Aspen Set To Host Major Snowboarding Event Prior To PyeongChang Games

Snowmass in Aspen is expected to host a U.S. Grand Prix snowboarding event "one month before" the start of the '18 PyeongChang Games, according to Madeleine Osberger of the ASPEN DAILY NEWS. U.S. Ski Association officials would not confirm the event, but a bid for the U.S. Grand Prix "was discussed last week during the bi-monthly gathering of the Snowmass Marketing, Group Sales and Events board." A source said that it was confirmed on Tuesday "during a separate meeting." The U.S. Grand Prix is "considered a premier competition for elite riders," and it has "showcased emerging snowboard talent since its advent" in '96. The event would be held "during the second week of January, about two weeks before X Games Aspen." The U.S. Grand Prix tour during the '16-17 season held events at Copper Mountain, Colo.; Solitude Mountain, Utah; and Mammoth Mountain, Calif. (ASPEN DAILY NEWS, 6/15).