In January 1996, the event known as "The Extreme Games", officially changed its name to what we know today, The X Games. After 2 successful Spring/Summer X-Games the decision was made to host a Winter version of the popular action sports competition. The site of the first-ever Winter X Games was announced at a press conference on June 30. Snow Summit Mountain Resort in Big Bear Lake, California, would host competitions in snowboarding, ice climbing, snow mountain bike racing, super-modified shovel racing and a crossover multi-sport event.
In 1997 from January 30 through February 2, the inaugural Winter X Games were televised to 198 countries and territories in 21 different languages. This is the first year that ABC Sports broadcasts an X Games event. More than 38,000 spectators make the trek to Big Bear Lake for four days of competition.
While not everyones cup of tea, the Winter X Games allows athletes to always push themselves farther and farther every year. For 3 days every year, people not invovled in these winter activities get to feast their eyes on what drives people like you and me to get out on the snow and ride as many days as possible.
This weekend marks the 15th year the X Games will be happening. While many of the tricks may not be new to you or me, one thing is for sure, we will never grow tired of watching our favorite athletes push their limits and luck further.
Here is a copy of this weekends event schedule.
