Natural Selection Goes Freeskiing: 2025 Roster Reveal Shakes Up the Game
When Natural Selection announced its plans to dive into the world of freeskiing last October, anticipation began to build. Now, after months of speculation, NST Ski has dropped the full athlete roster for its inaugural event—and it’s absolutely loaded. To add an extra layer of intrigue, there’s still one mystery skier whose identity remains under wraps.
From Snowboarding to Skiing: A New Chapter for Natural Selection
Founded by legendary snowboarder Travis Rice, Natural Selection has long been the gold standard for snowboarding competitions. Unlike traditional events, riders take on pristine, untouched terrain—scoring points for Creativity, Risk, Execution, Difficulty, and Overall Impression. The format stands apart from competitions like the Freeride World Tour or Nendaz Backcountry Invitational, offering a truly unique challenge.
For years, skiers have watched snowboarders dominate these untracked faces, but the wait is over. With this landmark event, skiing now has its moment in the Natural Selection spotlight.
Markus Eder showing you why he’s not only on the Dream Team of advisors but he’s also competing.
A Dream Team of Advisors
The NST Ski Advisory Board reads like a who’s who of freeride royalty: Chris Benchetler, Sammy Carlson, Kristi Leskinen, Markus Eder, Mike Douglas, Candide Thovex, and Michelle Parker. Together, they’ve helped shape what promises to be a groundbreaking event. “NST Ski brings the world’s best skiers to the ultimate proving grounds. Alaska is like the North Shore of Oahu for surfing—it’s where legends are made,” said Mike Douglas, professional skier and Event Director.
Douglas added, “Since the first NST Snowboard event, skiers have been eager to get involved. After four years of waiting, we’re finally making it happen. In all my years, I’ve never felt this level of anticipation for a ski competition.”
The Lineup: Who’s Heading to Alaska?
Picking just four women and eight men from today’s deep pool of talent was no easy task. But the rosters deliver on every level, featuring Olympic medalists, X Games champions, Freeride World Tour titans, and rising stars. Here’s the breakdown:
Women’s Roster
- Michelle Parker (USA): Big mountain legend from Lake Tahoe, CA.
- Maggie Voisin (USA): Olympic bronze medalist and seven-time X Games medalist.
- Hedvig Wessel (NOR): 2024 Freeride World Tour champion and Olympic moguls athlete.
- Manon Loschi (FRA): A young freeride prodigy making waves in the sport.
Men’s Roster
- Markus Eder (ITA): Star of The Ultimate Run and one of the most versatile skiers in the game.
- Colby Stevenson (USA): Beijing 2022 Olympic standout and slopestyle ace.
- Kye Petersen (CAN): Big mountain icon and Freeride World Tour champion.
- Craig Murray (NZL): Known for blending technical precision with backcountry prowess.
- Sam Kuch (CAN): Rising star with jaw-dropping film parts.
- Parker White (USA): From East Coast ice to powder-film phenom.
- Kai Jones (USA): A prodigy pushing boundaries at just 17 years old.
- Mystery Rider: To be announced soon… and we can’t wait.
What Makes NST Ski Unique?
The Natural Selection Ski event is designed to showcase athletes’ creativity and technical mastery. With untouched terrain as the canvas, skiers have one run to leave it all out there. The judging criteria emphasize:
- Creativity: Unique line choices and innovative maneuvers.
- Risk: The level of consequence tied to tricks and where they’re executed.
- Execution: Style, control, and clean landings.
- Difficulty: The complexity of the run, including tricks, rotations, and switch maneuvers.
- Overall Flow: Speed, rhythm, and control throughout the descent.
A New Era for Freeride Competitions
To ensure fair judging, NST uses cutting-edge drone technology to livestream runs in high detail. A head-to-head bracket system simplifies matchups, making it easier to compare performances. This thoughtful approach to scoring sets the stage for an event unlike anything the ski world has seen before.
Alaska Awaits
With its breathtaking landscapes and formidable terrain, Alaska serves as the ultimate battleground for this historic event. The Natural Selection Ski competition promises to redefine freeride skiing, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Stay tuned for updates—and the reveal of that mystery rider. April can’t come soon enough.