The Natural Selection Tour (NST) just announced it's pointing the nose straight into Utah for its new "Super Sessions" format, specifically targeting Powder Mountain's DMI zone. For the uninitiated, DMI stands for "Don't Mention It." It's a cute localism for a 1,000-acre stash of cliff bands, spines, and technical chutes sitting under James Peak.
The irony, of course, is that "Don't Mention It" is about to be broadcast globally on Red Bull TV, and soon after, overrun by the public when the resort installs a lift in Wolf Canyon for the 2026/27 season. So much for keeping secrets.
The Super Sessions Format
NST is scrapping the DUELS format. Good riddance. While head-to-head brackets create manufactured drama, they don't always showcase the best riding. The new Super Sessions are collaborative, session-style heats. This mimics how we actually ride—lapping a zone with the crew, feeding off each other's energy, and pushing line choices without the immediate pressure of a buzzer beater. It's a format that favors progression over safety.
The roster is split geographically:
- Men: Divided between the deep pillows of Myōkō, Japan, and the technical steeps of Powder Mountain.
- Women: Competing at evo's Journeyman Lodge near Whistler Blackcomb (ShredIndex Score: 69.1/100).
If you're planning your own pilgrimage to the Japanese alps to chase that legendary depth, do yourself a favor and grab an eSIM for your trip so you don't get stranded without maps in a whiteout.
The Terrain: DMI Zone
This isn't your standard resort groomer run. The DMI zone holds legitimate big mountain consequences. We're talking about complex line choices involving mandatory airs and technical spine features. The athletes—including heavy hitters like Blake Paul and Garrett Warnick—will be riding this unserved terrain before the public lift starts spinning next winter.
The Finals
After the dust settles in Utah and Japan, the top riders (one woman, four men) will advance to the finals at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. If you haven't ridden Revy, you're missing out on the biggest vertical in North America. It's a beast. If you want to witness the carnage firsthand between March 10-16, you can find accommodation in Revelstoke before the prices spike.
When to Watch
The competition window opens in early February, dependent on snow stability and conditions. We don't force it when the avalanche dragon is waking up. The footage drops on Red Bull TV starting February 24, 2026.
This event marks a pivotal moment for Powder Mountain. They are transitioning from a sleepy giant to a major player in the freeride scene. Let's just hope the DMI zone retains its soul once the lift towers go in.
Stay sharp out there.
Source: Unofficial Networks
