The First-Ever Canadian X Games is Coming to Calgary

WinSport will host X Games’ Canadian debut of the MoonPay XGL Winter Season, bringing its iconic sports culture as the world’s best skiers and snowboarders go head-to-head for rival clubs.

Calgary, Canada (September 14, 2026) – Following a competitive global bid process, Calgary has been selected to host X Games Calgary from February 19-21, 2027. X Games Calgary will feature the world’s best skiers and snowboarders competing in Big Air, Knucklehuck, Slopestyle and Superpipe along with two nights of major music performances at WinSport's Canada Olympic Park – the iconic home of the Calgary 1988 Olympic Games.

 As a city that has always had action sports in its DNA, Calgary will be the second stop in the three-city inaugural XGL Winter Season, bringing together action sport athletes and passionate fans for a celebration of sport, culture and music. Adding to the excitement, the SnowRodeo FIS World Cup takes place as the lead up to the weekend with top snowboard and freeski athletes competing in Halfpipe.

 “What an incredible win for Calgary to be the only Canadian city selected to host such an internationally acclaimed event,” said Jeromy Farkas, Mayor of Calgary. “Calgary is growing as a global hub for sport and culture, and welcoming the X Games is an opportunity to show the world the hospitality, spirit and character that makes this city so special.”

The debut of the XGL Winter Season is an exciting new era for X Games. Rather than competing solely for individual medals, athletes also earn points for their clubs - including X Games Club (XC) Whistler - throughout the season, creating an ongoing championship race while preserving the individual progression and creativity at the heart of X Games.

Jeremy Bloom, the CEO of X Games, sees Calgary as a cornerstone of the newly launched MoonPay X Games League.

“Bringing Winter X Games to Canada has been a priority for us,” said Bloom. “Canadian athletes have won 366 X Games medals, second-most of any country in the world. Calgary has the history, infrastructure and winter sports culture to make X Games feel at home. With XC Whistler in the league and Calgary on the calendar, Canadian fans now have a club to rally behind and an X Games event of their own.”

Calgary will join beloved ski resort destinations, Aspen, Colorado and Ruka, Finland, as hosts of the first winter season of the XGL set to kick-off in early 2027.

 “X Games League is a natural fit for a city with our winter-sport legacy, adventurous spirit and passion for hosting.” said Alisha Reynolds, President and CEO of Tourism Calgary. “Beyond generating $25 million in economic impact for our visitor economy, this event will showcase Calgary to the world as an exciting, year-round destination and give athletes and fans from around the world an unforgettable Canadian experience.”

Over the past decade, Craig McMorris has become the voice of action sports across North America, trailblazing his path as both a pro snowboarder and broadcaster. But his story has a deep connection to WinSport where he and his brother, Mark, first discovered that their passion for snowboarding could become a professional endeavour.

“Winsport and Calgary hold a very special place in my heart. It's where Mark and I learned all of our fundamentals. It's also where Mark and I won our first snowboard competitions. Now it’s home to the X Games - the future of snowboarding in Western Canada just got much brighter.”

For the X Games Calgary bid lead Russell Reimer, it was the strength of the volunteer, community, sport and athlete support that led to the winning bid. “Our bid was entitled ‘Made for This’ and with our partners Canada Snowboard, Freestyle Canada and WinSport, we knew that we could deliver a city-stopping X Games experience,” he said.

 Additional Quotes:

“WinSport was built for moments like this. With world-class training and competition facilities, a rich history of hosting major events, and the excitement of our new Day Lodge welcoming guests for its first full season, we are proud to welcome the X Games to Calgary and WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park. X Games Calgary will be the largest winter sport event that we’ve hosted since Calgary ’88, and we are ready and excited for it.”  - Barry Heck, CEO, WinSport

“We’re thrilled to see MoonPay X Games League choose Calgary for their inaugural Canadian event. MoonPay X Games League, in collaboration with Canada Snowboard and Freestyle Ski Canada, exemplifies an incredible opportunity for Canadians, Albertans, Calgarians and our snowboard and freeski fans and athletes - who are some of the best in the world. Having our SnowRodeo FIS World Cup kick off the week will bring incredible competition and energy that will carry into a fantastic weekend, creating an unmatched winter sports experience in Calgary.” -Dustin Heise, CEO, Canada Snowboard

“I’m so pumped that the X Games League is coming to Calgary. WinSport is a pretty special place for me. It’s where I got my first World Cup podium, so I’ve got a lot of history and a lot of great memories there. To now have the first X Games League event in Canada happening at the same venue is honestly pretty cool. It’s going to be awesome to compete in front of Canadian fans, at a place that means so much to me, and hopefully put on a really good show. I can’t wait.” - Liam Brearley, snowboarder and Canada’s first male snowboard slopestyle world champion from Gravenhurst, Ontario.

“It's incredible to see X Games coming to Calgary, especially because it's where I learned many of my very first tricks as a kid. To come back and compete here feels like a full circle moment. The energy, progression, and community that X Games brings are unmatched and I'm excited for Canada to experience this electric atmosphere and action sports culture firsthand.”  - Megan Oldham, freeskier and eight-time X Games medalist, including three golds from Parry Sound, Ontario

For more information:

Valerie Ball
Tourism Calgary
403-614-2032