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WINTER X GAMES 16 LAUNCHES INTO ASPEN – DAY 1 RECAP

Winter X 16 is officially under way, and Action Recon will have updates, results, and highlights all weekend, so stay tuned.

Most importantly, with the free ski and snowboard world focused on Aspen, Colorado, Winter X Games 16 started off with a heartfelt tribute to Sarah Burke.

Skiers, snowboarders, family, and friends held a candlelight vigil at the top of the half pipe and headed downhill in her honour. This was where she was happiest, and the 6 time X Games Gold Medallist will never be forgotten.

Sarah Burke Memorial:

Day 1 showcased free ski slope style, where Kaya Turski and Tom Wallisch took the top of the podium for girls and guys respectively. The free ski slopestyle course required numerous doubles and right and left (don’t ask) spins. I understand regular vs switch in snowboarding and skiing in terms of scoring and difficulty…but right side vs. left side? While the skiers are no doubt killing it and going huge, their mockery will continue…what’s next?

I can just hear the announcers now (insert cheesy announcer voice here)…”And now, “Sven Daffymeister drops in for his first 720, goggled, and then launches into another 720 – without goggles! On his third hit, he’s going for a 900 daffy to backscratcher, and…are you kidding? He’s throwing away his poles mid air! He’s really stepping up his game today!”

Ridiculous.

But the ski slope world has been blowing up, and the level of riding is truly off the charts.

Check out Tom Wallisch:

And on the Ladies side, here is Kaya Turski, taking home her 3rd straight X Games Gold in Ski Slopestyle:

Next up, Colten Moore took the gold in Snowmobile FMX, on a huge, expanded course (half snow half astro turf) now that Snowmobile Cross is out of the mix. Colten took gold, Joe Parsons took silver, and Colten’s brother, Caleb Moore, joined him on the podium for bronze. The two brothers hail from Texas (yes Texas), and had never even been on snowmobiles until three years ago when they decided to get into the sport.

I’m no snowmobile expert; in fact, all that I know how to do with a snowmobile is to crash it and get it stuck in powder. So congrats to Moore on his medal-winning run.

Yesterday also saw what was by far the coolest X Street course, including a closeout and a shipping container/wallride feature. The invite list was a stacked one, and in the end, Forest Bailey came out on top.

Forest Bailey:

One of the most-discussed stories from yesterday came from Snowboard Slopestyle practice, where Shaun White sprained his ankle. The one to beat in half pipe, White was also slated to qualify for slope. Today, White has officially pulled out of slope style, and hopefully will be cleared to ride in pipe.

Last year, White rode slope but failed to qualify for the finals. It would have been interesting to see what he’s been up to for the past year, and to see how his riding would stack up against the Toots/McMorris/Guldemond/Willett army.

Stay tuned for more updates and results right here at Action Recon…