From our friends at RnD:
Research and Development (RnD), presented by Arc'teryx and YETI, took over the sidecountry of Whitewater Ski Resort in Nelson, BC, for one of the most progressive backcountry events of the 2025 season. Eighteen fearless female snowboarders took freestyle big mountain riding to the next level—showcasing creativity, raw power, and serious style. Massive sends, technical lines, stomped landings, and double backies made this an unforgettable showdown. Helmed by backcountry pioneer Robin Van Gyn, RnD is revolutionizing female snowboarding with an immersive experience that accelerates riders’ growth, opens doors to new opportunities, and connects them with top-tier photographers and filmmakers. Combining mentorship, competition, and a two-day filming segment, the event elevates riders’ skills, merging freestyle with backcountry riding. Who laid down the heaviest tricks, the gnarliest lines, and the cleanest runs? And who delivered the best two-day film segment? Watch to find out why first-place finisher Šárka Pančochová earned a spot at the final stop of the 2025 Natural Selection Tour. Witness these girls come together in the mountains to push their limits, forge new friendships, and throw down on film in just two days.
Event Dates: Feb 22, 2025 – March 2, 2025
Location: Whitewater Ski Resort, Nelson, BC, Canada
Riders: Amalia Pelchat, Amaya Potts, Cali Loeb, Celia Petrig, Egan Wint, Ellie Weiler, Ellery Manning, Emilé Zynobia, Enni Rukajärvi, Estelle Pensiero, Eva Van Vugt, Gill Andrewshenko, Isabella Gomez, Katie Kennedy, Marissa Krawczak, Mia Jones, Šárka Pančochová, Zoë Vernon
The Final Results: 1st Place: Šárka Pančochová – $5,000 + 2025 Natural Selection Tour Final Stop Entry
2nd Place: Estelle Pensiero – $3,000
3rd Place: Mia Jones – $2,000
Special Awards:
Air Chair Award: Enni Rukajärvi
Seal Team 69 Sender Award: Eva Van Vugt
Mountain Goat Award: Marissa Krawczak
Style Award: Ellie Weiler
Very Proper Award: Billy Pelchat
Sponsors: Arc'teryx, YETI, The Natural Selection Tour, Burton, Jones Snowboards, Nelson & Kootenay Lake Tourism, The Adventure Hotel, Tribute, Whitewater Ski Resort Cinematographers: Greg Weaver, Mark Morrison, Travis Lewis, Clay Mitchell, Akailah Yocom, Ty Theroret, Jamie Tanner, Mia Lampson, Tim Manning
Edited by: Thomas Doyle