Red Bull Ultra Natural Competition Day Gallery

by: Editor

Austrian Gigi Ruf, 31, bested the world's top backcountry freestyle snowboarders today at the 2nd Annual Red Bull Ultra Natural, held at Baldface Catskiing Lodge and Resort outside of Nelson, British Columbia, Canada. In varying weather conditions Ruf scored the highest in a best of two run format as one of 16 riders invited to compete at what is considered to be the most prestigious backcountry snowboarding event on the planet.

"Today it all came together. I was up there and I sent most of my hope into the first run. It paid off and I placed first and it's pretty incredible."

Ruf is known as one of the world's most stylish snowboarders with an uncanny ability to read the terrain and adapt accordingly. Not typically a contest rider, his reputation stems from annual accolades in his progressive video parts. Ruf chose to compete in this event due to it's more authentic approach.

"This event is pretty unique. It gets the top class of riders all together. It's really not about competition. It's about getting everyone together and being in the moment. That's the Ultra Natural."