In The News – The K-Factor and terrain: Why Kirkwood attracted a world-class snowboarding competition
February 4, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 2/4/2025, Written by Katelyn Welsh
Kirkwood’s high-alpine terrain at over 9,000 feet is a draw to many near and far. That now includes the Natural Selection Tour, a big mountain freeride competition created by renowned snowboarder, Travis Rice, coming up Feb. 12–15.
“Kirkwood, with its endless playground of narrow chutes, big cliffs, and steep walls,” Kirkwood Senior Communications Specialist, Carly Mangan says, “is known for being a stomping ground for hard-charging freeride athletes.”
Whereas snowboarding competitions like the X Games and Olympics focus on park or manmade features, athletes in the Natural Selection Tour (NST) and other freeride competitions compete on natural terrain. “Basically you’re looking for fun, playful terrain,” Kirkwood general manager, Ricky Newberry, says, “of which Kirkwood has a ton of all across the mountain.”
Photo: Kirkwood Mountain