First the Red Bull Supernatural altered perceptions, then the Ultra Natural blew minds, and now The Natural Selection Tour is all set to shift paradigms. February 3-9 2021 in the backcountry mecca of Jackson Hole, the world’s top riders will go toe to toe with each other, and the biggest titan of them all, Mother Nature, to be crowned the best big mountain freestyle rider on the planet.
“I’m beyond excited to witness what is possible in snowboarding when riders of this caliber are able to build off of each other’s progress”
The brainchild of Travis Rice, the Tour sets its sights on revealing riders’ full creative expression and their intimate knowledge of the backcountry. Sixteen men and eight women will be dropping in to prove they’ve got the chops to take home the win. The Tour travels to Baldface Lodge, BC in the first week of March to continue the madness, with the Championship taking place 20-27 March in Alaska.
“The Natural Selection Tour is designed with Mother Nature as the main character, and with mutual respect for and from snowboarding,” said Travis Rice, pro snowboarder. “Women’s snowboarding is progressing so fast and we are thrilled to have both men and women riding in the tour. I’m beyond excited to witness what is possible in snowboarding when riders of this caliber are able to build off of each other’s progress in real time on some of the absolute best riding venues. The opportunity for our team to share it with the world is humbling and a true honor.”
“The course looks awesome and I’m definitely nervous, but really excited to try something new! It’s going to be insane”
The first riders were revealed this week, with Elias Elhardt, Ben Ferguson, Sage Kotsenburg, Nils Mindnich, Mark McMorris, Chris Rasman, Travis Rice and Gigi Rüf competing on the men’s side. Jamie Anderson, Marion Haerty, Elena Hight and Robin Van Gyn will be dropping in for the women. The second half of the riders list is to be announced in January.
