RnD is the most exciting event in women’s freestyle backcountry snowboarding right now. Here’s everything you need to know.

EVENT DATES & SCHEDULE

The third annual Research and Development returns to Whitewater Mountain Resort in Nelson, British Columbia, February 23 to March 3, 2026.

Week Overview:

ReBIRD Repair Pop Up: Now's your chance to get your Arc'teryx gear taken care of by the pros.

Community Snow Days: Feb 27 & 28-  Intro to the Backcountry (27) and Community Ride Day (28) at Whitewater Mountain Resort

Bib Allocation + Movie Night: FEB 27 @ 6:30pm - 10:00pm at Tribute Boardshop

Contest Day: TBD, due to snow conditions and weather, RnD operates within a weather window to allow for the safest and most optimal riding conditions. Check back here and on social media @rndsearch + @slushthemagazine for live updates on when the official Contest Day will go down.

Film Days: Two filming days take place within the official weather window to ensure the best snow conditions and prioritize rider safety

Wrap Party: March 2 @ 8:00pm at The Royal

WHERE TO WATCH

Follow Along Online

The live stream will be hosted by  @rndsearch on Instagram. Stay tuned for the RnD recap premiering March 9— streaming exclusively on Red Bull TV.

Watch In Person at Whitewater

Contest Day takes place in Trash Chutes and is open to public viewing.Designated

Spectator Zone:
Located at the bottom of the Trash terrain sector.

How to Access the Venue:

• Take Raven Chair or Glory Ridge Chair
  
• Follow signage to the Trash Chutes sector
  
• Spectator Zone is clearly marked at the base of the competition venue
  

Always check the official Lift & Grooming Status before heading out.RnD operates within a weather-dependent window to ensure the best and safest possible conditions. The final Contest Day may shift within the seven-day window based on snow, visibility, and avalanche safety.For real-time updates on scheduling, follow along 
@rndsearch + @slushthemagazine

COMMUNITY EVENTS

REBIRD Repair Pop Up

Come explore our repair options for your Arc'teryx gear at our ReBIRD™ pop up throughout Research & Development and the Natural Selection Tour.

Community Snow Days

This February, Natural Freedom is partnering with Research & Development (RnD) to host two community snow events in Nelson, BC. These gatherings are designed to support access, learning, and connection in the backcountry — while celebrating and supporting the impact of RnD and women’s progression in snowboarding.

Participants in either Natural Freedom event will have access to the RnD event happenings

This professionally guided Intro to the Backcountry day is designed for anyone who is curious about touring and looking for a supportive experience in the backcountry.

Guided by Summit Mountain Guides and Kate Ediger, the day will focus on foundational touring skills, safety awareness, and confidence-building in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. Group sizes are intentionally kept small to support learning and connection.

Ideal for skiers and snowboarders who are new to touring and curious about what exists beyond the resort. No previous backcountry or avalanche training required.

The Community Ride Day is a free, casual celebration ride open to anyone who is comfortable riding the mountain and wants to connect, ride, and celebrate together.

To RSVP and learn more information click HERE.

BIB ALLOCATION + MOVIE PREMIERE NIGHT

Join us at Tribute Boardshop for a free evening of film, community, and official bib seeding!

Films

• Facing Giants, documenting Ellery Manning’s journey from RnD 2024 to Natural Selection (NST) 2025, followed by a Q&A
  
• Official Arc’teryx rider bib allocation and seeding reveal
  
• Wayward, a feature documentary tracing the history of women in snowboarding and the stories of the riders who helped progress equality in snowboarding, with an intro and Q&A with filmmaker Mia Lambson.
  

Giveaways & Raffle Prizes Include: YETI, Jones Snowboards, Burton, Sun Bum products, Arc’teryx.

RSVP HERE

RND CLOSING PARTY PRESENTED BY ARC'TERYX

Join us Monday March 2nd at The Royal to celebrate the week, and send off the Top 2 riders to the Natural Selection Tour. Stay tuned for tickets to go live later this week.

That's all we've got for now, stay in the loop with updates and more @slushthemagazine !