After the opening-night crowds Thursday were treated to a flurry of flakes, the weather broke for fans and competitors to enjoy Days 2 and 3 of the X Games. On-mountain counts registered 4 inches of snow overnight Thursday, but Friday and Saturday the skies were blue, and the athletes took advantage.
With more than 250 competitors at this year’s X Games, fans standing near a venue didn’t have to wait long to see bodies flying off jumps all over Buttermilk Mountain.
Much of the first two days was spent in practice sessions and qualifiers for the 17 events. Saturday the bulk of the $1 million in prize money was doled out. There were six finals Saturday and six more today, with the games’ biggest draw — men’s snowboard superpipe — ending the festivities under the lights tonight. And for those fans who get a little tired of standing on the hill, the base at Buttermilk has been lined with vendors. Anything from razor blades to foam hats in the shape of a taco to posters from Navy recruiters are free for the taking as fans make their way through the maze of booths.
