The third annual Research & Development returns to Whitewater Mountain Resort in Nelson, British Columbia, February 23–March 3, 2026.
For 2026, a major opportunity has emerged: the Natural Selection Tour has chosen to elevate RnD — maintaining the competition format, but pushing the rewards and consequences to a whole new level.
Whether this moment comes around again, only time will tell.
OFFICIAL RIDER LINE UP:
This year’s lineup runs deep — from stacked video parts, X Games medalists, Olympians, and Uninvited champions, to powerful big mountain riders — each bringing a distinct edge to the backcountry freestyle landscape: Estelle Pensiero, Egan Wint, Katie Kennedy, Ellery Manning, Amelia Pelchat, Enni Rukajärvi, Marissa Krawczak, Celia Petrig, Stefi Luxton, Ellie Weiler, Yuka Fujimori, Eva van Vugt, Maria Hidalgo, and Audrey Doan.
Learn more about the riders here at the official RND landing page!
Two Filming Days:
Riders will film in a playful side-country venue at Whitewater Mountain Resort, capturing their best freestyle tricks.
Filming takes place both in-resort and throughout Whitewater’s sidecountry, allowing riders to choose their strongest lines, build features, and put down their most technical tricks. Each rider’s top filmed trick contributes to their overall score.
Two-Run Contest Day:
Contest Day takes place in Trash Chutes, a raw natural zone filled with pillows, tight chutes, and hand-built backcountry jumps.
Riders earn two judged runs, showcasing both freeride flow and freestyle progression. Their best run, combined with their top filmed trick, determines final standings.
EVENT DATES & SCHEDULE
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 @ 8:00 pm 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 in the 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
-The 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.
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
That's all we've got for now, stay in the loop with updates and more @slushthemagazine !