Research & Development
February 24 - March 2, 2025
10 NEW RIDERS
6 VETERANS
FILMING AND COMPETING
1 PRE-QUALIFIED SPOT IN THE NATURAL SELECTION TOUR 2025
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.
Photo: Andrew Miller & Jones Snowboards
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.
Photo: Andrew Miller & Jones Snowboards
The Format
A 7-day window of snowboarding led by Robin Van Gyn, where sixteen riders are selected to compete out in Trash Chutes. During the window, smaller groups of these riders will be paired with four veterans of the NST to practice and film leading up to the high-energy jam-style contest day.
Riders will compete head to head in two runs on contest day and the overall winner will earn a coveted spot on the 2025 Natural Selection Tour happening later this season.
Come check out the comp in our Spectator Zone out in Trash Chutes at bottom of the venue, and don't miss our wrap party at The Royal on Saturday, March 1 @ 8:00pm!
Photo: Stephan Malette
Backcountry Event
This event is for invited athletes only and will take place outside of the Whitewater Ski Area boundary.
We will be closing the venue site leading up to the contest day and ask the public to respect this closure.
As always, should you choose to venture beyond the ski area boundary, we strongly recommend all skiers and snowboarders be equipped with a transceiver, probe, and shovel, and be educated in backcountry knowledge and up-to-date avalanche conditions.
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