Donek Snowboards at The Gathering 2026: Elevating Next-Gen Riders

From May 7–10, Donek Snowboards is proud to be part of The Gathering, a premier snowboard development event hosted by Canada Snowboard at Sunshine Village, Banff. Built for emerging athletes, this event is designed to push progression by blending multiple snowboard disciplines into one unique on-snow experience.


What Is The Gathering?

The Gathering is a high-level development camp focused on helping young riders expand their skills across both speed and style disciplines. Athletes get hands-on coaching, exposure to new equipment, and the opportunity to challenge themselves outside their comfort zone—whether that’s carving alpine lines or stepping into snowboardcross features.

This multi-disciplinary approach helps riders become more complete athletes, building confidence, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of the sport.


Donek’s Full Alpine Experience

Donek is bringing the Alpine arsenal to Sunshine Village. Riders will have access to:

  • Competition-level alpine snowboards
  • High-performance hardboots and bindings
  • A selection of snowboardcross boards for crossover progression

This is a rare opportunity to test top-tier alpine setups in a supported environment. Donek’s demo fleet is built to introduce riders to the precision, power, and speed that define alpine snowboarding.


Learn From the Best: Mellen Jay

Leading the Donek tent is Mellen Jay, one of the most respected figures in snowboarding today. As a CASI Level 4 Examiner and a key contributor to both CASI and Canada Snowboard instruction manuals, Mellen brings unmatched technical knowledge and coaching expertise.

Alongside her is Donek Ambassador Jonah Boyer, Wes, and Cat, helping riders dial in equipment and progression on snow.

Riders working with Mellen can expect immediate improvements in technique, confidence, and overall riding ability. Her ability to break down complex movements into actionable progression makes this an invaluable learning experience.

Mellen Jay Donek Expert

Open to International Riders

In an exciting move, Canada Snowboard has opened 30 spots for American and international athletes, making The Gathering a truly global snowboard development event.

This creates a unique opportunity for riders from around the world to train together, share experiences, and elevate their riding in a high-performance environment.

Learn about the event

Register as an International Rider


Why This Event Matters

The Gathering isn’t just another snowboard camp—it’s a stepping stone for the next generation of riders. With access to elite coaching, world-class equipment, and a collaborative atmosphere, athletes leave with more than just new skills—they gain a new perspective on what’s possible in snowboarding.


Join Donek at The Gathering

If you’re serious about progression and want to explore the full spectrum of snowboarding, this is the event to be at. Donek Snowboards is committed to growing the sport from the ground up, and The Gathering is the perfect place to make that happen.

Spots are limited—don’t miss your chance to be part of it.

Donek employee setting rider on a alpine snowboard