X Games Aspen 2026 burst into life with an electrifying opening day, as six world-class competitions set the tone for an unforgettable weekend in the Colorado mountains. From historic podium moments to jaw-dropping technical progression, Day One showcased the very best of action sports under the Aspen lights.
The opening slate featured Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle, Women’s Ski Knuckle Huck, Women’s Snowboard SuperPipe, Women’s Ski SuperPipe, Men’s Ski Big Air, and the long-awaited return of Snowmobile Freestyle, marking its first appearance since 2020.
Jeep Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle
Fresh off her 19th birthday, Mia Brooks (GBR) delivered a statement performance. Holding first place throughout the contest, Brooks elevated her final run to a massive 96.33, securing her second X Games gold medal and fourth career medal in just her second X Games appearance.
Behind her, Zoi Sadowski-Synott (NZL) made a dramatic climb from last place heading into Run 3, jumping into silver. Japan’s Cocomo Murase (JPN) earned bronze after narrowly missing the landing on a triple cork 1440 attempt. Both Brooks and Murase are competing across Big Air, Slopestyle and Knucklehuck this weekend.
“It was really sic to win a second gold here. I did not expect it. I was just having the best time and obviously that led to best results.”
Mia Brooks said:
Winning Run Highlights:
Cab 270 front board to switch, half Cab to backside 360 off, boardslide 270 out, frontside 360 frontside grab, backside 1260 melon over the channel gap, Cab 1440 stalefish.
Women’s Ski Knuckle Huck
The Women’s Ski Knuckle Huck final brought together a diverse international field representing five countries. In just her second X Games appearance, Marin Hamill (USA) stood out with creativity, precision and flow.
Hamill, a two-time World Cup podium finisher and recent silver medalist at the January 2026 Laax World Cup, impressed judges with her switch right tail butter 720, the single best trick of the competition.
“I came here with four tricks in mind and I was just stoked to land it. I’m trying to figure out the course for slopestyle but looking forward to it on Sunday.”
Marin Hamill said:
Women’s Snowboard SuperPipe
Under falling snow and bright night lights, the Women’s Snowboard SuperPipe final delivered a changing of the guard. Two 16-year-old Japanese riders dominated the field of eight, electrifying the Aspen crowd.
Sara Shimizu (JPN) claimed gold with a standout run featuring a massive double cork 1080, scoring 95.33 and upgrading her 2025 bronze to gold. Rookie Rise Kudo (JPN) impressed with a near-flawless run to earn silver, while veteran Queralt Castellet (ESP) completed the podium with bronze at age 36.
Sara Shimizu Winning Run:
Frontside double cork 1080 truck driver, Cab 720 Weddle, crippler, back 900 Weddle, frontside 720 frontside grab.
Women’s Ski SuperPipe
The Women’s Ski SuperPipe final was stacked with Olympians and X Games veterans, but the night belonged to Zoe Atkin (GBR). The Park City-based skier delivered a flawless opening run packed with amplitude, clean grabs and four-way spins to earn her second X Games gold medal.
Australian rookie Indra Brown (AUS) made history at just 15 years, 11 months, becoming the youngest woman ever to medal in Ski SuperPipe with silver. Defending champion Cassie Sharpe (CAN) took bronze.
“Winning my second X Games gold means so much to me. X Games has incredible history, and it’s been a huge part of my journey… Standing back on top of the podium feels full circle, especially heading into the Olympics.”
Zoe Atkin said:
Winning Run Highlights:
Left 540 mute (16 feet above the deck), right 720 lead tail, switch left 720 Japan, alley-oop variations and switch 720 lead safety.
Men’s Ski Big Air Final
Mac Forehand (USA) rose to the moment with one of the most technical tricks of the night, stomping a switch triple cork 2160 mute for a score of 96.00, earning his second career X Games gold — both in Big Air.
Luca Harrington (NZL), competing in a short-sleeve tee, landed a switch right triple cork 1980 ESCO grab for silver, while Dylan Deschamps (CAN) rounded out the podium with bronze.
“That was definitely the best 21 I’ve ever done… The format worked out for me. I’m so stoked!”
Mac Forehand said:
Snowmobile Freestyle Final
The emotional finale of Day One was the return of Snowmobile Freestyle, back for the first time since 2020. Legends of the sport, including Levi Lavalle, Heath Frisby, and Chris Burandt, were on hand for the historic moment.
Canada’s Brett Turcotte delivered a dominant first run and held the lead to secure gold, edging out defending champion Cody Matechuk (CAN). Turcotte’s win marked a powerful comeback after a sixth-place finish in 2020.
“I didn’t want to go there for anything less than gold… This one meant the most to me. The crowd is into it!”
Brett Turcotte said:
Winning Run Included:
KOD flip, holy grab to rock solid, Hart attack flip, supercan flip, Rowdova flip and double grab flip.
More Than Competition
Beyond the action, opening day festivities featured a national anthem performance by rising country star Kameron Marlowe, alongside music sets from DJ duo Tessla and dance music standout Disco Lines.
For the first time ever, X Games Aspen 2026 offers free admission to daytime competitions and X Fest activities. Evening events are sold out, underscoring the massive demand for this year’s Games.
Day One at X Games Aspen 2026 delivered history, heart and next-level progression — and with more medals still to be decided, the weekend is only just getting started.
