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Natural Freedom x Research & Development
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.
Participants in either Natural Freedom event will have access to the RnD event happenings.
Natural Freedom x Research & Development
Intro to the Backcountry - Feb 27th
Intro to the Backcountry - Feb 27th
Intro to the Backcountry - Feb 27th
Community Ride Day
Intro to the Backcountry - Feb 27th
Intro to the Backcountry - Feb 27th
Natural Freedom x Research & Development
Event 1: Intro to the Backcountry
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.
This event is part of the Natural Freedom x Research & Development partnership and anyone that joins can partake in any RnD festivities - Movie premiere, contest day etc.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday February 27th 2026
- Time: 8am - 4:30pm ish
- Location: Whitewater ski resort, Nelson BC
- Cost: $250
Take home:
- Arc'teryx toque and custom ReBird Pouch
- Anon Goggles
- Sunbum sunscreen
What you'll learn:
- Gear setup and trailhead systems
- Efficient uphill travel (kick turns, stance, stride)
- Terrain awareness and safer route selection
- Downhill transitions, flow, and regrouping
- Companion rescue introduction and situational awareness
Who is this for?
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.
Open to anyone
Important Information:
- Avalanche safety equipment not included (transceiver, shovel, probe)
- Touring skis or splitboard required, plus poles and skins
- This is open to all genders
- Backcountry pass: $45/per person (separate)
- Optional rental access for avalanche safety gear and touring setups with discounts via Summit Mountain Guides and ROAM Nelson
Natural Freedom x Research & Development
Event 2: Community Ride Day supported by Burton
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.
Event Details:
- When: Saturday February 28th or Sunday March 1st (dependent on RnD contest)
- Time: 12pm -3pm ish
- Where: Whitewater Ski Resort, Nelson BC (more information on where to meet will come)
- Cost: FREE
+ We will end the community ride day with an apres in the lodge with prizes thanks to Burton!
Who is this for?
Open to anyone interested in celebrating the RnD event and snowboarding :)
About Research & Development (RnD)
Research & Development (RnD) is an all-women backcountry freestyle event created by Robin Van Gyn with the goal of increasing women’s representation on the Natural Selection Tour.
The event provides riders with real contest-style experience in complex backcountry terrain, supported by veteran athletes and mentors. Through a multi-day format that includes riding, filming, and a high-energy jam-style contest, RnD creates space for progression, learning, and opportunity at the highest level of women’s snowboarding.
The overall winner earns a coveted spot on the Natural Selection Tour.