Research and development 2025
February 24 – March 2, 2025, at Whitewater Ski Resort in Nelson, British Columbia.
Research and Development is presented by Arc'teryx and Yeti. Supported by Burton, Jones, Tribute, The Adventure Hotel, Nelson and Kootenay Lake Tourism, The Natural Selection Tour, and Whitewater Ski Resort.
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 14 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 talent in snowboarding, including Iris Pham (2025 X Games Women’s Snowboard Street Style Gold medalist), Katie Kennedy, Ellie Weiler, Emma Crosby, Mia Jones, Marissa Krawczak, Amalia Pelchat, Egan Wint, Estelle Pensiero, Ellery Manning, 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. In addition, 2 spots are reserved for the riders who do not win the NST Duals and 1 spot through the Arc'teryx Academy, where 5 riders compete for the chance to earn a spot 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.
RIDERS
Ellie Weiler
Sponsors: GNU, Thirtytwo, DeathGrip Glove Co., Smith Optics, Bent Metal Binding Works, Purl Wax, Gravitee Boardshop
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Copper Mountain growing up! Brighton now
Top Contest Results: 1st -World Quarterpipe ChampionshipSubaru Rookie Award at the Uninvited Invitational 2020-21 US Revolution Tour Overall Champion6th - 2021/22 DewTour Copper Slopestyle
Marissa Krawczak
Sponsors: Jones Snowboards, Pit Viper, Spark R&D, Tactics
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Mt Bachelor
Top Contest Results: 1st Place Dirksen Derby Splitboard Race 2024
Katie Kennedy
Sponsors: 686, Lib Tech, Bent Metal
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Brighton
Video Parts: Bittersweet 2024, The Munchies 2023
Top Contest Results: Sender award 2024 RND
Egan Wint
Sponsors: Dinosaurs will die, union, crab grab, dang, skullcandy, corduroy
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Mammoth Mountain
Video Parts: Bittersweet: an exploration of dreams - Sensesse Emotional Success
Top Contest Results: winner of heavy metal 2023 and 2024 winner of diyx, xgames 3rd, uninvited 3rd
Evangeline Van Vugt
Sponsors: None
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Grew up riding Troll Ski Resort. Currently ride at Whitewater Ski Resort
Enni Rukajärvi
Sponsors: Vans, Giro, Vimana, Ruka Ski Resort
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Ruka Ski Resort
Video Parts: Bearings
Top Contest Results: X-games gold, World Champ, Olympic silver & bronze in slopestyle.
Estelle Pensiero
Sponsors: Backcountry access, arbor, Db, dragon, Deathgrip
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Whitewater
Video Parts: Sunnyside up
Top Contest Results: Rnd 2024-2nd place, baker banked slalom- 3rd place
Mia Jones
Sponsors: Jones Snowboards, TGR Optics, Thirty Two, Coal Headwear
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Palisades Tahoe
Video Parts: Cameo in TGR Flying High Again, small feature in Warren Miller 75th anniversary film, starring in 2 Jones Presents YouTube films coming out later this season
Top Contest Results: RnD 2024- Mountain Goat Award, 1st Place 2024 FWQ El Colorado 4*, 3rd place Junior Freeride World Championships.
Ellery Manning
Sponsors: Arc'teryx, Jones Snowboards, Dragon Alliance
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Palisades Tahoe
Top Contest Results: 1st in RND 2024 IFSA junior freeride 2020-2022
Iris Pham
Sponsors: Nitro Snowboards, The North Face, Rockstar Energy, Skullcandy, Smith Optics, Fix Binding Co, DC, Coal Headwear, Crab Grab, Sunbeam, Connoissuer Pharms
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Bridger Bowl
Video Parts: Full Part Bittersweet
Top Contest Results: - X Games Women's Streetstyle Qualifier - 1st place 2024
, X Games Women's Street Style Gold 2025, The Uninvited 2nd Place 2024
JUDGES
Kimmy Fasani
Sponsors: Burton, Mammoth Mountain, Dragon, JuneShine, A New Earth Project
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Mammoth Mountain
Video Parts: Absinthe Films AfterForever, Turbo Dujo
Top Contest Results: 3rd Place NST 2023, Rider of the year 2016
Marie-France Roy
Sponsors: Patagonia, Arbor Snowboards, Karakoram, Coal Headwear
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Whistler BC
Video Parts: Producer of the film The Little Things, alongside director Darcy Turenne
Awards: 2015 Women’s Rider of the Year, and Female Video Part of the Year: TransWorld SNOWboarding Riders’ Poll Awards and Snowboarder Magazine Awards, 2015 Climate Activist Award from Protect Our Winters (POW) and TransWorld SNOWboarding magazine. Three times Readers’ Choice Award: TransWorld SNOWboarding magazine. Named one of ESPN’s Top 50 Best Female In Action Sports in 2015.
Robin Van Gyn
Sponsors: Arc'teryx, Yeti, jones, Sierra Nevada, Ski-Doo, Yamika Racks, POC
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Mt Baker
Video Part: Director, producer and host of “Fabric” (2022), 5 part documentary film series, Full Moon, Depth Perception
Top Contest Results: Winner of inaugural Natural Selection Tour (2021)Full Moon (2016), Transworld Snowboarding Women’s Video Part of the YearDepth Perception (2017), Transworld Snowboarding Women’s Video Part of the YearCAA Level 2
Hana Beaman
Sponsors: Vans, Ride Snowboards, 686, BCA, Ridge Merino
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Mammoth Mountain
Video Parts: Sled N ShredFullMoonListen to the Eyes
Kimmy Fasani
Sponsors: Burton, Mammoth Mountain, Dragon, JuneShine, A New Earth Project
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Mammoth Mountain
Video Parts: Absinthe Films AfterForever, Turbo Dujo
Top Contest Results: 3rd Place NST 2023, Rider of the year 2016
Marie-France Roy
Sponsors: Patagonia, Arbor Snowboards, Karakoram, Coal Headwear
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Whistler BC
Video Parts: Producer of the film The Little Things, alongside director Darcy Turenne
Awards: 2015 Women’s Rider of the Year, and Female Video Part of the Year: TransWorld SNOWboarding Riders’ Poll Awards and Snowboarder Magazine Awards, 2015 Climate Activist Award from Protect Our Winters (POW) and TransWorld SNOWboarding magazine. Three times Readers’ Choice Award: TransWorld SNOWboarding magazine. Named one of ESPN’s Top 50 Best Female In Action Sports in 2015.
Robin Van Gyn
Sponsors: Arc'teryx, Yeti, jones, Sierra Nevada, Ski-Doo, Yamika Racks, POC
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Mt Baker
Video Part: Director, producer and host of “Fabric” (2022), 5 part documentary film series, Full Moon, Depth Perception
Top Contest Results: Winner of inaugural Natural Selection Tour (2021)Full Moon (2016), Transworld Snowboarding Women’s Video Part of the YearDepth Perception (2017), Transworld Snowboarding Women’s Video Part of the YearCAA Level 2
Hana Beaman
Sponsors: Vans, Ride Snowboards, 686, BCA, Ridge Merino
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Mammoth Mountain
Video Parts: Sled N ShredFullMoonListen to the Eyes
PRESENTED BY
SUPPORTED BY
FORMAT
The Research and Development (RnD) contest format is designed to push riders in the backcountry freestyle discipline while supporting progression and creativity. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Two filming days: Riders will have the opportunity to film in a playful side-country venue at Whitewater Ski Resort. During these days, riders will film their best freestyle trick which will be combined with their contest score for a final placement .
- Two-run contest day: The contest day will include a two-run format giving riders the chance to showcase their freeride and freestyle skills in a full run. This score will be combined with best trick for final placement.
- Prizes: The contest offers $10,000 in cash prizes for podium finishers.
- Overall Winner: The overall winner will earn a coveted spot on the 2025 Natural Selection Tour (NST) happening later this season.
JUDGING
RnD’s judging panel is composed of top-tier professional snowboarders, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation:
- Kimmy Fasani
- Hana Beaman
- Robin Van Gyn
- Marie-France Roy
These experts will assess riders' performances based on skills, creativity, flow, and how they adapt to the venue and conditions. Their collective experience in backcountry snowboarding ensures the judging process is reflective of the true spirit of freestyle progression.
Final podium placement is a combination of best trick filming, and a two-run contest. The panel of pro judges will look at overall impression in this unique platform, becoming a gateway to the Natural Selection Tour.
Riders will get a combined score from their best-filmed trick and their best contest day run.
LATEST FROM RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Research and Development - The Venue - Whitewater Ski Resort, Nelson BC
Located in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains, Whitewater Ski Resort is a haven for snowboarders, offering deep powder, rugged terrain, and stunning mountainscapes. Known for its consistent snowfall and diverse terrain, Whitewater is a destination that feels both remote and welcoming—a true hidden gem.
Research & Development Breakdown – Robin Van Gyn Interview
Robin Van Gyn has spent over two decades redefining what it means to be a backcountry snowboarder. Through Research & Development, she’s created a backcountry freestyle event in British Columbia that brings up-and-coming female riders and seasoned pros together in the backcountry to push boundaries, and build community.
Research & Development — Backcountry Freestyle Event At Whitewater
All the info on what's happening at R&D!!
Features
February 24 – March 2, 2025, at Whitewater Ski Resort in Nelson, British Columbia.
Research and Development is presented by Arc'teryx and Yeti. Supported by Burton, Jones, Tribute, The Adventure Hotel, Nelson and Kootenay Lake Tourism, The Natural Selection Tour, and Whitewater Ski Resort.
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 14 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 talent in snowboarding, including Iris Pham (2025 X Games Women’s Snowboard Street Style Gold medalist), Katie Kennedy, Ellie Weiler, Emma Crosby, Mia Jones, Marissa Krawczak, Amalia Pelchat, Egan Wint, Estelle Pensiero, Ellery Manning, 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. In addition, 2 spots are reserved for the riders who do not win the NST Duals and 1 spot through the Arc'teryx Academy, where 5 riders compete for the chance to earn a spot 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.
RIDERS
Ellie Weiler
Sponsors: GNU, Thirtytwo, DeathGrip Glove Co., Smith Optics, Bent Metal Binding Works, Purl Wax, Gravitee Boardshop
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Copper Mountain growing up! Brighton now
Top Contest Results: 1st -World Quarterpipe ChampionshipSubaru Rookie Award at the Uninvited Invitational 2020-21 US Revolution Tour Overall Champion6th - 2021/22 DewTour Copper Slopestyle
Marissa Krawczak
Sponsors: Jones Snowboards, Pit Viper, Spark R&D, Tactics
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Mt Bachelor
Top Contest Results: 1st Place Dirksen Derby Splitboard Race 2024
Katie Kennedy
Sponsors: 686, Lib Tech, Bent Metal
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Brighton
Video Parts: Bittersweet 2024, The Munchies 2023
Top Contest Results: Sender award 2024 RND
Egan Wint
Sponsors: Dinosaurs will die, union, crab grab, dang, skullcandy, corduroy
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Mammoth Mountain
Video Parts: Bittersweet: an exploration of dreams - Sensesse Emotional Success
Top Contest Results: winner of heavy metal 2023 and 2024 winner of diyx, xgames 3rd, uninvited 3rd
Evangeline Van Vugt
Sponsors: None
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Grew up riding Troll Ski Resort. Currently ride at Whitewater Ski Resort
Enni Rukajärvi
Sponsors: Vans, Giro, Vimana, Ruka Ski Resort
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Ruka Ski Resort
Video Parts: Bearings
Top Contest Results: X-games gold, World Champ, Olympic silver & bronze in slopestyle.
Estelle Pensiero
Sponsors: Backcountry access, arbor, Db, dragon, Deathgrip
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Whitewater
Video Parts: Sunnyside up
Top Contest Results: Rnd 2024-2nd place, baker banked slalom- 3rd place
Mia Jones
Sponsors: Jones Snowboards, TGR Optics, Thirty Two, Coal Headwear
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Palisades Tahoe
Video Parts: Cameo in TGR Flying High Again, small feature in Warren Miller 75th anniversary film, starring in 2 Jones Presents YouTube films coming out later this season
Top Contest Results: RnD 2024- Mountain Goat Award, 1st Place 2024 FWQ El Colorado 4*, 3rd place Junior Freeride World Championships.
Ellery Manning
Sponsors: Arc'teryx, Jones Snowboards, Dragon Alliance
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Palisades Tahoe
Top Contest Results: 1st in RND 2024 IFSA junior freeride 2020-2022
Iris Pham
Sponsors: Nitro Snowboards, The North Face, Rockstar Energy, Skullcandy, Smith Optics, Fix Binding Co, DC, Coal Headwear, Crab Grab, Sunbeam, Connoissuer Pharms
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Bridger Bowl
Video Parts: Full Part Bittersweet
Top Contest Results: - X Games Women's Streetstyle Qualifier - 1st place 2024
, X Games Women's Street Style Gold 2025, The Uninvited 2nd Place 2024
JUDGES
Kimmy Fasani
Sponsors: Burton, Mammoth Mountain, Dragon, JuneShine, A New Earth Project
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Mammoth Mountain
Video Parts: Absinthe Films AfterForever, Turbo Dujo
Top Contest Results: 3rd Place NST 2023, Rider of the year 2016
Marie-France Roy
Sponsors: Patagonia, Arbor Snowboards, Karakoram, Coal Headwear
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Whistler BC
Video Parts: Producer of the film The Little Things, alongside director Darcy Turenne
Awards: 2015 Women’s Rider of the Year, and Female Video Part of the Year: TransWorld SNOWboarding Riders’ Poll Awards and Snowboarder Magazine Awards, 2015 Climate Activist Award from Protect Our Winters (POW) and TransWorld SNOWboarding magazine. Three times Readers’ Choice Award: TransWorld SNOWboarding magazine. Named one of ESPN’s Top 50 Best Female In Action Sports in 2015.
Robin Van Gyn
Sponsors: Arc'teryx, Yeti, jones, Sierra Nevada, Ski-Doo, Yamika Racks, POC
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Mt Baker
Video Part: Director, producer and host of “Fabric” (2022), 5 part documentary film series, Full Moon, Depth Perception
Top Contest Results: Winner of inaugural Natural Selection Tour (2021)Full Moon (2016), Transworld Snowboarding Women’s Video Part of the YearDepth Perception (2017), Transworld Snowboarding Women’s Video Part of the YearCAA Level 2
Hana Beaman
Sponsors: Vans, Ride Snowboards, 686, BCA, Ridge Merino
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Mammoth Mountain
Video Parts: Sled N ShredFullMoonListen to the Eyes
Kimmy Fasani
Sponsors: Burton, Mammoth Mountain, Dragon, JuneShine, A New Earth Project
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Mammoth Mountain
Video Parts: Absinthe Films AfterForever, Turbo Dujo
Top Contest Results: 3rd Place NST 2023, Rider of the year 2016
Marie-France Roy
Sponsors: Patagonia, Arbor Snowboards, Karakoram, Coal Headwear
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Whistler BC
Video Parts: Producer of the film The Little Things, alongside director Darcy Turenne
Awards: 2015 Women’s Rider of the Year, and Female Video Part of the Year: TransWorld SNOWboarding Riders’ Poll Awards and Snowboarder Magazine Awards, 2015 Climate Activist Award from Protect Our Winters (POW) and TransWorld SNOWboarding magazine. Three times Readers’ Choice Award: TransWorld SNOWboarding magazine. Named one of ESPN’s Top 50 Best Female In Action Sports in 2015.
Robin Van Gyn
Sponsors: Arc'teryx, Yeti, jones, Sierra Nevada, Ski-Doo, Yamika Racks, POC
Stance: Goofy
Home Mountain: Mt Baker
Video Part: Director, producer and host of “Fabric” (2022), 5 part documentary film series, Full Moon, Depth Perception
Top Contest Results: Winner of inaugural Natural Selection Tour (2021)Full Moon (2016), Transworld Snowboarding Women’s Video Part of the YearDepth Perception (2017), Transworld Snowboarding Women’s Video Part of the YearCAA Level 2
Hana Beaman
Sponsors: Vans, Ride Snowboards, 686, BCA, Ridge Merino
Stance: Regular
Home Mountain: Mammoth Mountain
Video Parts: Sled N ShredFullMoonListen to the Eyes
PRESENTED BY
SUPPORTED BY
FORMAT
The Research and Development (RnD) contest format is designed to push riders in the backcountry freestyle discipline while supporting progression and creativity. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Two filming days: Riders will have the opportunity to film in a playful side-country venue at Whitewater Ski Resort. During these days, riders will film their best freestyle trick which will be combined with their contest score for a final placement .
- Two-run contest day: The contest day will include a two-run format giving riders the chance to showcase their freeride and freestyle skills in a full run. This score will be combined with best trick for final placement.
- Prizes: The contest offers $10,000 in cash prizes for podium finishers.
- Overall Winner: The overall winner will earn a coveted spot on the 2025 Natural Selection Tour (NST) happening later this season.
JUDGING
RnD’s judging panel is composed of top-tier professional snowboarders, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation:
- Kimmy Fasani
- Hana Beaman
- Robin Van Gyn
- Marie-France Roy
These experts will assess riders' performances based on skills, creativity, flow, and how they adapt to the venue and conditions. Their collective experience in backcountry snowboarding ensures the judging process is reflective of the true spirit of freestyle progression.
Final podium placement is a combination of best trick filming, and a two-run contest. The panel of pro judges will look at overall impression in this unique platform, becoming a gateway to the Natural Selection Tour.
Riders will get a combined score from their best-filmed trick and their best contest day run.
LATEST FROM RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Research and Development - The Venue - Whitewater Ski Resort, Nelson BC
Located in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains, Whitewater Ski Resort is a haven for snowboarders, offering deep powder, rugged terrain, and stunning mountainscapes. Known for its consistent snowfall and diverse terrain, Whitewater is a destination that feels both remote and welcoming—a true hidden gem.
Research & Development Breakdown – Robin Van Gyn Interview
Robin Van Gyn has spent over two decades redefining what it means to be a backcountry snowboarder. Through Research & Development, she’s created a backcountry freestyle event in British Columbia that brings up-and-coming female riders and seasoned pros together in the backcountry to push boundaries, and build community.
Research & Development — Backcountry Freestyle Event At Whitewater
All the info on what's happening at R&D!!
