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Steamboat Springs — Maddy Schaffrick and Erin Simmons are at opposite ends of their Winter X Games careers.

Schaffrick is the next big thing on a snowboard. The 14-year-old Steamboat Springs resident will be the youngest competitor Thursday when she enters the halfpipe prelims in Aspen at Winter X Games 13. She jetted onto the scene earlier this year when she finished fourth at her first snowboarding Grand Prix event.

Simmons, also of Steamboat, will be making a comeback of sorts. After sitting out last year's games because she was pregnant, Simmons is returning to Snowboard X for the eighth, and potentially final, time.

"It's exciting," said Simmons, who won silver medals at the 2001, 2002 and 2005 X Games. "I say a little nervous, too, because I don't know how my body will do. Definitely having been there before, I can feel more comfortable. I know the venue, I know all the people, and I know what to expect. I go into it like it's another fun event."

Schaffrick, on the other hand, can't believe she is at the X Games. Despite strong performances the past two years against some of the top snowboarders in the world, Schaffrick said she was taken back during Tuesday's training day.

"Right now, I feel like I'm in a dream. I can't believe it's happening," Schaffrick said. "I remember when I was 10 I would be like, 'I want to get there one day. Maybe when I'm 20.' Now I'm 14, and I'm there. It's unbelievable."

For Simmons, who will be accompanied to Aspen by her 6-month-old son, Jett, and husband, Cactus, this X Games could be her last. She said she started training right after giving birth. While the 2006 Olympian wouldn't completely rule out attempting to make a run at the 2010 games, she said this event is more for her son.

"I hate to say it, but 2010, I'd love to do it," Simmons said. "It's such a commitment. I think I'll be a spectator at the 2010 games. If I wanted to go, I'd have to get on the tour now and go, go, go. That's not something my heart is into."

The X Games begin Thursday and run through Sunday. Other athletes with ties to Steamboat who are expected to compete include Chris Burandt (snowmobile freestyle) and Roger Carver (Snowboard X). Casey Puckett, brother of Steamboat's Chris Puckett, will compete in Skier X. Kim Krahulec was invited to compete in women's Snowboard X, but she won't compete because of an injury.

Carver will be making his first appearance at the X Games after three years on the alternate list. While the course doesn't necessarily set up well for him, he - like most of the others - said he's just looking forward to competing on one of winter's biggest stages.

"I just want to go as far as I can possibly go," the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club member said. "Most of all, I'm having fun racing. Everything is great."

- To reach Luke Graham, call 871-4229 or e-mail lgraham@steamboatpilot.com