the mommy avenger

Salt Lake City, you brought the heat—and I’m not just talking about the sun bouncing off all that concrete and metal. The X Games Salt Lake City 2025 absolutely crushed it in its debut year, turning up the volume on every level for the 30th anniversary of the legendary extreme sports event. This cool weekend outing proved to be a heart-pounding, jaw-dropping, “how-are-they-even-doing-that?” kind of experience that had our entire family hooked from the second we arrived.

We were there for Day 2 of the three-day celebration of BMX, skateboarding, and Moto X madness, and let me tell you: Salt Lake City proved it belongs on the global action sports map. This wasn’t just a couple of ramps and a merch tent. This was an all-out, nonstop festival with more than 100 of the world’s top athletes flipping, spinning, and flying through the air in events like Park, Street, Vert, and Best Trick. And the crowd? PACKED and loving every second.

One of the best things about the X Games was that something exciting was always happening. While the skateboard park and street finals were throwing down wild tricks just steps away, we could hear the roar of engines as Moto X riders practiced for the whip competition. There was no downtime. None. You could be watching a world-record-holding skater stick a flawless run, turn your head, and suddenly see a dirt bike flying sideways midair. It was as if the whole event was running on adrenaline.

But here’s the part that totally stole the show for the kids: the open halfpipe and skatepark area. This genius idea gave everyone—from tiny groms to seasoned skaters—a chance to jump on their boards or scooters and try out the ramps. We spent a good chunk of the afternoon watching kids of all ages show off their tricks, cheer each other on, and ride side-by-side with some seriously talented locals. Our own kids were practically glowing after their turn—and now we may be adding “build backyard skatepark” to our summer to-do list.

Of course, the action on the main stages was unreal. BMX Park kicked off the day with Virginia Beach’s Justin Dowell rising from alternate to champion with a clean 900 and an energy that matched the crowd’s buzz. Skateboard Park saw 18-year-old Gavin Bottger finally snag his first X Games gold with a 92.33, and I swear you could feel the love when the crowd erupted for his final run. And then there was Tom Schaar, quietly breaking his tie with Tony Hawk for most skateboard X Games medals. Seventeen. SEVENTEEN!

Women were dominating too—Mizuho Hasegawa crushed the Vert Final with her first gold ever, while Arisa Trew made history in the Women’s Vert Best Trick by becoming the first woman to land a kickflip body varial 540 in competition. My kids were floored, and honestly, so was I. Watching these young athletes—some as young as 12!—nail tricks most of us couldn’t even describe is inspiring beyond words.

And then there was Moto X Best Whip. High-flying doesn’t even begin to describe what we saw. Julien Vanstippen of Belgium threw the kind of whip that defied gravity and made the whole place erupt. As the engines revved, the entire crowd leaned in—it was one of those you had to be there moments that we’ll be talking about for a long time.

Oh—and did I mention Sublime? As the sun went down and the competitions wrapped up, X Games closed out the day rocking out to a live performance that felt like the cherry on top of an already epic day. This concert was a celebration of an unforgettable experience shared by thousands of fans, families, and thrill-seekers.

Vendor-wise, X Games nailed it again. From the high-energy Monster Energy tent to Tech Deck’s hands-on fun to Salt Lake’s own Salty Peaks board and skate shop showing up strong, there were cool things to see, try, and snag all day long.

As we left the venue with sun-kissed cheeks, sore feet, and a phone full of videos our kids insisted we take, none of us were ready for the day to end. “Do we have to leave?” was the vibe—and if I’m being honest, I felt the same.

Salt Lake City, you absolutely delivered. From world-record tricks to once-in-a-lifetime performances, this was a family adventure we’ll be raving about for years. If X Games makes this a regular stop (and we really hope they do), you’ll find us there again, front and center.

Whether you’re raising thrill-seeking teens, adventurous little ones, or just looking for an epic weekend with a serious wow factor, X Games is an event that belongs on your bucket list.

Can’t make it in person next time? Catch the action on XGames.com, ESPN2, ABC, or stream it globally on Roku and YouTube. But trust me—if you can be there in person? Do it. Full send.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}