Men’s ski slopestyle, women’s snowboard slopestyle**, Aspen, Colo. - ABC
8:30 p.m. - Men’s snowboard superpipe, men’s snowboard big air, ski knuckle huck - Aspen, Colo. - ESPN

ATHLETES
X Games Debut*

Snowboard
Red Gerard - SS
Dusty Henricksen* – SS, BA, KH
Judd Henkes - SS
Jamie Anderson – SS, BA, KH
Hailey Langland - SS
Julia Marino – SS, BA
Taylor Gold - HP
Chase Josey - HP
Toby Miller - HP
Shaun White - HP
Sonora Alba* – HP
Chloe Kim - HP
Maddie Mastro - HP
Chris Corning - BA
Lyon Farrell - KH, SS
Jake Canter - KH

Freeski
Nick Goepper - SS
Alex Hall – SS, BA, KH
Colby Stevenson – SS, KH
Caroline Claire – SS, BA
Aaron Blunck – HP
Alex Ferreira – HP
Birk Irving – HP
David Wise – HP
Annalisa Drew – HP
Devin Logan – HP
Brita Sigourney – HP
Quinn Wolferman – BA, KH

FOLLOW
Instagram - @ussnowboardteam
Facebook - @usskiandsnowboard

Interested in organization, athlete, and event related news?
Sign up for our Daily or Weekly Update

Learn more about how to support the U.S. Freeski & Snowboard Teams.
 

The U.S. Revolution Tour will once again support the freeski and snowboard development pipeline with back-to-back weeks of FIS NorAm competition. The 17th edition of the Rev Tour kicks off at Buttermilk in Aspen, Colo., and marks a new collaboration with the esteemed Aspen Snowmass Open.

“We want to thank the freeski and snowboard community for their support and patience as we navigate the challenging landscape for hosting competitions this season,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Events Manager Sarah Emery. “We owe a huge shout out to our amazing resort partners for their continued support and dedication to delivering safe and progressive competitions. We are excited about our new partnership with the Aspen Snowmass Open and look forward to adding snowboard back to this legacy event.”

The Rev Tour at the Aspen Snowmass Open is set to kick things off with halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air competitions Feb. 21-26. Competitions will take place on the X Games Aspen courses, providing a taste of what it takes to compete at the pinnacle of freeski and snowboard competition. 

The Rev Tour is focused on athletes 13-19 years of age and awards top athletes an invite to compete in the U.S. Grand Prix, Junior Worlds, and participate in Project Gold camps. Events are open to prequalified athletes, but additional opportunities also are available to earn a chance to compete. 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s continued partnership with USASA and The Futures Tour provides an avenue for athletes to qualify for the Rev Tour as a “last chance qualifier” into the current season, as well as solidify their prequalified spot for 2021-22 season. Athletes can also register an alternate, in which case FIS and World Snowboard Points List rankings will determine the athletes selected to complete the field. 

All events are contingent on local and state health department approvals based on existing and future COVID-19 rules and regulations. FIS, U.S. Ski & Snowboard, local organizing committees, and host venues are taking a unified approach consistent with guidance from federal, state, and local health authorities.

For More Information Contact:
Lyndsay Gang
Events Administrative Coordinator 
lyndsay.gang@usskiandsnowboard.org
 

The world was watching as U.S. Freeski Pro Team member Colby Stevenson stormed out of nowhere in 2020 to win two gold medals at X Games Aspen, plus the coveted Best In Snow award as a rookie in X Games competition. What many don't know is that Stevenson suffered a traumatic brain injury following a car accident in 2016. Doctors didn’t know if he would walk again, let alone ski. However, Stevenson’s recovery was mighty, with the contest results to prove it. Today, Stevenson is a household name in elite-level freeski competition, but there’s more to Colby Stevenson than just gold medals and a comeback story. 
 

The Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund has exceeded its $3M goal, raising more than $3,075,000 to support all athletes and teams during these uncertain and unprecedented times. 

Just over three months after launching the Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has announced the fund has reached and exceeded its original goal of $3M, raising over $3,075,000. In creating the fund, the Shiffrin family, coupled with six families of generous donors, wanted to honor both Jeff’s legacy, as well as contribute to the ongoing pursuit of excellence for all athletes across all sports. Better days are still ahead, and the thrill and challenge of athletes’ Olympic dreams are worth fighting for. 

With challenges, come opportunities. 

The Shiffrin family believes that great goals can be achieved through hard work, discipline, and resiliency. The goal of the Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund is to keep athletes’ skis and boards on the snow, despite potential storms ahead. The Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund will sustain coaching, training camps, and competition expenses now, and hopefully, help bridge the gap through the end of the 2022 fiscal year.

“It is an honor to share that we have fully funded the Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund,” said Tiger Shaw, President, and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “We are incredibly grateful to Mikaela, her mother Eileen, and brother Taylor, as well as the six families who helped launch the Fund, for their hard work and energy in creating this crucial piece of funding for our athletes and teams. I can think of no better way of honoring Jeff than by ensuring athletes have access to the resources they need.” 

Shiffrin rallied a crew of alumni athletes and current athletes who embody the definition of “resiliency,” including Olympic champions Jonny Mosely, Kikkan Randall, Jessie Diggins as well as three-time World Champion Jeremy Bloom and three-time World Cup winner and Land Rover U.S. Alpine Ski Team downhiller Steven Nyman, to share their unique stories of resilience. In addition, over 30 athletes across sports shared their stories of resilience in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s social media challenge to #KeepTheFlameAlive. Donations flooded in from around the world, including 19 different countries, and 39 states—with Colorado and New York amassing the most donations. From Latvia to Great Britain and even Luxembourg, U.S. Ski & Snowboard fans from around the world donated and shared their words of encouragement with Shiffrin and her teammates. 

“I am so full of gratitude, first, for my teammates for being open and courageous as they shared their stories of resilience...and, of course, to U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the donor families who worked tirelessly to make this Fund a reality,” said Shiffrin. “Finally, I’m thankful to all of those who donated, sent words of encouragement, and shared their own stories of resilience via social media. It was really heartwarming to see all of the feedback, and I know my dad would have been so proud of this project and so excited to see athletes across U.S. Ski & Snowboard off to such a strong start this season. Thank you.” 

A big thanks is in order to all of the generous donors and to all of the athletes, led by Shiffrin, for their outreach to their personal networks. The fund has allowed U.S. Ski & Snowboard to sustain our training and competition schedule as many funding sources were impacted due to COVID. This has translated into one of the most successful seasons in history, as we have amassed 27 podiums and eight victories this season across all sports—including a historic Tour de Ski win by Olympic Champion Jessie Diggins—which is a direct result of the consistent funding. On top of that, many athletes have reached the podium for the first time, the points for the first time, and have also enjoyed career-best results. 

“This past year has been a master class in resilience, for our organization and our athletes,” added Shaw. “Through this Fund, we will be able to bridge the gap caused by challenges relating to the global pandemic, and beyond. I am humbled by the continued generosity of our donors and supporters, we could not do what we do without the passionate team behind the team.’  

“We have had an incredible start to this competition season, and remain grateful to be able to train and compete. This is an important year for us in the run-up to the next Olympics. As medical advances are made and some sense of normalcy returns to the world, we look forward to a brighter 2021, and we cannot wait to celebrate with the world in Beijing in 2022.“

We are now shifting our focus to our annual alpine and freeski and snowboard sport fundraisers to further support the travel costs of each team. 

For more information about the Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund visit keeptheflamealive.org. 

Learn more about the upcoming Land Rover U.S. Alpine Ski Team fundraiser. 
Learn more about the upcoming freeski/snowboard fundraiser. 
Learn more about how to support the U.S. Freestyle Moguls Ski Team.