Just like the two Winter X Games that preceded it, recently concluded Winter X Games 14 at Aspen’s Buttermilk Mountain set records for viewership and ratings since the ESPN-owned event began in 1997. More than 43 million viewers tuned in to watch on ESPN and ESPN2. Those channels televised 24.5 hours of live high-definition programming Jan. 28-31. The Winter X Games were also televised on ESPN’s international networks to 172 countries and territories in Latin America, the Pacific Rim, Middle East, Africa, Israel and Canada.
The Winter X Games set an attendance record in their ninth year in Aspen with an estimated total of 84,100 spectators over four days.
First Descents schedule set.
Colorado-based First Descents camps for young adult cancer patients recently announced its 2010 schedule of 15 one-week adventure sports camps. Founded by professional kayaker Brad Ludden of Vail, the camps this year will expand their adventure sports program to include five camps focused specifically on climbing and mountaineering activities. Four of those camps will be held in Estes Park and the other in Moab beginning in April. Remaining camps will take place in Vail; White Salmon, Wash.; and Kalispell, Mont.
To learn more, visit .
Fastest rock climber to meet fans.
Considered the world’s fastest rock climber, Hans Florine will host a presentation and book signing at Neptune Mountaineering (633 South Broadway) in Boulder at 7 p.m. Thursday. Florine holds numerous speed climbing records in Yosemite National Park and around the world, including climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in 2 hours and 37 minutes. He is an international rock climbing champion, a three-time ESPN X Games champion and a nine-time national champion. Tickets are $10.
Scott Willoughby, The Denver Post
