Snowmobile competitions are returning for the first time in five years to the X Games in Aspen. This is just one recent change to the quickly evolving games under CEO Jeremy Bloom. Other changes include ticketed events, AI judging, sports betting and an X Games League.

In the past year, President Donald Trump has signed several executive orders rolling back protections for the LGBTQ+ community, increasing tariffs and banning immigrants from other countries. Attendees report that this has changed some things this year, but it is not stopping them from celebrating the queer community.

The late guitarist and songwriter attended Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs in the early sixties — before he was kicked out and co-founded the band.

The U.S. Grand Prix wrapped up on Saturday, and it was the last chance for some athletes to secure a spot in February’s Winter Olympics. While Roaring Fork Valley locals did not fare well in the competition, three new athletes were added to the U.S. freeski and snowboard teams from Evergreen, Winter Park and Bend, Oregon.

Saturday’s competition is the last chance for racers to make it to the Olympics in February. Olympic rosters will be announced at Gondola Plaza at the base of Aspen Mountain following the races.

In the past year, AspenOUT has seen a sharp rise in mental health and therapy needs in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. Since Kimberly Kuliga began her tenure as the nonprofit’s executive director, she has been collecting feedback on how best to serve the LGBTQIA+ community. This story is part of our “On the Ground” radio series.

Researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa are using Okinawan songs to learn about climate and geology. Our Living Lands Producer Daniel Spaulding spoke with Justin Higa, a postdoctoral fellow and a Ryukyuan traditional music practitioner, about the connections between climate, music, and culture.

The $120 million real estate sale has been shrouded in confidentiality, but Kaya Williams has insights into what might happen next to the 3,700-acre property in Old Snowmass. She broke news of the sale for Aspen Journalism and the Aspen Daily News on Dec. 17.

This year’s “Home/Un Hogar” exhibit did not receive a public opening reception, and students’ full names and photos are not published with their art.

The Aspen Jewish Congregation has seen a big turnout at its Hanukkah events this week, despite news of an antisemitic attack in Australia that killed 15 people on Sunday.