The medals awarded at the upcoming Winter X Games in Aspen will mirror the iconic Colorado license plate.

The design, with a silhouetted mountain range in relief, is “a way of saying thanks for having us back,” said Brian Kerr, the associate director of sports and competition for ESPN’s X Games franchise.

“These medals live on once the event is over. They create memories,” Kerr said. “Our world class athletes will be taking pictures with them and hanging these in their trophy cases at home for the rest of their lives. They’ll always remember where they competed when they look at their X Games Aspen 2016 medal.”

The design changes each year for the medals, and Kerr said this year’s design was a “group effort” among the X Games staff.

The 20th Winter X Games is Jan. 28-31 at Aspen’s Buttermilk ski area, where the annual festival has highlighted the world’s top winter athletes since 2002.

Jason Blevins: 303-954-1374, jblevins@denverpost.com or @jasonblevins