Featured Image: Chad Chomlack, Natural Selection
Iconic big-mountain skier Sage Cattabriga-Alosa has been appointed as the newest Director of Natural Selection Ski. With a storied history in the mountains as one of freeride skiing's foremost pioneers , Cattabriga-Alosa is an excellent choice to spearhead the event.
His experience proved noteworthy and beneficial last season in Alaska , where he served as one of the three NST Ski judges and provided valuable insight when the competition was forced to change venues due to conditions.
Cattabriga-Alosa will be following in the footsteps of another freeski legend, Mike Douglas . Douglas played a pivotal role in the creation of NST Ski, serving as Director for the last two years. "NST thanks Douglas for helping lay the foundation for a competition built around the creativity, commitment and mountain knowledge of the world's most exciting skiers," read the official press release. It's unclear at this time if Douglas was pushed out or opted to step away, though our money is on the latter.
Cattabriga-Alosa takes flight at his home hill, Mount Bachelor, Oregon (left) before judging NST Ski 2026 in Alaska (right)
Photo: Max Rhulen
"Joining Natural Selection Ski last year as a judge, I was fired up to be a part of the experience and blown away by the entire program," said Cattabriga-Alosa. "Pulling off a ski contest in Alaska is a massive challenge, and the way the team navigated obstacles, pivoted and executed where it counted was incredible. This style of competition showcases skiing at its absolute best and gives riders the ideal platform to perform."
He continued, "Stepping into a larger role this year, I am honored and proud to help steer the ship as we continue to highlight these amazing women and men in skiing." His enthusiasm for the new role is tangible, and the shoes he has to fill are large.
The Director position is far from an easy one, with opinions varying from skier to skier when it comes to the future of NST Ski. Lucky for Cattabriga-Alosa, he won't have to tackle the task alone. He'll be able to work alongside NST’s Ski Advisory Committee, made up of Chris Benchetler, Michelle Parker, Markus Eder, Kristi Leskinen and Candide Thovex.
What does this mean for the future of NST Ski? That remains to unfold, but it's clear that passionate, capable people are at the helm for the coming season. Stay tuned to FREESKIER, as the 2027 NST Ski schedule is set to drop later this month.
