ESPN has announced that Euro X Games 2017 will return to Norway for its second consecutive year. The event will be on location at Hafjell Ski Resort, during the dates of March 8-11, 2017. This year's event will feature both men and women's Big Air and Slopestyle, unfortunately choosing not to incorporate Halfpipe.

Listen to what ESPN X Games Vice President had to say on the matter, "X Games Oslo was an amazing event and it was great to see such strong attendance and fan engagement, particularly for a first-year event. It's clear Norway's rich history and passion for winter sports and its growing list of top homegrown athletes make it an ideal destination for the X Games."

The decision to exclude Halfpipe from this year's event came to my surprise. With an event like Halfpipe, one that not only allows fans to gather at the bottom of the course, but along the sides of the walls as well, one would think the event organizers would advocate for arguably the most spectator-engaging event. Not to mention this decision comes at a critical time where Dew Tour is making a right turn in the competition scene. It will be interesting to see the athlete's reaction to this news.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BK3pFlWgtCr/?taken-by=hharlaut

Henrik after winning Big Air 2016.

Along with this announcement came the first wave of invited freeski athletes. The list including 9 athletes, both men and women.

Men

Fabian Boesch

Oystein Braaten

Henrik Harlaut

Gus Kenworfthy

Jossi Wells

Women

Emma Dahlström

Johanne Killi

Kelly Sildaru

Tiril Sjåstad Christiansen

Stay tuned for the next wave of invited athletes in the coming weeks.