Revelstoke Natural Selection Tour was Remarkable
The 2025 Revelstoke Natural Selection Tour (NST) concluded with remarkable performances, particularly from wildcards, rookies, and Olympians. Held just beyond the boundaries of Revelstoke Mountain Resort, the event showcased the evolving landscape of competitive snowboarding.
Women’s Competition Highlights
The women’s finals featured Canadian Spencer O’Brien and the USA’s Elena Hight, both esteemed figures in snowboarding. As a wildcard entrant, O’Brien executed a flawless Cab 540 and navigated a challenging cliff zone with grace. Hight, the 2022 NST Champion, impressed with a high frontside 720 and a major cliff drop. However, O’Brien’s artistry and execution secured her the women’s title.
O’Brien proved that she belongs in the upper echelon of big mountain snowboarding. The two-time Canadian Olympian impressed judges with a smooth, excellent run featuring a cab 540 that netted her 77.23 points.
O’Brien expressed her excitement about competing alongside Hight, a friend of 20 years, stating, “It fired me up so much. Let’s just put it on the line and see what happens.” Hight finished in second place, with Šárka Pančochová claiming third.
O’Brien is a two time World Champion and Olympian, and an X Games Gold Medalist. She was born in Alert Bay, British Columbia, and is of Indigenous descent.
Men’s Competition Highlights
Norwegian snowboarder Ståle Sandbech, a 2014 Olympic slopestyle silver medalist and NST newcomer, made a significant impact. After narrowly advancing through the quarterfinals, Sandbech delivered a standout semi-final run featuring a series of 540s and a daring descent down a cliff face, earning a score of 91 and securing his spot in the finals.
In the final, Sandbech faced American Blake Moller, the 2022 Freeride World Tour Champion and fellow NST rookie. Sandbech set a high standard with a massive backside 360 across a cliff face and a corked backside 720. Moller’s attempt at a backside 720 fell short on the landing, solidifying Sandbech’s victory and his first NST title.
Reflecting on his win, Sandbech expressed emotion, a departure from his usual composure, and proudly declared, “I’m a dad now, too! Dad power!” Moller took second place, with Austria’s Gigi Rüf earning the bronze.
The NST Revelstoke event reached new heights this year. Founder Travis Rice praised the venue, resort team, and riders, noting the exceptional performances and conditions. He highlighted the women’s runs as some of the best he’s witnessed in competition and remarked that the men’s highlights could fill an entire snowboard film. The favorable snow conditions added to the event’s success.
The NST now turns its attention to the inaugural Natural Selection Ski event in Alaska, scheduled for April 17. This upcoming competition will feature prominent skiers such as Marcus Eder, Michelle Parker, and Olympian and X Games star Colby Stevenson.
Photos: Mike Yoshida Natural Selection
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