Forget Parks, Rails and Pipes: Travis Rice To Host 17 of World's Best Snowboarders in Test of Skill on Natural Terrain.

Quiksilver, the leading brand in boardriding, today announced that the inaugural "Quiksilver Natural Selection: All-Mountain Freestyle Invitational at Jackson Hole" snowboarding event will be held from January 30 to February 5, 2008 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This innovative event is the brainchild of Quiksilver athlete and one of today's most versatile and accomplished snowboarders, Travis Rice, who envisioned a competition that removes the constructs of snow parks and half-pipes, and instead uses a natural-terrain course to bring out the best in riders' style and technique.

Travis, who is also an avid filmmaker, has posted a personal video announcement about the event here. To ensure fresh, untracked snow, the event extends over a seven-day holding period beginning on January 30, with the two days of actual competition to be determined by natural forces. The idea is to hold out for the best possible powder conditions so riders can carve fresh tracks. "We'll leave the course design to Mother Nature and let riders express themselves in an unpredictable measure of true, raw talent," said Travis. "To succeed here, riders must embrace the mountain on its own terms and get after it with respect, grace, artistry and fun. This is the return to the soul and roots of riding." According to Quiksilver CEO Bob McKnight, the event's goal is more than to simply showcase riding.

"This competition is about stripping away anything unnecessary, and exploring the basic, instinctual and powerful balance between mountain and rider," said McKnight. "Travis and the riders hope the Natural Selection will emphasize this aspect of the sport and return an organic, soulful approach to competition." 17 Riders - Seven Days - One Mountain While the event will feature an exclusive field of 17 riders handpicked by Travis coming together to test their skill in an all-natural setting, it's also an opportunity for the leaders of snowboarding culture to congregate in the name of fun.