ESPN has decided it won't use drones to film the 2016 Winter X Games in Aspen, Colo. The decision follows a recent World Cup incident in which Austrian skier Marcel Hirscher had to escape a falling drone during a race at Madonna di Campiglio in Italy.
Hirscher did not appear rattled; he went on to complete his run. Speaking afterword, however, he said, "This is horrible. This can never happen again. This can be a serious injury," according to The Guardian. Hirscher went on to finish second in the race and reclaim first place in the overall World Cup standings.
X Games spokesman Danny Chi said the decision was made several months ago and bears no relation to the December World Cup race, according to the Aspen Daily News.
"We have never allowed drone usage-by media, photographers or spectators-at our venue in the past regardless of how advanced the technology is," said Chi.
This statement contradicts the fact, confirmed by video on the official X Games Youtube Channel, that drones were used at the 2015 X Games in Aspen. "It's kind of like the sports here," ESPN Vice President of Production Rich Feinberg told Outside Magazine. "They're all about progression, and we want the coverage to progress as well."
An article that appeared on Jan. 21, 2015 on the official X Games site entitled "X Games Aspen to use drones to capture action" has since been removed.
Aspen law enforcement has never allowed drone usage by any media outlet except for ESPN. Because Buttermilk, the ski resort where the X Games are held, lies so near a local airport, the concern for safety extends outside of the venue itself.
