The latest installment of the popular winter web series, Thrice Baked, has been released, chronicling an eventful segment of the winter season for professional snowboarders Katie Kennedy and Stefi Luxton. The episode provides an in-depth look into their multifaceted winter experiences, from navigating challenging backcountry conditions and filming demanding segments to participating in high-stakes competitions. This particular chapter culminates in significant recognition at the RND women’s backcountry event, with both athletes securing prestigious awards and Kennedy earning a coveted alternate spot for the Natural Selection Tour, a testament to their dedication and skill in the evolving landscape of professional snowboarding.
The Genesis and Ethos of Thrice Baked
Thrice Baked is more than just a snowboarding series; it’s a narrative exploration of the winter lifestyle, offering viewers a genuine perspective on the challenges, camaraderie, and triumphs inherent in a season dedicated to snow sports. Featuring Katie Kennedy and Stefi Luxton, the series distinguishes itself by blending high-performance snowboarding with an authentic, relatable portrayal of their journeys. The title itself, Thrice Baked, subtly alludes to the enduring appeal of comfort and familiarity, much like the "baked goods" referenced in the series’ promotional materials, suggesting a warm, inviting atmosphere even amidst the rigorous demands of professional filming and competition.
The series concept revolves around documenting Kennedy and Luxton’s winter escapades, showcasing their navigation through film projects, attendance at industry events, and participation in competitive circuits. A core tenet of Thrice Baked is the emphasis on community, often featuring a revolving cast of fellow riders and friends, referred to as "homies," who join them on various segments of their adventure. This communal aspect not only enriches the storytelling but also reflects a broader trend in action sports media that prioritizes authentic connections and shared experiences alongside athletic prowess. In an era where digital content plays a crucial role in athlete visibility and brand engagement, Thrice Baked has carved a niche by presenting a raw yet polished portrayal of professional snowboarding, resonating with a global audience eager for genuine narratives from the heart of the sport.
Tahoe’s Deep Winter: A Stormy Commencement
The recently released episode initiates its chronological journey in the iconic Sierra Nevada region, specifically Tahoe. The segment opens with Kennedy and Luxton linking up with fellow riders Max Warbington and the "Man Ramp" crew at Brain Bowl, a renowned backcountry zone. This initial phase of their winter was defined by formidable meteorological conditions, specifically a substantial "nine-foot storm" that blanketed the region. Such heavy snowfall, while highly sought after by powder enthusiasts, presents unique logistical and safety challenges for film crews and riders. The episode highlights the collaborative spirit required in these conditions, showing the group actively "lapping home-dug features," an activity that underscores both the creativity and the physical effort involved in shaping the natural terrain for optimal riding and filming.
The Tahoe segment serves as an immediate immersion into the realities of a professional winter season. It showcases not only the exhilaration of deep powder riding but also the pragmatic aspects of managing equipment, assessing avalanche risk, and fostering a supportive environment among riders. The collaboration with figures like Max Warbington, known for his distinctive style and backcountry acumen, further elevates the technical and artistic caliber of the riding featured, setting a high standard for the adventures that follow.
Navigating Avalanche Terrain: A Measured Approach in Soda Springs
Following their deep powder escapades in Tahoe, the crew transitioned to Soda Springs, another key location within California’s snow-rich landscape. Here, the focus shifted towards a "low-angle powder tour" undertaken in collaboration with veteran snowboard industry figure Pat Bridges. This segment provided a crucial illustration of responsible backcountry engagement, particularly pertinent given the ongoing and relentless snowfall that continued to accumulate. The decision to opt for lower-angle terrain with an experienced guide like Bridges underscores a commitment to safety, a paramount concern in dynamic mountain environments where avalanche risk can be significant.
Pat Bridges, a highly respected voice in snowboarding, particularly recognized for his extensive tenure as editor-in-chief of Snowboarder Magazine, brought an invaluable layer of expertise and mentorship to this portion of the journey. His involvement emphasizes the importance of seasoned knowledge in navigating complex snowpacks and making informed decisions in challenging conditions. The "low-angle" approach, while potentially less dramatic for a film, critically illustrates that professional backcountry riding is often about strategic risk management and understanding terrain, rather than solely pursuing extreme lines. This segment serves as an educational interlude, highlighting the nuanced considerations that underpin safe and sustainable backcountry exploration, a message that resonates deeply within the wider snowboarding community advocating for responsible mountain practices.
The Extensive Journey to RND: A Pivotal Women’s Backcountry Event
From the snow-laden peaks of California, the narrative pivots to a significant logistical undertaking, signaling the crew’s commitment to a major event on the women’s snowboarding calendar. The journey involved two flights to Seattle, followed by the formidable task of loading a truck with essential equipment, including multiple snowmobiles, for a substantial push north. This extensive overland travel ultimately led them into the heart of British Columbia, specifically to Nelson, a region renowned for its deep snow and vibrant snow culture, and the destination for the Robin Van Gyn’s RND event at Whitewater Resort.
RND, an acronym for "Radical North Direction" or often simply known by its initials, stands as a cornerstone event specifically designed to elevate women’s backcountry snowboarding. Conceived and spearheaded by legendary freerider Robin Van Gyn, RND is more than just a competition; it is a comprehensive experience that blends mentorship, skill development, and a competitive platform within the challenging yet rewarding environment of professional backcountry terrain. The event typically attracts a curated roster of elite female riders, offering them an opportunity to showcase their talents in natural terrain, push personal boundaries, and connect with peers and mentors. Whitewater Resort, known for its abundant snowfall and diverse terrain, provides an ideal canvas for such an event, offering a mix of accessible powder stashes and more technical lines suitable for high-level freeriding. The strategic importance of RND cannot be overstated; it serves as a critical incubator for talent, a proving ground for backcountry prowess, and a powerful statement about the growth and capability of women in big mountain snowboarding.
RND Competition and Achievements: A Showcase of Skill and Determination
The RND event itself was structured as an intensive multi-day affair, comprising "two film days" dedicated to capturing content in various backcountry zones, followed by "one contest day" where riders put their skills to the test in a judged format. With a roster of "16 riders," the competition was fierce, with substantial stakes including "cash, awards and Natural Selection spots." The opportunity to secure a spot, or even an alternate position, for the Natural Selection Tour represents a significant career milestone, as Natural Selection is widely considered the premier natural-terrain snowboarding competition globally.
Katie Kennedy emerged from RND with notable distinctions, securing "third place" overall in a highly competitive field. Her performance underscored her technical proficiency and confident approach to challenging backcountry conditions. Beyond her podium finish, Kennedy was also honored with the "Clinic Award." While the specific criteria for this award can vary, it typically recognizes a rider who demonstrates exceptional all-around mountain sense, technical precision, perhaps a strong understanding of snow safety, or a willingness to share knowledge and contribute positively to the group dynamic—qualities that resonate deeply within the backcountry community. Most significantly, Kennedy’s strong showing earned her an "alternate spot for Natural Selection." This is a pivotal achievement, placing her directly in line should a main roster competitor withdraw, offering an unprecedented opportunity for global exposure and competition at the highest level of natural terrain snowboarding.
Stefi Luxton also received well-deserved recognition at RND, earning the "Jeff Keenan Approved: Most Proper Award." Jeff Keenan, a respected figure within the snowboarding community known for his discerning eye for style, execution, and overall mountain approach, lends significant credibility to this accolade. The term "proper" in snowboarding parlance often refers to a rider’s clean lines, fluid execution, confident board control, and an aesthetic that is both effective and stylish. Luxton’s award highlights her refined technique and natural grace on the snow, demonstrating that true skill is often as much about how one rides as what one rides. These awards collectively underscore the high level of talent present at RND and the event’s commitment to recognizing diverse aspects of snowboarding excellence, from competitive results to stylistic integrity and mountain acumen.
Implications for Natural Selection and the Broader Impact on Women’s Snowboarding
Katie Kennedy’s securing of an alternate spot for the Natural Selection Tour carries significant implications for her professional trajectory and for the visibility of women’s snowboarding. The Natural Selection Tour represents the pinnacle of natural-terrain competition, bringing together the world’s most elite riders to compete in untouched, challenging big-mountain environments. An alternate spot not only places Kennedy on standby for potential entry into the main event but also grants her invaluable exposure, connecting her with the tour’s robust media platform, industry sponsors, and a global audience. For a rider, being associated with Natural Selection is a powerful endorsement of skill, courage, and backcountry expertise, potentially opening doors to increased sponsorship, greater media coverage, and an elevated status within the sport. This achievement further solidifies her position among the top echelons of female freeriders and underscores the pathways created by events like RND.
The RND event itself, through its structure and recognition of riders like Kennedy and Luxton, plays a crucial role in the ongoing progression of women’s snowboarding. By providing a dedicated platform for female athletes to compete, film, and collaborate in complex backcountry settings, RND actively fosters a supportive and challenging environment essential for skill development. Industry observers often point to events like RND as vital in narrowing the gender gap in professional snowboarding, offering opportunities that historically have been less abundant for women. The awards received by both Kennedy and Luxton not only celebrate individual achievements but also serve as inspiring examples for aspiring female riders globally, demonstrating that dedication, skill, and a proper approach to mountain environments are recognized and rewarded.
From a broader perspective, the continued success of Thrice Baked as a web series, coupled with the competitive achievements of its featured athletes, contributes significantly to the narrative of professional snowboarding. Web series formats offer a more intimate and sustained engagement with riders, allowing for the showcasing of not just contest highlights but also the journey, the struggles, and the personality behind the athlete. This authentic storytelling helps humanize the sport, making it more accessible and inspiring to a wider demographic. The series, therefore, acts as a powerful amplifier for the talents of Kennedy and Luxton, showcasing their athletic prowess and their roles as ambassadors for the sport, particularly in promoting women’s involvement in demanding disciplines like backcountry freeriding.
Onward to Revelstoke and Future Prospects
Following the intensity and triumphs of RND, the episode briefly captures a night of well-deserved celebration for the crew, a testament to the camaraderie forged through shared experiences and competitive pressures. However, the relentless pace of a professional winter season dictates that the journey continues without delay. The episode concludes with Kennedy and Luxton once again "straight back on the road," heading towards Revelstoke, British Columbia. Revelstoke is globally recognized as a mecca for big-mountain and backcountry snowboarding, offering some of the most expansive and challenging terrain in North America. This onward journey signifies the continuous pursuit of new snow, new lines, and new adventures that define the lives of these professional athletes.
The conclusion of this Thrice Baked episode leaves viewers anticipating what further adventures and achievements await Kennedy and Luxton in the deep snows of Revelstoke and beyond. Their journey through Tahoe, Soda Springs, and the pivotal RND event has not only highlighted their individual skills and determination but also underscored the evolving landscape of women’s professional snowboarding—a landscape increasingly defined by powerful narratives, dedicated events, and platforms like Thrice Baked that bring these stories to the forefront. As the winter season progresses, the snowboard community will undoubtedly watch with interest as these athletes continue to push the boundaries of their sport, further cementing their legacies and inspiring the next generation of riders.
Watch the full episode below:
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