Featured Image: Leslie Hittmeier, Natural Selection
The second edition of Natural Selection Ski is broadcasting at 5 p.m MST on April 14, and you've come to the right spot to watch. The competition was recorded just a few weeks back in the mountains of Alaska, and will now be shown with live hosts on Red Bull TV.
This year's NST Ski is going to look quite different from 2025. In Alaska, Mother Nature always calls the shots, and that was the case this year as unstable conditions forced the team to move from Valdez to Gridwood, and then shift venues once again with just 24 hours left in the weather window. “It was impressive to see how the event organizers managed to pivot multiple times as they were thrown endless weather and snow conditions curveballs throughout the week,” said NST Ski competitor Finn Bilous.
The face that was finally chosen is one strewn with hits, stepped out by riders and picked for freestyle flow. It's not the normal big-mountain vibe that Natural Selection has become known for, but when life gives you lemons... you know the saying. Tune in to the broadcast below, with a stellar crew of live commentators, including Chris Benchetler and Tonje Kvivik.
Stay tuned for FREESKIER's full recap of Natural Selection Ski 2026
NST Ski 2026 Roster
WOMEN:
Manon Loschi (FRA) – Defending NST champion
Astrid Cheylis (FRA) – Precision freeride standout
Hannah Epsteyn (USA) – Super Session winner
Elisabeth Gerritzen (SUI) – Freeride World Tour Champion
MEN:
Craig Murray (NZL) – Defending champion
Markus Eder (ITA) – Creative big-mountain pioneer
Sam Kuch (CAN) – Technical backcountry master
Colby Stevenson (USA) – Olympic medalist
Karl Fostvedt (USA) – Freestyle innovator
Tanner Hall (USA) – Freeski legend
Finn Bilous (NZL) – Olympic competitor
Jonah Williams (USA) – Super Session winner
