RND: A Catalyst for Women’s Freeride Snowboarding
Established by legendary snowboarder Robin Van Gyn, RND has rapidly evolved into a cornerstone event for women’s freeride snowboarding. Its mission extends beyond mere competition; it serves as a critical platform for talent development, skill showcasing, and fostering a supportive network among female riders. The event’s unique blend of filming, community engagement, and a high-level contest provides a comprehensive experience, preparing athletes not only for the challenges of competitive freeride but also for broader careers within the sport. This year’s event further cemented its reputation, attracting a diverse cohort of riders, from seasoned veterans to rising stars, all eager to push their limits on the challenging terrain. The integration with the Natural Selection Tour (NST), offering direct invites to its prestigious events, elevates RND’s significance, making it a crucial stepping stone for athletes aspiring to compete at the highest echelons of freeride snowboarding.
Athlete Seeding and the Electric Opening Night
The RND event officially commenced with an atmosphere charged with anticipation during the athlete seeding process. Following a week of intensive filming sessions, a period crucial for capturing compelling content and acclimatizing to the mountain, riders gathered for the ceremonial selection of their drop order. This seemingly administrative task was imbued with an "opening-night energy," a testament to the palpable excitement for the contest weekend ahead. The method for determining drop order was uniquely RND: a ceremonial toss of the ‘verts’ (snowboard bindings, often used playfully for impromptu games), with the longest throw earning the coveted first pick. This tradition underscores the event’s blend of serious competition with an underlying playful, community-oriented spirit.
Ellie Weiler, known for her fearless approach to the mountain, emerged victorious in the ‘verts’ toss. True to her reputation, Weiler opted to drop first, a decision that speaks volumes about her confidence and willingness to embrace pressure. Dropping first often means setting the standard for the day, navigating untouched snow, and facing the initial challenges of the course without the benefit of observing other riders’ lines. This bold move immediately signaled the high caliber of competition and the athletes’ readiness to tackle the demanding RND terrain. The bib collection ritual that followed further solidified the transition from filming mode to contest readiness, marking the official start of the competitive phase of the event.
Cinematic Showcases: Facing Giants and WAYWARD Premieres
The evening of seeding also transformed into a vibrant celebration of snowboarding culture and storytelling, featuring two highly anticipated film premieres. These screenings provided a unique opportunity for athletes, organizers, and the wider community to connect over shared passions and inspiring narratives.
The first film showcased was Facing Giants, an deeply personal documentary chronicling Ellery Manning’s transformative journey from RND 2024 to the Natural Selection Tour 2025. The film offered an intimate look into Manning’s dedication, not just to her exceptional riding skills, but also to her profound drive and philosophical perspective on snowboarding. It delved into the mental and physical fortitude required to ascend through the ranks of competitive freeride, highlighting the sacrifices, triumphs, and relentless pursuit of excellence. A particularly heartwarming aspect of the film was its portrayal of Manning’s close friendship with fellow competitor Estelle Pensiero, underscoring the supportive bonds that often form within the competitive snowboarding community. The narrative arc of Facing Giants resonated deeply with the audience, serving as an inspiring example of how RND can act as a springboard for athletes’ careers, propelling them onto larger, international stages like the Natural Selection Tour.
Following Facing Giants, the audience was treated to the premiere of WAYWARD from TOMBOY Media. This full-length documentary delved into the rich history and profound impact of women in shaping the sport of snowboarding. Praised for its "richly detailed" historical accounts and "beautifully made" cinematic quality, WAYWARD offered a compelling and comprehensive exploration of the pioneering women who have defied norms, pushed boundaries, and ultimately defined the trajectory of women’s snowboarding. The film featured archival footage, interviews with legends of the sport, and contemporary voices, weaving together a narrative that celebrated resilience, innovation, and the enduring spirit of female riders. The premiere was met with an overwhelmingly positive reception, with many attendees remarking on the film’s significance in documenting and honoring the often-overlooked contributions of women in snowboarding history. Organizers strongly recommended that enthusiasts seek out WAYWARD at its remaining premiere dates or mark their calendars for its public release, emphasizing its importance as a cultural touchstone for the sport. The packed house at the premiere, captured vividly by Patrick Nichols’ photography, underscored the burgeoning interest in narratives that celebrate diversity and history within action sports.
Community Ride Day: A Celebration of Shared Passion
Amidst the high-stakes preparations for the contest, the RND event also prioritized community engagement, exemplified by a highly successful Community Ride Day. Natural Freedom, a key partner in fostering accessible and inclusive outdoor experiences, teamed up with industry giant Burton Snowboards to host a vibrant gathering at Whitewater. This initiative underscored RND’s commitment to nurturing the broader snowboarding community, extending its impact beyond the competitive circuit.
Led by acclaimed rider and community advocate Zach Aller, more than 50 riders converged for a day of unadulterated enjoyment on the mountain. The activities were intentionally informal and focused on pure shredding: side hits, playful informal races, and engaging chairlift conversations that spanned topics from gear to personal stories. The atmosphere was notably "refreshingly ego-free," a rare and cherished quality in any sport, allowing industry veterans and weekend warriors to mix seamlessly. This blending of experience levels, coupled with a few beers enjoyed under the sun, fostered an environment of genuine connection and shared passion.
The Community Ride Day served as a powerful reminder of the intrinsic joy of snowboarding, stripped of competitive pressure or commercial agenda. "It’s truly special to see so many snowboarders simply enjoying the mountain together, with no other goal than pure stoke," remarked a representative from Natural Freedom, highlighting the event’s success in cultivating an inclusive and supportive vibe. Burton Snowboards’ involvement further amplified the reach and impact of the day, providing resources and support that facilitated such a large and diverse gathering. This segment of the RND event underscored the foundational strength of the snowboarding community—a collective spirit that values connection, mentorship, and the simple pleasure of riding together.
Contest Day: A Symphony of Skill and Support
The highly anticipated contest day dawned under auspicious conditions, a welcome contrast to the challenging visibility issues that plagued the previous year’s event. Clear skies graced the mountain, complementing deep, supportive snow conditions that promised an ideal canvas for the athletes to showcase their skills. These pristine conditions set the stage for a day that would be remembered not only for its fierce competition but equally for the profound sense of community that permeated the entire event.
From the first drop to the last, riders exemplified a spirit of mutual support. Cheers erupted for successful runs, heartfelt encouragement was offered after falls, and competitors actively helped one another steady nerves at the start gate. This ethos, where community felt as significant as competition, created an unparalleled atmosphere. "It’s incredible to witness how these athletes push each other to excel while simultaneously lifting each other up," observed a judge, reflecting on the unique camaraderie.
The day was punctuated by numerous standout moments that captivated both judges and spectators. Egan Wint captivated the crowd with an enormous double backflip attempt, demonstrating a bold, high-risk approach to the challenging terrain. Though not fully landed, the sheer audacity and technical ambition of the maneuver earned widespread admiration. Eva Van Vugt, a local legend, cemented her reputation by stepping up to and successfully executing the biggest lines of the day, including formidable cliff drops, earning her the admiration of her peers. Katie Kennedy also delivered a masterclass in fluidity and control, showcasing "butter" smooth transitions and stylish grabs that demonstrated an intimate understanding of the snow and terrain. These highlights, among many others, collectively painted a picture of a contest that celebrated both raw power and refined style, all within an exceptionally supportive environment.
Awards Ceremony: Recognizing Excellence and Legacy
The culmination of the RND event arrived with the awards ceremony, held the following day at The Royal in Nelson, hosted by Arc’teryx. This strategic delay allowed for thorough judging, incorporating crucial video footage from the contest day to ensure comprehensive evaluation of each run. The afterparty atmosphere was electric, a fitting celebration of the athletes’ achievements and the bonds forged throughout the event.
The awards presented reflected the unique character of RND, celebrating not just outright victory but also spirit, style, and resilience:
- Tomahawk Award: This award, playfully recognizing the "worst slam," went to Ellie Weiler. Her "opening elevator ride through the course’s cliff band" was described as an undeniably spectacular, albeit uncontrolled, descent, highlighting her commitment to pushing boundaries despite the consequences. Weiler, known for her aggressive style, took the award in stride, a testament to the resilient spirit of freeride snowboarders.
- Mountain Monkey: Awarded to the rider who demonstrated exceptional fluidity and creativity in linking lines across the mountain, Marissa Krawczak rightfully earned this distinction. Her ability to navigate complex terrain with the agility and grace of "Tarzan" showcased a deep understanding of the mountain and an intuitive approach to freeride.
- Jeff Keenan Approved: This award carried significant weight, honoring the legacy of Jeff Keenan, a revered figure in backcountry snowboarding who sadly passed away the previous year. Keenan was renowned for his deep knowledge, meticulous approach, and unwavering commitment to doing things "proper." Renamed in his honor as the "Most Proper" award, it was fittingly presented to Stefi Luxton, celebrated as the "queen of the poked grab." Luxton’s impeccable style, technical precision, and respectful engagement with the mountain embodied the very essence of what Jeff Keenan championed.
- Seal Team Sender: Local legend Eva Van Vugt earned this award for her fearless assault on the mountain’s biggest features. Her decision to hit the largest cliffs of the day, not once but twice, underscored her audacious spirit and exceptional skill in navigating high-consequence terrain. Van Vugt’s commanding performance further solidified her status as a formidable force in freeride snowboarding.
- Clinic Award: Subtly named for the rider who put on an "absolute clinic" in the backcountry every day, demonstrating consistent excellence and an unwavering work ethic, this award went to Katie Kennedy. Her dedication, grinding it out from the first to the last chairlift daily, earned her a well-deserved spa trip—a perfect reward for what were undoubtedly weary legs after such an intensive effort.
Podium Finishers: A Glimpse into the Future of Freeride
The ultimate accolades, however, belonged to the podium finishers, whose performances distinguished them in a field of extraordinary talent. The prize money, alongside the coveted Natural Selection Tour (NST) invites, represented not just financial reward but also a significant career milestone.
- 3rd Place – Katie Kennedy ($4,000 + NST alternate): Kennedy’s consistent excellence and stylistic flair throughout the event earned her a well-deserved spot on the podium. Her alternate status for the NST signifies her readiness for the highest level of competition, placing her firmly on the radar for future opportunities.
- 2nd Place – Yuka Fujimori ($6,000 + NST invite): Fujimori’s powerful and precise riding secured her the second spot and a direct invite to the Natural Selection Tour. Her performance at RND underscored her status as a top-tier freeride athlete, poised to make a significant impact on the international stage.
- 1st Place – Billy Pelchat ($10,000 + NST invite): Billy Pelchat’s dominant performance earned the top honor, a substantial prize, and a direct entry into the NST. Pelchat’s victory at RND marks a pivotal moment in her career, solidifying her position as a leading force in women’s freeride snowboarding and setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
The Arc’teryx afterparty, vibrantly captured by Patrick Nichols’ photography, showed a "smiling, vibing and thriving" squad, embodying the collective joy and camaraderie that defines RND. This celebration underscored the event’s dual success: fostering intense competition while simultaneously strengthening the bonds within the snowboarding community.
Looking Ahead: The Enduring Impact of RND
As the dust settled on another exceptional RND event, the resounding sentiment was one of gratitude and anticipation. Huge thanks were extended to Robin Van Gyn and her dedicated team for meticulously crafting an event that consistently pushes women’s snowboarding forward. RND has become more than just a contest; it’s a vital ecosystem that nurtures talent, celebrates culture, and provides a crucial platform for female athletes.
The coming weeks are expected to see social media feeds inundated with captivating rider footage, showcasing the incredible talent and daring feats witnessed during the event. Beyond the immediate buzz, the impact of RND will resonate deeply within the sport. The direct invites to the Natural Selection Tour for Yuka Fujimori and Billy Pelchat represent significant career advancements, offering them unparalleled exposure and competitive opportunities. Their performances on the NST will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of riders and further elevate the profile of women’s freeride snowboarding.
RND stands as a testament to the power of vision and community. By blending competitive excellence with a supportive, inclusive atmosphere, it continues to define the trajectory of women’s snowboarding, ensuring that the sport evolves with both skill and heart. The success of this year’s event reaffirms its indispensable role in the global snowboarding landscape, promising an even brighter future for the athletes and the sport itself.
