RED BULL ULTRA NATURAL 

The Red Bull Ultra Natural is an all-mountain snowboard competition that is held each year on one of Baldface's steepest slopes, "Scary Cherry".

During the weeks leading up to the event, guests can ski and snowboard near, but not on the specially-designed course, then for one week, sixteen of the world’s best riders fly to Nelson so they can determine who is the world’s best all-around snowboarder.

“This event was created as the highest echelon of competitive snowboarding. It draws on all aspects and a lifetime of accumulated snowboarding skill and knowledge,” says event creator and pro snowboarder Travis Rice.

THE COURSE:

The brainchild of Red Bull athlete Travis Rice, the 45+-degree course can be broken down into three distinct sections: From the towering log start gates, riders drop into the steepest section of untouched powder which features more than 80 stunts which have been hand-built by local lumberjacks. The platforms appear as suspended powder pillows at various heights and are scattered amongst natural trees, chutes, and cliff bands. The second section gives the athletes a chance to show off their big-air skills on one of three super kickers. This is where the award for best trick is usually won – in 2013, it went to Nico Muller for his very large transfer huck. The third section is a natural jib and jump park near the finish. All professional snowboarders usually excel in only one of these areas. This competition allows them to show off their strengths where they are comfortable, but also requires them to step it up in other areas as well.

THE RIDERS:

The exciting thing about the Ultra Natural format is that it brings together young pipe riders like Mark McMorris with old mountain legends like Travis Rice all on the same mountain. Top finishers from the previous year go head-to-head against a handful of hand-picked riders. The 2013 star-studded lineup included Gigi Rüff, Travis Rice, Nicolas Müller, Terje Håakonsen, Lucas Debari, and David Carrier-Porcheron. Even the judging tower is heavy with fame. Snowboarding legends Jamie Lynn, Peter Line, Temple Cummins, Andy Hetzel and Tom Burt have all sat on Ultra Natural’s judging panel.

THE PREP:

The single-day competition within the window of a week ensures that the event takes place under only the best possible conditions – a mix of deep powder, good sunlight, and safe conditions. Once athletes have been flown up to Baldface, they all gather in front of the lodge for an axe-throwing competition that determines starting order. Once the start list has been determined, the riders get to enjoy themselves for a few days – riding pow with their buddies, getting massages to stay limber, and studying the wall-size course photograph while they choose their lines.

THE COMPETITION:

Although there is no live viewing and no live broadcast of the event, the 2013 Red Bull Ultra Natural event aired on NBC March 30. Red Bull Ultra Natural is part of a 15-stop event series called the “Red Bull Signature Series” which features the most progressive surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, freestyle motocross, skiing, and BMX events. Fans can also catch the full episode and behind-the-scenes action online at www.redbullsignatureseries.com.