Excellent video posted by Burton Snowboards of the Research & Development (RND) backcountry contest held near Whitewater Ski Resort in Nelson B.C. which invited 14 female riders to film and compete in an off-resort venue for a chance to win $5,000 and a spot on the 2025 Natural Selection Tour.
RND seeks to narrow the gender gap in professional backcountry snowboarding by creating a space for women to learn and ride in the backcountry while fostering a community that builds the future of the sport.
The inaugural event was a massive success and they will be holding another round in March. Cheers!
About Research & Development 2025 @ Whitewater Ski Resort:
The Mission
To strive for more balanced representation of women on the Natural Selection Tour through the creation of a qualifying event.
This initiative aims to drive progression both within and outside the contest arena, offering female snowboarders the opportunity to compete in this unique format and rise to the occasion.
The Opportunity Gap
How can we prepare the new crop of riders to be able to level up and contend with the stronger field of experienced riders? The opportunity to compete is the simplest solution to the problem.
Being able to be in a contest style format, supported by those who have the know-how and experience in this style of competition, will allow new riders to try, learn, and progress in multiple hits, complex backcountry freestyle. The goal is to prep a new set of riders to grow the field leading into top level backcountry style competition.
The Format
A 7-day window of snowboarding and competing where ten riders will be selected to roll with four veterans of the NST. During the window, smaller groups of riders will be paired with “coaches” to practice, and film leading up to a competition day at the end of the window.
Riders will compete head to head in heats on contest day and two winners will be awarded based on overall performance and contest day results. One of those riders will be pre-qualified for the NST in 2026.
Come check out the comp in our in-bounds Spectator Zone at the top of the Summit chair, and don’t miss our closing party at The Royal!
