Great Britain’s Mia Brookes showcased her talent at the women’s snowboard slopestyle final during X Games Aspen, held on January 23, 2026, at Buttermilk Ski Area. The teenager clinched the gold medal with a remarkable score of 96.33, proving her prowess in a fiercely competitive field despite challenging weather conditions characterized by low light and gusting winds.
This event marked the continuation of the 25-year tradition of X Games Aspen. The slopestyle competition saw Brookes repeat her success from 2024, where she also took home the gold, and build on last year’s performance where she secured a bronze behind New Zealand’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott. Sadowski-Synnott earned the silver medal this time with a score of 93, while Japan’s Cocomo Murase took bronze with 89.66.
The course measured approximately 1,700 feet and included six features with a vertical drop of 290 feet. Competitors were evaluated on criteria such as progression, execution, difficulty, variety, and amplitude. In her winning run, Brookes utilized a combination of impressive tricks, including a Cab 1440, which she attributed to the calming influence of heavy-metal music her headphones provided.
Notably, Olympic gold medalist Jamie Anderson made her return to competition after taking time off to focus on motherhood. Despite her experience, Anderson finished eighth, falling during her final run as she looked to regain her competitive edge after not participating in X Games Aspen since 2022.
The action continued later in the day with the women’s ski knuckle huck event, which emphasizes creativity and fun. Salt Lake City’s Marin Hamill, aged 24, secured the gold medal with a standout performance showcasing her favorite trick, a zero spin. France’s Alais Develay earned bronze in her first X Games appearance, impressively performing a backslide on the knuckle.
Despite the weather affecting visibility, the athletes persevered, with each step on the course highlighting their creativity and passion for the sport. The event also took a serious turn when Montana’s Grace Elden experienced a hard fall during her run, necessitating assistance from Buttermilk Ski Patrol.
As the X Games continue through the weekend, the spotlight remains on the talent and resilience of female athletes in winter sports. The competition, which began on Friday, promises more thrilling moments, with an emphasis on the fun and dynamic nature of events such as the knuckle huck. For the latest updates and schedules, fans can visit xgames.com.