Natural Selection Ski 2025 announces athlete roster

Ever since the Natural Selection Tour announced an ambitious expansion into not only Ski, but also Bike and Surf, the anticipation levels have been through the roof for this pioneering snowboard series to make its skiing debut in skiing’s Valhalla: Alaska.

Those levels can get a little higher now, as Natural Selection has just announced the roster of riders planning to attend the event in April 2025.

Without further ado, here’s the riders’ list.

Women:
Manon Loschi (FRA)
Michelle Parker (USA)
Maggie Voisin (USA)
Hedvig Wessel (NOR)

Men:
Markus Eder (ITA)
Kai Jones (USA)
Sam Kuch (CAN)
Craig Murray (NZL)
Kye Petersen (CAN)
Colby Stevenson (USA)
Parker White (USA)
Final men’s skier name will be announced soon!

Just as impressive as this riders list are the names of the advisory committee who helped put this squad together. Chris Benchetler, Kristi Leskinen, Markus Eder, Mike Douglas, Candide Thovex, and Michelle Parker helped to narrow down the list to eight men and four women. And notably, the freeskiing legend and Godfather Mike Douglas has also assumed the mantle of Event Director.

“Simply put, NST Ski brings together the world’s best skiers on the world’s best terrain. Alaska is the equivalent of the North Shore of Oahu in surfing; it’s the ultimate, all-natural proving grounds,” Douglas said. “It’s going to be spectacular. From the moment the first NST Snowboard event was announced, skiers have wanted to be involved. After four years of waiting, we’re finally ready to take our shot. In all my years, I’ve never felt more anticipation for a ski event.”

We feel you on that, Mike.

NST Ski: How to Watch

Along with the riders’ list, there’s also some news on the broadcast. According to NST, “the event will premiere on Red Bull TV and Red Bull Snow YouTube starting April 16, 2025. Fans can tune in to see some of the world’s top skiers compete in a groundbreaking format that showcases the melding of athletic skill and creative artistry into a single run.”

Read on for the full press release.

Revelstoke, BC (January 21, 2025) –Calls for Natural Selection to drop into the ski world are being answered as the Tour enters its fifth season. The Natural Selection Tour (NST) is set to launch its first-ever ski event YETI Natural Selection Ski in 2025. Today, Natural Selection unveils the lineup of fan-favorite riders spanning from slopestyle medalists to big mountain film stars selected to compete in Alaska, home to the planet’s most exhilarating natural terrain.

“Simply put, NST Ski brings together the world’s best skiers on the world’s best terrain. Alaska is the equivalent of the North Shore of Oahu in surfing; it’s the ultimate, all-natural proving grounds,” said Mike Douglas, Event Director and professional skier about the lineup. “It’s going to be spectacular. From the moment the first NST Snowboard event was announced, skiers have wanted to be involved. After four years of waiting, we’re finally ready to take our shot. In all my years, I’ve never felt more anticipation for a ski event.”

The Natural Selection Advisory Committee including Chris Benchetler, Kristi Leskinen, Markus Eder, Mike Douglas, Candide Thovex, and Michelle Parker helped to narrow down the list to eight men and four women who are renowned for pushing the limits of skiing.

Women:
+ Manon Loschi (FRA)
+ Michelle Parker (USA)
+ Maggie Voisin (USA)
+ Hedvig Wessel (NOR)

Men:
+ Markus Eder (ITA)
+ Kai Jones (USA)
+ Sam Kuch (CAN)
+ Craig Murray (NZL)
+ Kye Petersen (CAN)
+ Colby Stevenson (USA)
+ Parker White (USA)
+ Final men’s skier name will be announced soon!

“I feel truly honoured and proud to be selected and invited to the first-ever NST for skiers,” said Natural Selection invitee Hedvig Wessel. “Being hosted in Alaska, I think this will be a ski competition like we’ve never seen before. The level of riders is next level. I can’t wait to be part of this event and try to put on a show.”
The women’s field features an exceptional group of athletes that include Olympic medalists, X Games champions, Freeride World Tour champions, and some of the most respected names in the sport. Michelle Parker, a dominant force in big mountain skiing out of Lake Tahoe, CA. Maggie Voisin, an Olympic bronze medalist in slopestyle for the US and seven-time X Games medalist. Norway’s Hedvig Wessel, Olympic athlete in moguls and the 2024 Freeride World Tour champion. Manon Loschi, a rising freeride star from France, is the youngest woman in the field and looking to make a mark.

“Being invited to the first Natural Selection Ski event in Alaska is a dream come true. To have the chance to compete with the best in the world in blending big mountain lines with freestyle is the ultimate stage for pushing my skiing. It’s the perfect mix of all the elements I love about skiing,” said pro skier and Natural Selection invitee Kai Jones.

The men’s lineup is equally impressive, featuring a mix of Olympians, Freeride World Tour champions, X Games champions, and rising stars. Italy’s Markus Eder, star of the Ultimate Run, Olympian, and Freeride World Tour podium climber is one of the sport’s most versatile and stylish athletes. Colby Stevenson, a standout at the Beijing 2022 Olympics and perennial on slopestyle and big air podiums.

Canada’s Kye Petersen, an iconic figure in big mountain skiing and a Freeride World Tour winner. Craig Murray from New Zealand, who blends technical skills and backcountry expertise. Sam Kuch with standout film parts, and backcountry skills refined out of Nelson, BC. Parker White who started on the east “ice” coast and has evolved to a standout western powder hound and film star.

Kai Jones, the youngest of the group, has quickly risen to prominence with his fearless approach to freestyle skiing and standout film parts. “For me it’s not just about the contest, it’s about showing my personal creativity and style of my skiing. This will be a revolutionary new chapter for the sport. Alaska’s terrain is so raw so the key is respecting the mountains and skiing for myself. I want to approach this contest with an open mind and take enough risk to push the boundaries while staying true to my style of skiing.”

The eighth male skier will be announced soon, adding even more excitement to an already stacked field of competitors.

The Natural Selection Ski event will feature some of the most technically challenging and visually stunning terrain, chosen to allow athletes to fully display both their skills and creativity in a single run. This marks the first ski-specific event in the Natural Selection series, which has gained significant acclaim since its inception in snowboarding, thanks to the visionary work of founder Travis Rice.

Broadcast Details
The event will premiere on Red Bull TV and Red Bull Snow YouTube starting April 16, 2025. Fans can tune in to see some of the world’s top skiers compete in a groundbreaking format that showcases the melding of athletic skill and creative artistry into a single run.

Like-minded partners are coming together to help develop and support the Natural Selection Tour. YETI will title the inaugural Natural Selection Ski event. Arc’teryx returns as the Tour’s outerwear partner for both snowboarding and skiing. Dakine, Blackstrap, BOA, 10 Barrel Brewing, POC, TURTLEBOX, and A New Earth Project have also signed on early as NST partners. Additional 2025 partners will be announced throughout the fall and winter.