Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, will host a series of snowboarding events this February that bring together young athletes from across the region. The activities kick off with the South Slave Youth Tour on February 20, 2026, and conclude with the NWT Territorial Competition and Clinic from February 27 to March 1, 2026.
The NWT Snowboard Association, in partnership with the Town of Fort Smith, is organizing the events to help develop local talent and to serve as a selection platform for Team NT ahead of the 2026 Arctic Winter Games. The South Slave Youth Tour will travel through Fort Resolution and Hay River before culminating in Fort Smith.
Residents should expect a busy few weeks at the Fort Smith Snowboard Park on Marine Drive. According to Town of Fort Smith official documentation, the park features a boarder-cross run and a 20-foot “big air” jump. The Town has warned that public access to the park will likely be restricted during competition windows, which are typically 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Approximately 30–50 visiting athletes and their families are expected to travel to the South Slave region for the events, providing a boost to local hotels and restaurants. Competitors must hold a valid NWT Snowboard membership (historically about $30/year), which covers insurance for territorial events.
Community members who want to get involved can sign up for volunteer roles such as timing, hospitality, or acting as course judges. Organizers say that volunteers do not need to be expert snowboarders to help out. The Fort Smith Snowboard Park is located on the banks of the Slave River.
