U.S. Ski & Snowboard and X Games announced today a strategic partnership to create The Winter X Games Series, including the U.S. Ski & Snowboard-hosted FIS World Cup events, the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix and Visa Big Air presented by Toyota, alongside Winter X Games.
According to a press release, X Games and U.S. Ski & Snowboard aim to further elevate snowboarding and freeskiing competition, including creating an athletic pathway to the Winter X Games.
Winners of the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix and Visa Big Air events will receive guaranteed invitations to Winter X. The next podium place will be invited if the winners have already secured an invitation.
Additionally, freeskiers and snowboarders will have the opportunity to rise to the X Games based on results from the Revolution Tour, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s development series, which will also be co-branded with X Games.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard and X Games will also collaborate on the calendar and events, including adding X Games-specific disciplines such as knuckle huck and street style to the U.S. World Cup weekends, which already include FIS-level halfpipe, slopestyle and big air.
The collaboration will also involve co-branding and co-promotion efforts. U.S. Ski & Snowboard and X Games will also share content, ensuring comprehensive coverage and extending the reach for all events and athletes.
“Collaborating with X Games is an exciting step forward in our mission to provide more world class competitive opportunities for freeskiers and snowboarders,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, U.S. Ski & Snowboard president and CEO. “With the recent announcements from X Games regarding their expansion to include more events in various locations and Shaun White’s Snow League, these sports have unmistakable momentum in the market and we are enthusiastic to work together to see them grow.”