Natural Selection is making waves in the freeskiing world, and the excitement is palpable among enthusiasts. After years of anticipation, the iconic Natural Selection Tour (NST), which has captivated snow sports fans, is set to welcome skiers into its fold. Renowned athletes like Chris Benchetler, Markus Eder, Michelle Parker, and the legendary Candide Thovex are not just endorsing this expansion—they’re actively participating in the NST Ski Advisory Council. This development has ignited a buzz throughout the skiing community.
So, where will this groundbreaking event take place? What exactly does the NST Ski Advisory Council do? Who will be competing? And what is the essence of Natural Selection? Let’s explore what we know so far.
Natural Selection has emerged as a standout success in the realm of snow sports, thanks to the vision of celebrated snowboarder Travis Rice. This event has carved its niche, distinguishing itself from traditional competitions like the Nendaz Backcountry Invitational and the Freeride World Tour. Each competition boasts its unique structure and scoring systems, with Natural Selection proving to be a refreshing alternative that embraces freeriding in all its forms.
Over the years, Rice has brought Natural Selection to stunning locations across North America, including Jackson Hole, British Columbia, and Alaska. These breathtaking venues feature expansive mountains and unique terrain, creating a natural playground for riders. The essence of Natural Selection lies in its ability to assess freeriding—a challenging endeavor due to the inherent subjectivity in judging styles and techniques. Through innovative approaches, the NST team has developed a scoring system that allows for fair comparisons among competitors.
The event will utilize advanced drone technology to capture live footage, enabling judges to closely monitor performances. Competitors will be evaluated using a head-to-head bracket format, which simplifies the comparison of riders during their runs. Judging criteria focus on several key aspects: creativity in line choices, the risk associated with their maneuvers, overall execution, the difficulty of tricks, and the riders’ flow and control throughout their descent. This scoring system, initially designed for snowboarding, translates effectively to skiing, highlighting both the similarities and distinctions in these sports.
Scheduled to take place in Alaska with a weather window in mid-April 2025, details about the NST Ski event are still emerging. While the official announcement revealed limited specifics, more information is expected as winter approaches. Competitors’ names have yet to be confirmed, but it’s clear that many of the sport’s top athletes are eager to join this historic moment in freeskiing. The NST Ski Advisory Committee features an impressive roster of skiing legends, including Benchetler, Colby Stevenson, and Michelle Parker, all of whom bring their unique perspectives to this innovative initiative.
Michelle Parker shared her enthusiasm, stating, “Skiing in these incredible landscapes and finding new ways to approach the mountains is what it’s all about for me. This Tour’s blend of showcasing the natural beauty and challenge of skiing on a competition platform will be completely fresh. I’m excited to see what everyone brings to Alaska.”
As we await further developments, the anticipation surrounding Natural Selection Ski continues to grow. This new competition promises to enrich the conversation about freeride contests and elevate the sport itself. The opportunity for athletes, filmmakers, and photographers to showcase their passion for skiing is invaluable. Natural Selection Ski represents another exciting chapter in the evolution of this thrilling sport, and we eagerly look forward to what’s next on the horizon. Stay tuned for updates on competitors, venues, and all things Natural Selection Ski!