Wānaka’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott made back-to-back wins on the 2023 Natural Selection Tour to claim the title at Valdez Alaska this morning (Thursday April 27).

The Natural Selection tour showcases the world’s top snowboarders competing on exciting natural big mountain terrain in a head-to-head elimination format.

“It feels pretty insane to win the Alaska stop,” Zoi said. 

“I’ve never been super stoked on my Alaska riding, so I’m super, super happy to win and of course I look back and want to do it differently, ride different lines, but that’s the beauty of it; you always want more.”

Travis Rice (left, men’s winner) and Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (women’s winner). PHOTO: Tom Monterosso/Natural Selection Tour 

Zoi set up a final showdown against Elena Hight, the 2022 Natural Selection Champion, after defeating Hailey Langland in the semi final. 

It wasn’t the first time Zoi and Elena faced off this season on the tour; Zoi bested Elena in a close final in Revelstoke.  

Both riders approached the face strongly and with confidence, navigating incredibly steep line choices, dropping big cliffs, spinning 360s and landing solidly. Only one point separated the reigning big mountain queen Elena and decorated slopestyle and big air rider Zoi in both finals’ runs.  

Zoi’s 88 point score from her first finals run remained the top score of the women’s finals, claiming both the Natural Selection Alaska and 2023 Natural Selection Tour title.  

This marks Zoi’s 23rd straight podium finish, a phenomenal feat. 

“Juggling slopestyle and big air, and also competing in big mountain is a lot to do in a season, but returning to Natural Selection is one of my number one goals for next year,” Zoi said. 

Results:  

2023 Natural Selection Alaska, women’s podium: 

1. Zoi Sadowski-Synnott 

2. Elena Hight 

3. Kimmy Fasani 

2023 Natural Selection Alaska, men’s podium: 

1. Travis Rice 

2. Mikkel Bang 

3. Dustin Craven