The Natural Selection Tour: Snowboarding's Ultimate Backcountry Showdown in Revelstoke

The YETI Natural Selection Tour is bringing the world’s top snowboarders to Revelstoke, British Columbia. This competition is built for riders who thrive in natural terrain, pushing limits on steep, powder-filled slopes. Revelstoke’s deep snow, technical lines, and unpredictable conditions make it an ideal battleground for the most skilled backcountry snowboarders. The event combines head-to-head matchups, immersive community events, and a new multi-sport expansion that includes skiing, mountain biking, and surfing. This year’s tour will be one of the biggest in its history.

The Evolution of the Natural Selection Tour

Travis Rice launched the Natural Selection Tour to create a competition where riders could showcase their abilities in real backcountry conditions. Traditional slopestyle and halfpipe contests happen in controlled environments with predictable jumps and landings. Natural Selection removes the groomed courses and lets riders adapt to raw mountain terrain. The event gained momentum quickly, attracting the best backcountry riders and earning a reputation as the ultimate freeride competition.

For 2025, the tour has expanded beyond snowboarding. It now includes skiing, mountain biking, and surfing. Competitions will take place in locations ranging from Micronesia to Alaska, with Revelstoke as one of the key stops for snowboarding. This shift broadens the tour’s reach and adds new levels of competition, drawing in elite athletes from different disciplines.

Why Revelstoke Is the Perfect Location

Revelstoke Mountain Resort has some of the longest vertical descents in North America. Its snowfall is reliable, and the backcountry terrain is unpredictable. Riders face tree runs, cliffs, and natural jumps that demand precision and adaptability. These elements make the competition different from standard freestyle events, where courses remain largely the same from year to year. Here, riders must adjust to the unique conditions of the moment.

Revelstoke has hosted Natural Selection events before, and the response has been strong from both competitors and fans. The town is known for its dedicated snowboarding and skiing culture, with a community that supports progression in the sport. The local enthusiasm adds to the event’s energy, making it one of the most exciting stops on the tour.

How the Competition Works

The event will feature 24 riders competing in head-to-head matchups over two live event days. Unlike structured slopestyle competitions, the riders pick their own lines, using natural features of the mountain to create their runs. Judges assess creativity, flow, and execution. The format rewards those who can read the mountain well and link together difficult sections with confidence.

The competition window spans several days to allow organizers to wait for the best snow and weather conditions for the main event days. This flexibility ensures that riders have the best possible conditions to showcase their skills.

Event Schedule and Key Dates

March 8: Kick-Off Party at Traverse Night Club

The event week starts with a kickoff party presented by Red Bull at Traverse. Athletes, organizers, and fans gather to celebrate the start of the tour’s Revelstoke stop.

March 10: Opening Ceremony and Rider Matchups

At the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre, riders are paired for their head-to-head matchups. This selection process sets the stage for the competition and gives fans an early look at potential rivalries.

March 12: YETI Film Night at The Roxy Theatre

This screening showcases short films by YETI and Arc’teryx, featuring athletes and filmmakers who specialize in outdoor adventure storytelling. The event provides an inside look at what it takes to ride in extreme backcountry conditions.

March 15: Closing Party at Revelation Lodge

After the competition wraps up, a final gathering at Revelation Lodge marks the end of the Revelstoke stop. Riders and fans celebrate the performances and moments that defined the event.

Who’s Competing

The 2025 roster includes top riders from around the world. Jamie Anderson, Torgeir Bergrem, Mikey Ciccarelli, and others secured their spots through performances in previous events. The final six competitors will be determined through the DUELS series, with winners announced in late February.

The competition attracts riders who are skilled at navigating difficult terrain. Unlike structured park riders who focus on executing tricks on man-made features, these athletes need to adapt quickly to natural elements. Success comes from being able to combine technical tricks with smooth flow over unpredictable mountain terrain.

How to Watch

Fans can watch the event live at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. A dedicated viewing area at the Revelation Lodge Viewing Deck offers a chance to see the action up close. For those unable to attend in person, Red Bull TV will provide a global livestream, making the event accessible worldwide.

Beyond the competition itself, the event includes community gatherings, après sessions, and film nights. These allow fans to engage with the event beyond the slopes, meeting athletes and experiencing the energy of the snowboarding culture in Revelstoke.

What to Expect

The Natural Selection Tour in Revelstoke offers high-level competition, unpredictable conditions, and an opportunity to see the best backcountry snowboarders perform in a raw, natural setting. The 2025 expansion into other sports adds a new layer of excitement, bringing a broader audience into the experience. Whether watching in person or online, this year’s event will be a highlight of the winter season.