Natural Selection Announces a new format: Super Sessions as the First Stage of the 2026 Tour

// news

Three Global Super Session Venues Announced for the First Stage of Natural Selection Snow: Myōkō, Japan; Powder Mountain, Utah; and evo’s Journeyman Lodge at the Callaghan, BC

The Natural Selection Tour announces the launch of Super Sessions, the all-new first stage of the 2026 Natural Selection Snow season. Born from DUELS, Super Sessions updates the concept with a more collaborative session-style competition. Super Sessions are fueled by creativity, highlight freeride progression, and aim to deliver more excitement for viewers and riders.

This winter, the world’s top freeride and freestyle snowboarders will gather at three iconic destinations: Myōkō, Japan; Powder Mountain, Utah; and evo’s Journeyman Lodge at the Callaghan, BC. The results from these events will determine who advances to compete at the YETI Natural Selection Snow in Revelstoke, March 10–16, 2026.

The Super Sessions will debut Tuesday, February 24, 2026, exclusively on Red Bull TV. Winners will be revealed within each Super Session episode as part of the broadcast series.

“Super Sessions is an evolution of what we’ve been building with the Natural Selection Tour,” said Liam Griffin, Chief Operating Officer of the Natural Selection Tour. “By creating a session-based format, we’re encouraging riders to collaborate and push their boundaries while maintaining that competitive spirit. It’s a more natural and dynamic way to showcase the incredible talent and creativity that defines backcountry freestyle snowboarding—and it’s going to be even more exciting to watch from home.”

The Natural Selection selection committee will invite three women and seven men to take part in Super Sessions. One additional woman and one man will be selected for the Super Sessions by fans through a contest on @naturalselectionsnow and @redbullsnow launching in early December. All Super Session riders will be announced in mid-December.

The women will compete at evo’s Journeyman Lodge at the Callaghan, near Whistler known for its deep snowpack, natural features, and dynamic Coast Range terrain accessed by human power. The men will be split into two groups—one riding in Myōkō, Japan, and the other in Powder Mountain, Utah—each offering unique freeride meets freestyle ready terrain and world-class snow conditions. From these sessions, one woman and four men will earn their spots to compete in Revelstoke.

BG 20250203 NaturalSelection 4676 1024x683 - Natural Selection Announces a new format: Super Sessions as the First Stage of the 2026 Tour

On the women’s side, in addition to the top four finishing pre-qualified riders from 2025, there will be one rider qualifying from Super Sessions, the winner of RND, and wildcards. Eight men have prequalified from 2025. They’ll be joined by four riders from Super Sessions and additional wildcards including past Tour Champions. Names and more qualifier details will be shared on @naturalselectionsnow as the snow falls. 

Each Super Session venue has been handpicked for its unique snow conditions and natural terrain that bring the Natural Selection ethos to life:

  • evo’s Journeyman Lodge at the Callaghan, BC – The Callaghan’s deep, consistent snowpack, creative natural features, and pillow-lined glades make it ideal for the flowy backcountry designed by Mother Nature.
  • Myōkō, Japan – Known for some of the deepest snowfalls on Earth, Myōkō’s playful natural terrain and perfectly spaced trees create a freeride dreamscape where riders can showcase technical precision and style.
  • Powder Mountain, Utah – With wide-open bowls, steep chutes, and Utah’s famously dry snow, Powder Mountain provides the ideal blend of big-mountain challenge and creative opportunity.
BG 20250202 NaturalSelection 3235 1024x683 - Natural Selection Announces a new format: Super Sessions as the First Stage of the 2026 Tour

When and where to watch:

Super Sessions – February 24, 2026 premiere on Red Bull TV
(Myōkō, Japan; Powder Mountain, Utah; evo’s Journeyman Lodge at the Callaghan, BC)

YETI Natural Selection Snow – Revelstoke – March 10–16, 2026. Runs live across two days on Red Bull TV.

GET THE GOOD STUFF

SIGN UP for the Snowboard International newsletter for competitions, news and all that is good from the world of snowboarding...