The Natural Selection Tour has already redefined snowboarding, ditching the traditional contest format to shine a spotlight on diverse backcountry riding. Focused on better snow conditions, equity among riders, and modified courses, this movement is now expanding into skiing, bringing the same high-octane competition to a whole new discipline.
With a powerhouse Ski Advisory Council—including legends like Michelle Parker, Chris Benchetler, Candide Thovex, Sammy Carlson, Kristi Leskinen, and Markus Eder—Natural Selection is making sure the first-ever ski edition is dialed in.
We caught up with Travis Rice to talk about the expansion, why Alaska was the obvious choice for this event, and whether he sees himself competing alongside his son one day.
Bringing Skiing Into the Fold
Adapting the Natural Selection format for skiing wasn’t a simple copy-paste from snowboarding. Rice and his team drew from past events—both successes and failures—and worked closely with their Ski Advisory Council to ensure the event truly represents the sport as a whole.
“We’ve figured out a framework that works for snowboarding, but we obviously can’t just duplicate it for skiing,” Travis says. “That’s why the advisory councils have been so crucial. Every sport has its own nuances and having the right people involved ensures we get it right.”
“At its core, the mindset remains unchanged: How can we make this the most incredible event possible? ‘We strive to design every event to have all the ingredients for fireworks – That’s always our goal, and it drives everything from athlete selection to location, production, and partnerships.'”
Why Alaska?
The Alaskan backdrop has become a key part of the Natural Selection event’s identity, contributing to what makes it so unique in the world of snowboarding, so it only makes sense to have the first Natural Selection Ski competition there.
“Alaska was chosen because of the aforementioned “Fireworks” mentality,” he says. “If you’re gathering the best skiers alive, you want them to compete in the ultimate proving ground.”
Rice has spent plenty of time in Alaska, and he already has ideas for how skiers might approach the terrain differently than snowboarders.
“There are some features that could work on skis in ways they wouldn’t on a snowboard,” he explains. “Right now, we’ve identified seven potential zones for the competition, but where we actually hold it will depend on conditions leading up to the event.”
With this being the first ski event, the team is expecting to adapt and learn as they go. “There’s going to be a learning curve—but that’s part of the process,” Rice says.
A Skier at Heart
Despite being one of the most influential snowboarders of all time, T-Rice’s roots in skiing run deep. His father was a member of the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol, and Travis himself skied until he was 12 before switching to snowboarding.
“I say this with a bit of tongue-in-cheek because I truly believe I’m a skier at heart,” he admits. “Before I started snowboarding, my buddies and I would jump off anything we could find.”
And as for his dad? “Yeah, he’s pretty psyched that we’re finally including skiing,” Rice says with a cheshire grin.
The Future of Natural Selection—and a Family Legacy?
Snowboarder Magazine once compared Travis Rice to the Paul Revere of snowboarding—an interesting, albeit somewhat dated comparison. However, when asked which modern-day athlete he’d compare himself to, he deflects.
“I’m the easy target for recognition because I’m the organizer that has the most public-facing role, but so much credit is due to the team behind Natural Selection,” he says.
When asked if he sees himself as the LeBron James of snowboarding, one day competing with and against his son, Rice is open to the idea—but not making any predictions.
“I don’t know if that’ll ever happen, but I’m definitely excited to share some epic days on the mountain with him.”
The Bottom Line
With skiing officially entering the mix, the Natural Selection Tour is set to elevate freeride ski competition to new heights, and the ski community couldn’t be more stoked. After watching from the sidelines with envy as snowboarders competed in such a groundbreaking event, it’s finally time to see the best skiers battle it out, NST style.
For more info on the event, click here
