The second annual Research and Development (RnD) backcountry contest will take place February 24 – March 2, 2025, at Whitewater Ski Resort in Nelson, British Columbia. This invite-only event, created by professional snowboarder Robin Van Gyn, continues to foster progression in backcountry freestyle snowboarding. With an exclusive roster of 16 invited riders, the event will feature two on-mountain filming days, followed by a high-energy jam-style contest day. The riders will battle for $10,000 in cash prizes, with the overall winner earning a coveted spot on the 2025 Natural Selection Tour (NST) happening later this season.
RnD was designed as a mid-level competition to bridge the gap between novice and elite-level backcountry freestyle riders. It serves as a stepping stone into high-level competition, offering riders the opportunity to showcase their skills in a playful side-country venue. The event is not just about the contest—it’s about the experience and culture of snowboarding. With a full judging panel of pro snowboarders, including Kimmy Fasani, Hana Beaman, Robin Van Gyn, and Marie-France Roy, RnD represents the grassroots, rider-driven spirit of snowboarding.
The 2025 edition will feature some of the best emerging and current talent in snowboarding, including reigning RnD champion, Ellery Manning, Iris Pham (2025 X Games Women’s Snowboard Street Style Gold medalist), Katie Kennedy, Ellie Weiler, Emma Crosby, Mia Jones, Marissa Krawczak, Billy Pelchat, Egan Wint, Estelle Pensiero, Emilé Zynobia, Izzi Gomez, Cali Loeb, and local Nelson rider Eva Van Vugt. Renowned Finnish slopestyle Olympic Silver & Bronze medalist, Enni Rukajärvi, is also confirmed and ready to push her limits in the backcountry. 4x Olympian and 2013 X Games slopestyle silver medalist, Sarka Pancochova locked her RnD spot through the Natural Selection Tour, after not taking the win in her NST Duel. Celia Petrig earned an invite through the Arc'teryx Academy, where 5 riders competed for the chance to film and compete at RnD.
Last year’s inaugural RnD was a success, with riders navigating the "Trash Chutes" at Whitewater, one of the most iconic freestyle venues in snowboarding. The week included two filming days and one contest day, where riders showcased their skills setting the bar for future events. Ellery Manning took home the overall win and earned a spot on the 2025 Natural Selection Tour.
RnD continues to push the boundaries of backcountry freestyle, giving riders of all levels the opportunity to progress and compete at the next level. The event is not only a celebration of snowboarding culture—but an opportunity to showcase and progress backcountry snowboarding. This year there are 2 filming days and a contest day. Riders will get a combined score from their best-filmed trick and their best contest day run.
Research and Development is presented by Arc'teryx and Yeti. Supporting sponsors include Burton, Jones, Tribute, The Adventure Hotel, Nelson and Kootenay Lake Tourism, The Natural Selection Tour, and Whitewater Ski Resort.