MYOKO KOGEN

NATURAL SELECTION
TOUR

World-Class Backcountry Snowboarding Comes to Japan

Event

NST Super Sessions

Year

2026

Broadcast

Red Bull TV

Terrain

Backcountry / Powder

What Is the Natural Selection Tour?

The Natural Selection Tour (NST) is one of the most prestigious snowboard competitions in the world. Founded by legendary snowboarder Travis Rice, the event places elite athletes in untouched, natural mountain terrain to push the boundaries of what is possible on a snowboard.

Unlike conventional competitions, NST prioritizes creativity, flow, and line selection. Riders are judged on how they read and interact with the mountain — choosing creative routes through trees, cliffs, and natural features while linking tricks and maintaining speed. It is widely considered the ultimate expression of freeride snowboarding.

The tour began in 2021 and has grown into a global series, with venues selected for world-class backcountry terrain and exceptional snowfall. Past locations include Jackson Hole, Baldface Lodge, Revelstoke, and Powder Mountain.

Natural Selection Comes to Myoko — The 2026 Super Sessions

In 2026, the Natural Selection Tour introduced a new opening format called Super Sessions — a collaborative, session-style qualifying event held across multiple global venues before the main finals in Revelstoke, Canada (March 10-16, 2026).

Myoko Kogen was selected as one of just three global venues for the Super Sessions, alongside Powder Mountain in Utah. This placed Myoko firmly on the world map of elite backcountry snowboarding — a recognition of the area’s legendary snowfall, volcanic terrain, and perfectly spaced tree runs.

Why Myoko Was Chosen

World-class snowfall — Myoko receives some of the deepest powder on Earth, thanks to moisture from the Sea of Japan
Volcanic terrain — rolling hills, natural kickers, and dramatic elevation changes ideal for freeride lines
Dense tree runs — perfectly spaced forests create natural pillow lines and creative features
Untouched backcountry — vast terrain beyond the ski resort boundaries remains wild and ungroomed

The Riders at Myoko

The Myoko Super Sessions featured a crew of next-generation NST athletes:

Miles Fallon

Advanced to Revelstoke

Mateo Massitti

Advanced to Revelstoke

Mason Lemery

Super Session Participant

Takeru Otsuka

Representing Japan

Riders explored Myoko’s rolling volcanic terrain and deep forested pillow lines, focusing on flow, creativity, and linking freestyle tricks with natural freeride lines. The session was broadcast exclusively on Red Bull TV and debuted on February 24, 2026. Japanese rider Takeru Otsuka represented the home country, adding an exciting local dimension to the event.

Miles Fallon and Mateo Massitti earned their spots at the Revelstoke finals, where the overall NST 2026 champions were ultimately crowned.

What This Means for Myoko

Hosting a Natural Selection Tour event is a significant moment for Myoko Kogen. It signals that this region — long beloved by Japan’s powder community and by freeriders from Australia, North America, and Europe — is now recognized at the very highest level of international snowboarding.

The same deep powder forests, volcanic rolls, and natural backcountry lines that attracted elite NST athletes are available to explore during any winter visit — with proper guidance, local knowledge, and safety preparation.

Experience Myoko’s Backcountry Yourself

Whether you are an experienced backcountry rider or a first-time powder seeker, Myoko offers some of the most rewarding off-piste terrain in Japan. Local guides and cat skiing operators can help you access the same legendary terrain that drew the Natural Selection Tour to this region.

Explore the Myoko Winter Guide

Watch the Natural Selection Tour

The Natural Selection Super Sessions and finals are broadcast on Red Bull TV (free to watch online). The Myoko Super Session episode premiered on February 24, 2026. Visit naturalselectiontour.com for the latest news, rider profiles, and event schedules.

Watch the Event