Snowboarders from B.C. Express Their Passion for Revelstoke Before the Exciting Natural Selection Tour

On a Tuesday night at the Quartermaster Eatery, with the stunning Mount Mackenzie providing a beautiful backdrop, three top Canadian snowboarders relaxed and shared stories. Dustin Craven, Estelle Pensiero, and Mikey Ciccarelli, along with 21 other elite athletes, gathered in Revelstoke for the Natural Selection Tour (NST) from March 10-17.

Dustin Craven, a Calgary native who has made Revelstoke his home for eight years, has played a key role in shaping this year’s event. He spent the summer building the course and put in 19 weeks of training, significantly more than in previous years. Craven described the first NST as merely “finger painting,” emphasizing how much the event has evolved since then.

“This year, we’ve revamped the final section of the course, and riders will tackle about 20 different descents,” he said. For him, riding on untouched snow is a dream.

Estelle Pensiero, a Nelson native, is thrilled to be at NST as a prequalified alternate. Her connections to the sport run deep: her father founded Baldface Lodge, where she often snowboards. This year, she embraces her role in the competition and shared her excitement about participating in the scenic Revelstoke backcountry for the first time.

Pensiero has also been a mentor through her own event, “Low Maintenance,” aimed at supporting snowboarders at various levels. “Even after traveling around the world, I still cherish these slopes,” she said.

Mikey Ciccarelli, who has competed in the NST for three years, recalled his roots in Ontario’s Georgian Peaks Club. Today, he appreciates the grandeur of British Columbia slopes. “It’s a whole different experience,” he noted, highlighting the thrill of riding in Revelstoke’s rich powder.

As these athletes take on the challenging course at Montana Bowl, they also celebrate the sense of community among them. With their friends and family cheering them on, Craven expressed how special it feels to have an audience this year. The camaraderie and shared passion for snowboarding make the event even more memorable.

An interesting trend in snowboarding is the growing emphasis on mental health among athletes. Experts in sports psychology stress the importance of a supportive community. Research indicates that athletes who have strong social ties perform better and enjoy the sport more.

As the competition unfolds, the blend of skill, passion, and community is what makes the Natural Selection Tour an event to watch. The excitement around these athletes and the breathtaking scenery of Revelstoke ensures that this year’s NST will be one to remember.



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