Research and Development is the first ever women’s backcountry snowboarding competition, and it’s sending the winner to the Natural Selection Tour (NST).
Czech snowboarder Sarka Pancochova beat out 15 other competitors to take home an overall win, and get the invite to the NST. Estelle Pensiero took second place for the second year in a row, and Mia Jones took third place.
Pancochova, who is fresh off of being dubbed the snowboard winner of Kings and Queens of Corbet’s, will join last year’s RnD winner Ellery Manning at NST this week.
“There aren’t many competitions like this, especially outside of the Freeride World Tour or Natural Selection,” Pancochova said in a press release. “This event is the perfect entry-level opportunity for riders to develop their skills in a competitive setting before stepping up to bigger contests. I think it’s amazing.”
The contest features some of the biggest names in snowboarding acting as judges. Hana Beaman, Jess Kimura, Kimmy Fasani, and Marie-France Roy all judged final runs, and helped offer insights and support to the riders.
“For the second year in a row, we have shown that, given the opportunity and the right environment, the riders will always rise to the occasion,” RnD brainchild Robin Van Gyn said in a press release. ”With better conditions in year two, we saw the progression level up and new crews being formed. It’s not only about pushing progression, access, and the transfer of experience and knowledge—it’s also about fostering community and building our own culture that resonates with who we are as snowboarders and how we want to show up. I am so proud of the riders, and I just feel honored to be able to provide this platform to see them fly."
Riders are judged on line choice, execution, and overall approach to riding in the backcountry. The three-day format is a jam-style contest day, and is followed by two days of filming for a video project. It's a unique format that is not replicated at any other contest.
Van Gyn, whose sponsor Arc’teryx helped bring this vision to light, held the event at Whitewater Ski Resort in Nelson, British Columbia.
“Progression in the backcountry is all about having a strong group of girls pushing each other, and it’s amazing to see Robin making this happen—it’s a lot of hard work,” Pancochova said.
Related: Freeride World Tour Rookie Noémie Equy Is Your 2025 Champion