Best All-Round Snowboarder crowned in Canada
Austrian Gigi Rüf grabs first-place at Red Bull Ultra Natural, a backcountry snowboarding competition that takes place deep in the Canadian backcountry at Baldface Lodge. Nicolas Müller from Switzerland and Bryan Fox from the United States round out the podium in second and third-place respectively.
Austrian Gigi Rüf grabs first-place at Red Bull Ultra Natural, Scott Serfas/Red Bull Content Pool
Nelson, B.C. (February 17, 2013) – Sixteen of the world’s best snowboarders converged on the run known as “Scary Cherry” at Baldface Lodge, fighting deteriorating weather as the day went along, but only one rider could take home the top honor at Red Bull Ultra Natural. In the end, Austria’s Gigi Rüf stood on top of the podium after putting together a creative run showcasing his unique style, utilizing a variety of both the natural and man-made features on the mile long course. Switzerland’s Nicolas Müller not only took second place but was also presented the Best Trick Award with a gigantic mute air over a tree, sending himself nearly 100-feet down the 45+ degree course. Rounding out the podium was Southern California’s Bryan Fox, a first-timer at Red Bull Ultra Natural and a late addition to the event as a wildcard entry.
Nicolas Müller presented the Best Trick Award with a gigantic mute air over a tree, Photo by Scott Serfas/Red Bull Content Pool
Nicolas Müller did the most tricks of anyone else on the hill today but fell on a backside 540, virtually ending his chances for the top spot. However, his huge mute air ollie over a treetop pillow left the judges in awe after going bigger and farther than almost anyone else on course today.
Bryan Fox may have been a newcomer to Red Bull Ultra Natural, but it sure didn’t show in his riding. Fox was the only rider to stand-up top to bottom his entire run, landing such difficult tricks as back-to-back-to-back 360’s, a frontside inverted 720 and a 50-50 off a log feature. In the end, the cleanliness of his run didn’t outweigh the creativity of Rüf’s or Müller’s.
Results: 1. Gigi Rüf (AUT) 2. Nicolas Müller (CHE) 3. Bryan Fox (USA) 4. Terje Håkonsen (NOR) 5. David Carrier-Porcheron (CAN) 6. Mark McMorris (CAN) 7. Eero Niemela (FIN) 8. Pat Moore (USA) 9. Lucas Debari (USA) 10. Travis Rice (USA) 11. Jussi Oksanen (FIN) 12. Bode Merrill (USA) 13. Jake Blauvelt (USA) 14. Wolfgang Nyvelt (AUT) 15. Torstein Horgmo (NOR) 16. Mikey Rencz (CAN)
Videos:
John Jackson talks to Austria’s Gigi Rüf about winning the Red Bull Ultra Natural big-mountain freestyle snowboard competition after putting together a creative run showcasing his unique style, while utilizing a variety of both the natural and man-made features on the mile-long course.
Nicolas Müller, second-place finisher at Red Bull Ultra Natural, speaks with John Jackson about the importance of having fun on the course and going with the flow when it comes to planning out a run.
Snowboarder magazine wildcard invite Bryan Fox rode to third place at Red Bull Ultra Natural, then talked to John Jackson about getting his first-ever podium, his approach to the course, and letting his instincts take over.
More on the official Ultra Natural site: redbull.com/ultranatural