Bronco Natural Selection at Baldface, a Backcountry Freestyle Showcase, Opens March 1st.
Covid shows no sign of fucking off soon and consequently Natural Selection has had to made some drastic changes to what we saw on stop one in Jackson Hole last month.
10 riders based out of British Columbia will be paired up with a locally based filmer and be given free reign to ride at the incredible new location for Baldface in the Valhalla Ranges from March 1st- March 7th. A highlight show featuring the riders’ best lines and standout action from the week will broadcast March 19th
Natural Selection head honcho Travis Rice had this to say, “This is a unique year that calls for adaptability. Frankly, I am really excited about the showcase format and that we are adding another dimension to what the world witnessed in Jackson Hole. Full-spectrum snowboarding has been historically captured on film, so we are inviting top filmers to team up with riders and deliver something truly dynamic for all those that tuned in to the Tour’s first stop. The riders are excited about this format and I can’t wait to see what they create.”
Six invited men and four women including; will be grouped into small teams throughout the week to find and ride an all-natural, backcountry freestyle line, while also capturing a video part. The two components, the line and video part from Baldface-Valhalla’s dynamic terrain, will be considered with 70/30 weight by the Natural Selection judges and nomination committee. Judges will use the same criteria as used in Jackson to score overall impression focused on the rider’s chosen line and risk, flow and amplitude, creativity and tricks, and finally, control.
The top scoring man and woman from the Bronco Natural Selection at Baldface will be revealed during the Red Bull TV broadcast. Each will take home a Model Year 2022 Polaris Snowmobile of their choice and secure an invite to go head-to-head against the top three men (McMorris, Ferguson and Bang) and the top woman (Sadowski-Synnott) coming out of Jackson Hole, at the inaugural Natural Selection Tour super finals: The HempFusion Natural Selection at Tordrillo Mountain Lodge from March 20-27. The men’s and women’s champion crowned in Alaska will each receive the all-new, adventure-ready, 2021 Bronco Sport.
“I’m excited to have the best riders in British Columbia drop into the deep backcountry of our newest endeavour, Baldface-Valhalla,” said Jeff Pensiero, CEO/President of Baldface. “This innovative format will allow us to safely and within protocol, showcase top riding and this untapped terrain to the world. The Bronco Natural Selection opens up a whole new Baldface chapter in the Natural Selection story in a completely reimagined way!”
Who are the Invited riders?
Men
Beau Bishop
Chris Rasman
Craig McMorris
Dustin Craven
Mark Sollors
Mikey Rencz
Women
Spencer O’Brien:
Robin Van Gyn
Leanne Pelosi
Marie-France Roy
Don’t forget the planned highlight show from Natural Selection Stop 2, hosted by Red Bull TV is on March 19th. We will bring you further updates as we receive them.