In October 2024, the Natural Selection Tour (NST), renowned for redefining snowboarding competitions with its unique backcountry format, announced its long-anticipated expansion into freeskiing. The news sparked excitement and speculation across the skiing community, as fans and athletes alike wondered who would be invited to the inaugural event. Now, with the official 2025 NST Ski roster finally revealed, it’s clear that the competition will feature some of the most talented and daring skiers in the world.

Adding to the intrigue, one mystery skier’s identity remains unknown, leaving fans guessing and fueling anticipation for the competition, which will take place in Alaska’s legendary backcountry terrain.

From Snowboarding to Skiing: A New Chapter for Natural Selection

Founded by legendary snowboarder Travis Rice, Natural Selection has been the gold standard for backcountry snowboarding competitions. Unlike traditional slope-style or big air events, NST events take place on untouched, natural terrain where athletes are judged based on a unique set of criteria—Creativity, Risk, Execution, Difficulty, and Overall Impression.

For years, skiers have watched snowboarders dominate these pristine mountain faces, bringing style and creativity to the world of freeride competition. Now, skiing finally has its turn in the spotlight. The 2025 NST Ski event promises to challenge athletes in the same rugged, natural terrain, setting the stage for a groundbreaking evolution of competitive freeride skiing.

The 2025 NST Ski Roster: A Powerhouse Lineup

The recently unveiled roster showcases a diverse group of skiers from different disciplines, blending backcountry expertise, freestyle finesse, and competition experience. The selection process was overseen by an NST Ski Advisory Board, which includes influential figures such as Chris Benchetler, Kristi Leskinen, Markus Eder, Mike Douglas, Sammy Carlson, Candide Thovex, and Michelle Parker.

Men’s Roster:

•Markus Eder (Italy): An Olympic skier and Freeride World Tour champion, Eder is best known for his film “The Ultimate Run,” which showcases his incredible versatility across different terrain.

•Colby Stevenson (USA): A standout from the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Stevenson has made a name for himself in slopestyle and big air competitions.

•Kye Petersen (Canada): A Freeride World Tour champion and renowned big mountain skier, Petersen brings a unique blend of technical ability and raw power.

•Craig Murray (New Zealand): Known for his creative and fluid style, Murray is a seasoned freerider with extensive backcountry experience.

•Sam Kuch (Canada): One of the most exciting freeride skiers in recent years, Kuch’s backcountry segments in ski films have earned him a cult following.

•Parker White (USA): Transitioning from East Coast park skiing to the deep powder of the West, White has built a reputation for stylish, technical riding.

•Kai Jones (USA): At just 17 years old, Jones is already pushing boundaries in the backcountry, showcasing fearlessness and creativity beyond his years.

•Mystery Skier: The roster reveal included an unnamed skier, keeping fans on edge and speculating who might fill the final spot.

Women’s Roster:

•Michelle Parker (USA): A pioneering force in women’s freeride skiing, Parker has competed in high-profile events and starred in numerous ski films.

•Maggie Voisin (USA): A seven-time X Games medalist and Olympic bronze medalist, Voisin brings a high-energy, freestyle-driven style to the backcountry.

•Hedvig Wessel (Norway): The reigning 2024 Freeride World Tour champion and former Olympic moguls skier, Wessel’s technical precision sets her apart.

•Manon Loschi (France): An emerging talent in the freeride scene, Loschi’s smooth, confident riding style has quickly gained attention.

The Competition Format: A Different Kind of Challenge

Unlike traditional freestyle competitions like the X Games or freeride circuits such as the Freeride World Tour, NST events focus on navigating natural, untouched terrain. Competitors must adapt their skiing to unpredictable conditions, making creative use of natural features such as cliffs, trees, and deep powder lines.

Each skier’s run will be judged based on:

•Creativity: How well they utilize the terrain in a unique and innovative way.

•Risk: The difficulty and consequences of the chosen line.

•Execution: Smoothness and control throughout the run.

•Difficulty: The technical complexity of the tricks and maneuvers performed.

•Overall Impression: A holistic assessment of the skier’s performance, flow, and style.

Event director and professional skier Mike Douglas compared the venue to “the North Shore of Oahu for skiing,” emphasizing that Alaska provides the ultimate natural proving ground for freeskiing.

The Future of NST Ski and Its Impact on the Sport

The expansion of Natural Selection into skiing marks a significant moment for the sport. For years, freeride skiing has been gaining momentum through events like the Freeride World Tour, and now, NST brings a fresh approach that blends competition with cinematic-style riding.

This unique format allows skiers to express themselves in ways that traditional competitions often limit. It’s an opportunity for athletes to blend their creative and technical skills while pushing the limits of what’s possible in backcountry skiing.

Skiers, brands, and fans alike are eager to see how NST Ski will influence the industry, potentially leading to new sponsorships, partnerships, and further mainstream exposure.

Where and How to Watch

The inaugural NST Ski competition will take place in Alaska in April 2025, with the action premiering globally on Red Bull TV and the Red Bull Snow YouTube channel starting April 16, 2025.

For those who can’t wait, behind-the-scenes content, athlete profiles, and event teasers will be available on Natural Selection’s official social media channels leading up to the big event.

A New Era for Freeskiing Begins

With the Natural Selection Tour’s expansion into freeskiing, a new era of backcountry competition is set to begin. Bringing together some of the world’s top skiers on the most challenging terrain imaginable, the event will push boundaries and set new standards for the sport.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of backcountry skiing or just discovering the world of NST, the 2025 roster reveal has proven that this event is not to be missed. Stay tuned as the mystery skier is unveiled and the competition heats up in the coming months.

Mark your calendars for April 16, 2025, and get ready for freeskiing history in the making.

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