Sustainability is important. You know this, we know this and here at Nikita we have made a commitment to sustainability and to increasing our efforts to help support a healthy planet and healthy life.

We aren't going to sit here and try and tell you that we're the best, or that we never make mistakes or that we know everything. We don't.

What we can do (and what we are doing) is trying - we're searching for more sustainable materials and rethinking our current practices and processes to see how we can improve on what we've been doing over the years. The goal is to be a part of making a difference in the world one step at a time.

So what have we been doing to make good on this? Nikita Clothing has begun integrating a new insulation into our outerwear. The insulation is a material from Thermore^® called Ecodown^®. Curious about what that is? Here's a little info from Thermore^® about this down-alternative insulation - 

"...the Ecodown^® product line is made of fully recycled content, derived exclusively from PET water bottles. The new Ecodown^® is the only synthetic product in the market to be made from 100%, post-consumer plastic bottles."

This insulation is made from recycled plastic bottles (keeping waste out of landfills), and through its careful creation its earned itself a bluesign approval. 

"BLUESIGN is a system that provides safer and more sustainable environments for people to work in and everyone to live in. Powered by a holistic approach, BLUESIGN traces each textile’s path along the manufacturing process, making improvements at every stage from factory floor to finished product. BLUESIGN changes the environmental impact of textiles for good. As a solution provider and knowledge broker, BLUESIGN acts as an independent verifier to secure trust and transparency. Corresponding to this approach, BLUESIGN encourages the industry to increase their efforts in sustainable processes step by step."

There are a lot of ways we can continue to improve and we love sharing what we do with you, our community, so you know what we're doing and what goes into your outerwear. We couldn't wait to tell you about this one and we STILL can't wait to tell you about what we have for our next streetwear collection coming up (hint: 'organic' ingredients aren't just for your food!)

Check out the pieces from this season that include the new Thermore^® Ecodown^® insulation and let us know which is your favorite!

Right now we're pretty stuck on the Poplar Jacket, but the Banyon seems to be calling our name too 🤔

The below pieces feature Thermore^® Ecodown^® -

Poplar Jacket

Sycamore Jacket

Banyon Jacket

Distortion Parka

STRAWBERRY (BERLIN) MEETS ALASKA – PHOTO EXHIBITION AND 25^TH SHOP ANNIVERSARY

Our friends over at Strawberry Shop Berlin are celebrating their 25th Anniversary of being in business with a photo exhibit of their most recent group snow trip - to Alaska! Read on to hear from Strawberry owner Juliane about how their trip went and where to find them to see the full photo exhibit in person.

My name is Juliane and I am the owner of Strawberry – a cool girl fashion store in the middle of Berlin which exists since 1995. I am organizing snowboard trips for girls only since the very beginning of the shop. We´re always trying to go to special spots like Hawaii Big Island, Sierra Nevada Spain, Saarisälkä Finnland, Oppdal Norway or Stryn,… so far, there was only missing Alaska!

No sooner said than done, our last trip beginnings of the year was to Alaska. We´ve been together with a professional photographer team called Cameraworkers.

Alaskan people are very crazy, but super friendly at the same time. At 23 Fahrenheit, all of them are wearing shorts and flip flops. It´s kind of a hot day for them. They are always looking for party, but on the other hand due to their roots, they are very close to nature.

This is understandable since the nature and the views on the top of the mountains are just amazing. If the weather is good, you can see the ocean while boarding. And at our arrival we´ve seen two reindeers in front of a house. Unfortunately, we haven´t seen any bears, but they told us that there is a bunch out there – maybe next time.

Regarding the snow, I am actually speechless. It was just incredible. The snow feels different, I am pretty sure because it´s so close to the sea and the clouds are snowing immediately. Furthermore it was snowing the whole time giant snowflakes. Every morning between 7 and 10 am they had to blow up avalanches. The idea behind the trip was actually doing some shots while Heliskiing, but it was impossible due to the heavy snow falls. The helicopter couldn´t event start. Therefore we had to search our own slopes on the hills and we were riding a lot on the slopes. Riding in Alaska is at a high level – they have so many black slopes for advanced riders. We (and you) definitely have to go snowboarding or skiing in Alaska (once again).

Convince yourself and check out our upcoming event on December 7^th. We´re going to do a special photo exhibition and celebrate our 25^th anniversary. Please feel free to join us for some hot wine and cookies. Furthermore, there will be the option to buy some of the shots of Alaska – (Do you still need a Christmas present?) and a photo shooting to win from Cameraworkers. We´re looking forward to seeing you!

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/789738531471587/

If you've been following our feed, you'll have been staying up to date with the latest happenings on hill at Big Boulder for Ms. Superpark. What the feed doesn't always give you a beautiful laid-out space where you can appreciated all of the images that are coming out of the long days of riding.

Snowboarder Mag does an amazing job at capturing the moments and the vibes of what it's like to be on hill with nearly 100 ripping female riders. We won't try to out-do the pros here, so check out these excerpts from the Snowboarder Mag photo recaps from Day 1 and Day 2 and if you like this sampling, be sure to go read the full pieces on their site here

Day 1 -

Words - Mary Walsh

"True to form of snowboarders in general, female riders especially have always been hell bent on making it happen, whether "it" is a movie project, video part, snow chasing road trip, or grassroots event—and when Ms. emerged as a way to come together for a week of park laps, the stoked was high. Over the past few seasons, women have gathered at only a few events designed specifically for them, Snowboy Productions' IT'S TITS! at Boreal, Kimmy Fasani's Amusement MTN, Nine Queens, and park camps, backcountry clinics, and ride weeks around the world. There was momentum and anticipation to add Ms. Superpark back into the fray as another opportunity for the community to come together, rider together, and push one another to showcase the creativity and talent within the collective group...

Far on rider's left, Boulder's Freedom park is a haven for jibbers. It's loaded with different features and it was the first place that crew of ladies started warming up and throwing down. The Rude Girls arrived all the way from Banff and started getting clips on the rails. Maria Thomsen immediately started putting on a clinic and Jenaya Jenkins, Lexi Rolland, Taylor Elliot, Taylor Davis, Savannah Shinske and more went from 0 to 60 right away. Soon the minipipe was being lapped, as Desiree and Bridges went plant-for-plant in the perfectly-cut pipe. A loaded crew including Savannah Golden, Nelly Steinhoff, Summer Fenton, Alice Gong, Kelsey Boyer, Christine Savage, and were hotlapping side hits and the minipipe...

Over on the rider's right side of Boulder, Madison Blackley was casually charging as soon as the lifts started to turn. The Salt Lake Native is best known for her tenacity in the streets, but she has heavy jumping chops, as well. Just before lunchtime, when the Boulder park crew had put the finishing touches on the Ms. Lane in Boulder Park and the sun had softened the snow just enough, Mads kicked off the first session of Ms. on the hi. Setting the line with her was Desiree Melancon, who was sending methods high over the horizon. Nelly Steinhoff, Emma Crosby, Kailey Bogart, Ty Schnorrbusch, and more were warming up for the week with a serious hip session."

Day 2 - 

Words - Mary Walsh

"If day one didn’t convince you already, maybe the day 2 recap will—5 years was way too long of a wait for Ms. Superpark to be back on hill! Tricks are being thrown down all over the hill, NBDs are in the air, and lucky for us, the handful of veterans and huge crew of up-and-comers here at Big Boulder are more than up to the task of pushing the limit of what was set a demi-decade ago...

Midway down the Boulder Park trail, side-by-side quarters were the site of a big day two session. Handplants, airs, liptricks and tranny finders were all fair game as the new arrivals (Stefi, Nirvana, Jill, and Jess) pointed it into the rider's right wall alongside Kelsey Boyer, Emma Crosby, Cori Stevenson, Summer Fenton, and more. Laura Rogoski and Christine Savage were dropping in for doubles. Savannah Golden was initiating surfy tranny finders. Stefi and Jess opened up the rider's right wall with proper handplants. The quick-dropping, consistent-stomping session not only offered plenty of fodder for the upcoming day 2 video, but also catalyzed trick-learning. Madison Blackley was dialing in McTwists. Jill Perkins and Maria Thomsen were learning handplants for the first time. Luminaries, veterans, and up-and-comers rode alongside one another and each trick that was landed launched a subsequent idea or variation.

[Jess Kimura], you have been a part of seminal projects that are devoted to women's snowboarding, most recently The Uninvited. Why do you feel that women's-specific projects, whether movies, events, etc. are important in snowboarding?
I think it's important just to get to know the whole community of all the girls. These events are super essential for supporting and feeding off each other. Today I was at the quarterpipe and I was learning handplants just from looking at all the other girls and getting so much inspiration. I think it's just super important that we all get together, inspire each other, and support each other because I think that's when we evolve the best. It's just dope to see all the girls kill it and that makes you want to step it up."

To read the rest of the articles and catch up on everything else Ms. Superpark, head over to Snowboarder.com now. Thanks again to Big Boulder Park for building the parks and hosting and to Monster Energy for coming in on supporting the girls and women out there riding all week.  

Hello one and all!

Gather around, because we've got some important news here- the final (! 😢 it's ok, don't cry), stop for our North American G.W.R. winter series is coming up quick and it's going to be one you definitely can't miss. We'll be at Ari Morrone's home mountain, Big Boulder park at Jack Frost resort, throwing down with both snowboarders and skiers!

You can expect tons of prizes, giveaways and possibly even some $$$  (👀🔥🍞)! given away to girls and ladies who land their best tricks.

What's more? If you pre-register using the form below and show up as one of the first 40 people to check in, you'll get a FREE, limited edition Nikita Fanny Pack (waht! Yes.). Seriously, you don't want to miss out on this.

Sign up now and we'll see you March 9th at Big Boulder resort for the best day of your winter!

Boardsliding into the G.W.R Rude Girls Recap Like......

On Jan 26th the second annual G.W.R. by Nikita Clothing hosted at Sunshine Village with Rude Girls went down.

Wow, what an amazing turnout. If you were at Sunshine Village the photos are up, please go tag yourself tag your friends. And if you weren't there get inspired by all these lovely ladies and go ride!

When I say Rude Girls y'all say YEAHH. Check out all these boarder babes. Who else wants to do a female shred day every day?

Can't wait to see you all next time coming in live from Nikita Clothing featuring Girls Who Ride.

Words By. Riley Elliott

ATTENTION ALL EASTCOASTERS: 

G.W.R. IS HEADED YOUR WAY! (SIGN UP HERE)

Originally posted on TWSnow- you can check out the full article here!

All photos - Ashley Rosemeyer

Why aren't there more women's events? This is the biggest takeaway from G.W.R. by Nikita Clothing at Carinthia Parks on March 31^st.  Girls traveled from Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to be at this single-day event. With so much interest and enthusiasm for something like this, it should be a no-brainer to get more of these progression and jam session days going. If you're a girl and you live somewhere they don't have an event like this, start organizing it! Get out there and bring people together!

With more than 70 girls gathered together at Carinthia's Lower Nitro Park on the morning of March 31^st, the excitement was high and the energy was infectious. Throw-back jams started playing over the speakers provided by Carinthia and the G.W.R. by Nikita Clothing at Carinthia Parks was on. If you're not familiar with G.W.R. events by Nikita yet- the format runs like this; the day starts off with a morning jam session coached by Nikita teamriders, and then after a short break for lunch everyone gathers again at the top of the park to throw down tricks they've just learned (or have already mastered) for a massive giveaway of prizes and goods. Prizes are handed out for riders when they land sick tricks, their personal best tricks, or even when someone just slams super hard; they earn themselves a giveaway and a huge round of applause for going for it.

Was that not enough? Head over to TWSnow now to get your fill on the rest of this recap and see more photos from our G.W.R. event at Carinthia!

Mirte van Dijk is a Dutch snowboarder, content creator and professional nomad. She most recently set off to Japan for a few months and has been taking FULL advantage of the unreal season they've been having there (and we seriously mean unreal- it's been dumping there since December!) We could not resist reaching out to her to get to know more about her. Could you? Read on to see what it's like living out of a suitcase, and never knowing where you'll land next. 

Hi Mirte! We’ve been seeing some of your travels lately and they are looking AMAZING. Those little bits are making us really want to know more- how you do it, why you do it and where you’re going next. 

So, tell us! Spill the beans!

 
What initially drew you to travel to Japan? 
I think Japan might be the only country that is on the list of every snowboarder, because of the massive amounts of snow, exotic culture and g-o-o-o-d food. It’s been on mine for years! And now I’m here, I leave it on my list, because one visit is really not enough!

Why Hakuba? What exactly are you doing there?

Two friends who run a lodge in Hakuba Valley needed some extra hands this season, only a few hours a day. Before I knew it me and Sébastien (the boyfriend) were on our way to paradise. And besides the great snow, beautiful landscapes and being surrounded by funny animal noises while riding, it actually turned out to be the classic ‘lodge life’. Friends became bosses and we were working way more hours than promised. Sébastien needed to take a break (and a beer), went out and found a new job while still zipping his glass in the bar that appeared out of nowhere. We packed our bags the day after and moved to the coolest riders lodge of Cortina: Hakuba Cortina Lodge (re-opening next season). From the first time since our arrival all the pieces finally came together. 

The first Girls Shred Session just wrapped up in Snowpark Obergurgl!

So many girls turned out for the event to get tips and learn new tricks from freeski coach Lisi Gram and snowboard coaches Lea Baumschlager and Pilar de la Cruz. The coaches were sharing their knowledge and expertise with every girl that came by, and of course getting their own riding time in on the expertly-maintained features by the all-female-shapecrew of the Snowpark Obergurgl.

Check out the two edits that came from the event and be sure to check out the next one closest to you!

Girls Shred Session Obergurgl - Snowboard from Nikita Clothing on Vimeo.

Girls Shred Session Obergurgl - Freeski from Nikita Clothing on Vimeo.

From young-gun shredder riding a few years ago, to lifer and co-owner of new vintage shop Vantage in Salt Lake City, Grace Mayernik has done a lot in the 20 years she's been on this planet. Never one to see an obstacle as a stopping point, she's continuously pushed on to live life exactly the way she wants to.

Read on to get to know where she came from, what drives her, and where she's going next!

Hey Grace- we’ll start with the basics, how old are you?

20

Just 20 and killing it already! Where do you come from and where do you live now? 

I grew up in Virginia, but have been living in Salt Lake City, Utah for the past 7 years.

Another basic question to check off the list here- how long have you been snowboarding?

7 years.

Lucky number 7 😜  What or who got you into it?

My older sister Amy got me into snowboarding. She was the first in my family to move out West and whenever we had a break in school we would fly out to visit her and board. It got to the point where we would spend weeks longer then we were supposed to and my whole family kind of just said, what the heck, and made the move to Utah.

That's a big move for a family to just get up and do! We need to meet all of them some day, they sound awesome.

Snowboarding has it's ups and downs. The ups are what keep us coming back, but dealing with the downs and coming back to ride again is what makes a real snowboarder. Have you ever had any downs? How did you deal with that? 

I would say the biggest challenge that I've faced in snowboarding was tearing my ACL and getting knee surgery three years ago. It was really unexpected and definitely put me in a funk at first. I never knew if I would snowboard like I did before the injury and now that I have recovered and regained my confidence I would say the ongoing goal in my snowboarding is to do it for fun, and because I love it.

That's the best kind of attitude to have, and the goal of having fun is what it's all about.  Speaking of fun- what’s your favorite trick right now?

Is riding powder a trick? If not, I'll say handplants.

Riding powder definitely counts as a trick! Handplants do too, we love those choices and need to do some of both ourselves ASAP.

What is your must-have for a day of riding?

I have to start my day with lots of food and coffee. Another must-have would be friends to ride with.

Every snowboarder has a place they’re dying to get to. What’s your dream destination?

Japan!!!!

Oh Japan. That's a place dreams are made of, definitely on the list of places to go.

@vantageslc

A post shared by Grace🌹 (@gracemayernik) on Aug 12, 2017 at 6:29pm PDT

But you aren't just a snowboarder. What else do you do?

I co-own a vintage clothing store in Salt Lake City! @Vantageslc We've been open now for close to six months and its been an awesome experience, and a lot of hard work. Between balancing snowboarding and owning a business I also just got into yoga, I play guitar, love photography, and skateboard as much as I can!

You own your own shop? Tell us more about Vantage, please!

Vantage is a vintage clothing store in Salt Lake City selling carefully curated 80's and 90's clothes. We opened doors for business in July and before that there was little to no talk of starting something like this.

It began with my boyfriend, Paul and I, having a booth at the flea market. We had little expectations for it but it ended up going super well and thats when we realized maybe something like a store could work! Our friend Andrew happened to collect and sell online so we rounded him into the deal and immediately started talking business.

I saw an ad for a space available in our local newspaper and we went to check it out- the space needed a little TLC but it was exactly what we were looking for. They were only asking for a year lease so we figured what the heck, lets do this for a year, see if it works, if not we'll still be able to live working our second jobs. Well, 5 months later, our second jobs no longer in the picture, we couldn't be more happy how it has worked out. It was a leap of faith to get it started but if you ever have the opportunity to start a business with your friends, do it!

We heard you had some cool people drop by one afternoon, who was that again?

We had the band HAIM in the shop before a show once! I wasn’t even there when they came in *laughs* [but Paul was and] he got a pic with them. I guess one of their songs was playing on the radio and Kevin (gravedigger) was like, "Oh are you ladies going to the concert tonight?"

And they were like, "Uh yea that’s us!"

After all of that, how do you unwind after a long day?

Since I've started a business my days are usually packed with things to do, so my favorite thing to do as of now is cozy up on the couch and watch a movie or go to a yoga class and clear my mind for an hour!

You've got the right recipe for everything and it's obvious you push yourself a lot to be exactly who you want to be. Do you get influenced from the outside? Who would you say inspires you the most?

Anyone who paves their own path. Someone who never gives up, who is creative, hardworking, and genuinely happy with the life they live.

And finally - how do you feel about eBay?

Are you asking this question before or after I got banned? (Long Story) But now that my boyfriend lets me sell from an account in his name, eBay and I are still in good standings. For now. 

Put this playlist on, grab your board and start getting inspired out on the snow! Thanks to Grace for taking time out of her busy day to catch up with us, stop into Vantage if you're ever in Salt Lake City and stay tuned to Nikita Clothing to catch the next feature #forgirlswhoride

Ever dreamt of jumping on a plane to Japan, setting off on your very own unplanned perfect JAPOW adventure? Nikita Ambassador Summer Fenton stopped dreaming, started doing- and found herself a world away with no plans, lots of friends, and tons of great snow.

What made you want to go to Japan? 

Ever since I could remember, snowboarding in Japan has always been a bucket list dream of mine. I’m so happy I finally got the opportunity to fulfill it! 

Dreams: fulfilled p. Keith Rutherford

This was kind of a last-minute thing. How did you end up going to Japan?

I was back home in San Francisco and realized I had some rare spare time in between contests. My boyfriend and friends were in Japan and they kept telling me how awesome it was out there. I then got this gut feeling that I should go out there too and do some soul shredding for myself. No contests- just me and my board in Japan. I thought it was crazy that I was even thinking about hopping on a plane and leaving to Japan, especially since I had no actual agenda and knowing that I would be in a foreign country solo traveling, but then I got encouragement from my boyfriend and friends and knew in my heart that I needed to go and make this quick last minute decision for my own good. I packed my bags and left the San Francisco airport 24hrs later- it still gives me chills that I sent it out there.

Did you have a plan before you left?    

I had absolutely no plan whatsoever. I really was just following my instincts and heart. I remember sitting there thinking to myself, “What am I going to do once I land?” I didn’t know where I was staying or even what mountain to ride. I didn’t even know how I was going to get to the mountain town of Hakuba because it is a five hour trip away from the airport nor do I speak or read Japanese. But in the end it all worked itself out.

Spots don't build themselves- Summer and friends putting in the work p. Keith Rutherford

Who did you meet up with there? 

I knew I would meet with Taylor Elliot at the bus station in Hakuba (which was easier than expected). I ended up meeting up with some of the Too Hard/ Powanoia crew that included Taylor and Kendel Elliott, Fancy and Kieth Rutherford and Christine Savage.  We met a bunch of local Japanese riders too! It was so awesome riding with a crew that was motivated and constantly in good spirits. I was so stoked to be filming with them! Love all my new tomodachis!!! <3 Don’t know what I would do without them all!

Where did you go? How long were you there for? I was there for one week. While I was in Hakuba, I received a last minute invite to compete in the Burton U.S. Open in Vail, Colorado for the following week so I had to cut the trip short.

Something else that Japan has no shortage of- delicious drinks! Just make sure you pay attention to the pictures on the packaging if you don't read Japanese 😜

What was the weirdest thing you saw and/or did? The weirdest thing that I did was drink some herbal lemon relax tea that had cat nip in it. I thought cat nip was just for cats haha…it did make me feel relax though  Or the fact that you have to wear special shoes that are bright red and say toilet on them in the bathroom

What were your top three favorite moments while in Japan?  

Ahhh there were so many to choose from!

 1.) Obviously my favorite moment was riding that JAPOW! It is the fluffiest and just overall best powder ever! This one particular day was just magical- we went to a resort in the Hakuba area where it was only $32 to ride the mountain. Such a steal! There were only eight cars in the parking lot so we basically had the resort to ourselves for the entire day. So many endless face shots and fresh tracks all on the best snow I’ve ever ridden. Like- what?! Is this real life? Somebody pinch me!

Our last run of the day was the one to remember. The chair lifts were about to close and we found this one open area of untracked powder. I was in this unreal state of euphoria, peace, gratitude and presence. It was absolutely mind blowing! And then afterwards I ended the day with my favorite… RAMEN!

The goods were got. p Keith Rutherford

2.) I hit my first street spots! Street is scary and I loved every second of it from thinking creatively of what you can do and how you can hit the feature to having to go into the feature confidently without having any second thoughts. I think I liked that part the most because once you’re going you can’t chicken out and stop, you just have to go for it because if you don’t the consequences worsen. Hitting street has taught me so much about myself and I feel I have grown as a person. Landing tricks and lines in the streets were so rewarding and I hope to play in the streets more! 

From the pipe to the streets- Summer's ready for whatever, wherever.

3.) Lastly- exploring Shinjuku, Tokyo. Once I got to Shinjuku, I meant to go drop my board bag off at the hotel. Instead, I got lost and ended up walking and dragging my heavy board bag around the very crowded Shinjuku. It kind of reminded me of Times Square with all the bright lights and billboards, it was a beautiful sight. One bright side of getting lost in Shinjuku was that I practically walked the entire town so when I did finally find my hotel I knew exactly where I wanted to go. In this exact order I went to: 7-11 to grab a quick snack, after I got my fixing at the 7-11, I went straight to the arcade. I decided to go to the one that had popping Japanese music and a lot of pickachu games. Once I was done playing at the arcade, I went to a 24hr ramen shop and ate my life away haha!

I know, I know, you’re probably saying, "why 7-11 when we have those back in the states?" Let me tell you that 7-11 in Japan is the best for snacks and drinks. I didn’t know I liked 7-11 until I went to Japan. The fried chicken and sushi rice balls are so yummy and cheap. Also, there is a huge selection of the most delicious gummies ever invented.

Summer Fenton is a Nikita Snow Ambassador, regular competitor in the halfpipe circuit and lover of sand and waves. If you don't already, see where this jet-setter ends up next by following her on Instagram @badgirlsumsum

Back in September, we handed out 30 disposable cameras to girls across the US, planning on assembling an entire photo show without even knowing what we would get back. Scary? Yea, maybe a little 😅

Luckily, we had nothing to worry about. What we got back on those cameras was nothing short of awesome! We should've known that we could count on our Nikita Nation to deliver pic after pic of disposable gold ✨ There were photos from skate sessions at the park, hikes along mountain ridges, urban explorations and even cowgirls out on the ranch. Every image was like a snap straight from their lives, and we loved looking at every single one.

Our event went off better than we could've hoped, if you haven't checked out the recap of it yet you should now. Of course, there was no way we could include all of our favorite images in that show- we would've needed an art space the size of a real museum (maybe that's an exaggeration, but still, we would've needed a bigger space for sure).

Nevertheless- we buckled down, picked our favorites to show, and had an event to remember!

So here they are- in all their disposable glory. Enjoy these select images from our disposable Nikita Perspectives Project.

Perspective from Emily Bedell

Perspective from Amanda Proudfit

Perspective from Summer Fenton

Perspective from Grace Mayernik

Perspective from Heidi Venturine

Perspective from Quinn Poer

Perspective from Emily Bedell

Perspective from Amanda Proudfit

Have a favorite? See something cool? Want to just let us know what your unique perspective is? Connect with us on Instagram @nikitaclothing or Facebook Nikita Clothing! We can't wait to hear from you.