Winter X Games Europe in Tignes

• The first Winter X Games Europe took place in Tignes in 2010.
• It was the first Winter X Games held outside the United States.
• The premiere featured eight disciplines, including ski superpipe and slopestyle.
• The event returned to Tignes from 16 to 18 March 2011.
• Winter X Games Europe ran in Tignes from 2010 to 2013.
• The competitions included ski and snowboard disciplines.

From 10 to 12 March 2010, the Winter X Games format came to Europe for the first time. Tignes in the French Alps became the first venue outside the United States. Ski superpipe and slopestyle were among the eight announced disciplines, alongside snowboard competitions. Ski athletes including Sarah Burke, Simon Dumont and Jacob Wester were announced. Burke had won gold in the superpipe at the 2009 Winter X Games.

The move brought an international action-sports competition to an established winter-sports destination. Dedicated superpipe and slopestyle courses were prepared for the ski and snowboard events. The format combined disciplines held on constructed features with a multi-day event. Tignes therefore belongs to the history of park freestyle rather than competitions on natural freeride faces.

ESPN announced the second Winter X Games Europe for 16–18 March 2011 in Tignes. More than 125 athletes were expected to compete in ski and snowboard events. The series remained at the resort through 2013, ending after four editions between 2010 and 2013.

Winter X Games Europe illustrates the international expansion of the X Games and the growing visibility of freestyle disciplines beyond the United States. Unlike the Freeride World Tour on natural mountain faces, these competitions relied on specially built pipe and slopestyle courses. The urban course of Red Bull PlayStreets in Bad Gastein shows another way to stage freeskiing. Together with other freestyle and freeride events, the Tignes editions reflect the international development of park sport.