There is more than just incredible skiing and riding going down during the Winter X Games. It’s no secret that this week in late January, the ski and snowboard industries descend upon the tiny town of Aspen to ski and party like it’s going out of style. So every year Freeskier and a select group of sponsors throw a welcome bash for athletes, industry, friends and family, to kick off X Games the right way. This year, on January 28th, we teamed up with Smith Optics, Smart Water, Sailor Jerry Rum, Red Bull, Coors and the Sky Hotel in Aspen to throw quite the shindig.

When it comes to these parties there isn’t much to say, other than beverages were consumed, laughs were had, friendships re-kindled, relationships formed, business dealt with, good times had, said drinks spilled, glasses broken, dance parties, pictures taken and it was probably the epicenter for a few one-night stands. Athletes, Team Managers and clingers alike moved to the beats of DJ Sammy Slice and sipped on sponsor drinks all night. Competing athletes didn’t just drink regular water like sober losers, but sipped on Smart Water, like champions.

Don’t take our word for it, check out the photos. And we’ll see you next year at the 2011 Winter X Games in Aspen, CO for another grand party.