Manon Loschi takes top spot in Natural Selection Tour ski debut

The Natural Selection Tour opened a new chapter in freeride competition this week with the debut of its first-ever ski event. Held on Priority 1 – a steep, technical face deep in Alaska’s remote backcountry – the YETI Natural Selection Ski brought together 12 elite skiers from across disciplines to tackle the mountain in a one-run, film-style format.

After a week of storm delays and backcountry preparation, the weather cleared, and the competition proceeded in a single day of high-stakes skiing. Conditions were variable, and the terrain, shaped by wind and exposure, demanded a balance of creativity, control, and risk.

Among the standout performances were Manon Loschi (FRA), who took victory in the women’s category, Michelle Parker (USA) in second, and Markus Eder (ITA), who earned third place in the men’s event. Re-watch the entire competition on Red Bull TV.

This inaugural ski edition of the Natural Selection Tour followed a similar format to its snowboarding counterpart: a freeride competition judged in real-time with a focus on film-quality lines. Athletes were tasked with selecting and executing their best possible descent on Priority 1, a 1,700-vertical-foot face featuring exposed ridgelines, steep chutes, wind lips, and natural take-offs.

Conditions varied across the face, with wind-affected snow and sluff hazards making precise line choice and sluff management critical. The format rewarded a combination of technical difficulty, style, flow, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing terrain.

The women’s category featured four riders: Manon Loschi (FRA), Michelle Parker (USA), Maggie Voisin (USA), and Hedvig Wessel (NOR).

French skier Manon Loschi, competing in Alaska for the first time, set the bar early with a confident line and clean execution. Her final run – highlighted by smooth, controlled turns and freestyle elements integrated into steep terrain – earned a score of 70.

American Michelle Parker, one of the most experienced athletes in the field, put down a committed second run, scoring 68. It wasn’t quite enough to overtake Loschi, but her performance was widely praised for its bold line and technical execution.

“To go up against Michelle, she’s so experienced and skilled, and come out with the win – it’s unreal,” said Loschi. “Getting my first AK experience with such a crew feels unreal. I am so honoured to be on this stage with these skiers.”

A respected veteran of the freeride scene, Parker praised the inaugural event and her competitor: “This is why Natural Selection matters. It allows us to bring out the best in each other – watching Manon and the other skiers step up, and progress skiing in real time like that was a moment I’ll never forget. Can’t wait to see how skiing evolves from here.”

In the men’s competition, Italy’s Markus Eder delivered a standout run in the final round to finish third overall, narrowly behind Craig Murray (NZL) and Sam Kuch (CAN). Eder’s performance, characterised by clean execution and technical trick selection, included a nosebutter 720 and a double backflip, highlighting the blend of freeride power and freestyle precision that has made him a global standout.

Eder’s semi-final qualification came in dramatic fashion. In a session featuring tight scoring and rapid progression, Eder posted a 91-point run—just enough to edge out Canada’s Kye Petersen, who had scored 90. The Italian’s ability to read complex terrain and land difficult tricks in variable snow was a key factor in his success.

While Eder ultimately fell just short of the top spot, his creative vision and polished riding were among the day’s most memorable.

Re-live the full YETI Natural Selection Ski competition now on Red Bull TV.