If you’ve ever spent time skiing or snowboarding, you’ll know that some of the biggest shredders out on the mountain are undoubtedly the girls. Whether smashing the backcountry, slashing up some park laps or riding switch down the groomers, you’ll always be within eye-shot of one of JaPow’s leading ladies absolutely tearing up the slopes.
So, this week, in celebration of International Women’s Day, we wanted to celebrate the women who have made both Rhythm, and the winter sports industry as a whole more diverse, accepting and steezier than ever.
That’s where Ash comes into play. One of Rhythm Setsu’s staples, Ash is known around Niseko as one of the area’s most bubbly, energetic and vibrant shredders both on the slopes and around town. A rider with undeniable steez, if she’s not out touring backcountry, you’ll most likely find Ash honing in on her skills in the park, hitting up Half-Note’s ‘two-for-one’ banh mi special, or excitedly in conversation at one of Niseko’s bars–most likely telling someone to ‘say less’ every 20 seconds… (“It means ‘I agree’ – I am not telling them to shut up!”)
Here’s her picks for the items every shredder should be donning this women’s day.
Ash’s Picks:
Hestra: Army Leather Gore-Tex Mitt
Ash’s Take: “As someone who always has cold fingers, these mitts changed my life. They’re warm and so comfortable, you can really feel the difference from the higher quality material; so worth the investment!”
SPECS
Material: Hestra Triton Recycled Polyamide Fabric
Membrane: GORE-TEX ePE – GORE-TEX
Lining: 100% Bemberg Polyester
PERKS
+ Features a carabiner with eyelet
+ Handcuffs (wrist leashes) included
+ Made with premium goat skin leather
Le Bent: Core Glove Liner
Ash’s Take: “I don’t dare to go anywhere near snow without my Le Bent liners. I even wore them to sleep once when I was really cold! Paired with the Hestra mitt, your poor little fingers will never ever feel the cold again! Plus the merino wool material has anti-odour properties, meaning you won’t stink up the gondi when you take your gloves off!”
SPECS
Material: Signature Blend of Merino Wool and Bamboo Rayo
Wool: 100% Certified Non-Mulesed Merino Wool
Weight: Midweight 260gm
PERKS
+ UPF50+ Sun Protection
+ Okeo-Tek 100 Certified
+ Touch Screen Compatible 4-Way Ultra Durable Stretch
Le Bent Socks: Cody Townsend Pro Series
Ash’s Take: “Wish I was sponsored by Le Bent at this point because I love my socks as much as my liners and refuse to go riding without them–my toes no longer go numb from the cold.”
“I’m so boring for wishing for socks for my next birthday/Christmas gift but they’re just that good!”
SPECS
Material: 44% Rayon from Bamboo / 19% Merino Wool / 35% Nylon / 2% Elastane
Height: Over the Calf
Cushion: Toe Box Cushioning
PERKS
+ Silicon Ankle Locks
+ Mesh Ventilation
+ Shin Compression Area
Dakine Bag: Mission Pro F 18L
Ash’s Take: “After starting to get into the backcountry, I realised how important a good bag is. This 18L backpack is the perfect size to bring all the most vital items – konbini snacks… I mean, a beacon and shovel! Not only is it comfy, functional and high quality, all the colourways will make you look so fresh.”
PSA: Do not put your beacon in your backpack, keep that badboy strapped to your body for easy access.
SPECS
Material: 420D Semi-Dull Nylon Ripstop with Water Repellent Finish
Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 5.5″ (51 x 30 x 14 cm)
Volume: 18L
PERKS
+ Fleece Lined Goggle Pocket
+ Snow Tool/Shovel Pocket
+ Insulated Hydro Sleeve to keep beers cold
Oyuki Beanie: Minato Beanie
Ash’s Take: “Everyone needs a beanie and you can never go wrong with camo. Just be ready for everyone to ask where your head’s gone.”
SPECS
Material: 100% Acrylic
Fit: One Size Fits Most
Warranty: 1 Year
PERKS
+ Dual Style Options
+ Suede Logo Patch
+ Looks cool – what more do you need?
Nomadik: Glitch Bib
Ash’s Take: “Keeping snow out of your undies can actually make riding much more comfortable, believe it or not. This bib is suitable for all kinds of riding; deep powder hunting, fresh cord groomers, side hit euphoria. No matter how you’re riding, you’re going to be comfy and strapped up for success – while also looking super cool.”
SPECS
Breathability: 10,000g/m2/24h
Wear Performance: 3LAYER / FULLSEAM SEALING / DUPONT / TEFLON COATING
PERKS
+ Baggy Fit
+ Adjustable elastic suspenders with ventilation for long hikes and backcountry.
Burton: Fish
Ash’s Take: “Sometimes when you ride a board for the first time, you just feel an instant connection – a love at first sight that makes you wonder where this specific board has been your whole life. The Fish (I call mine ‘Mr Noodle’) has completely changed powder riding for me; it’s so fun, playful and light, really fun to slash through pockets of pow and lets you swim like a fish (hence the name) through waist-deep fresh lines.”
SPECS
Profile: 3D Directional Flat Top
Core: Super Fly II™ 700G Core with Dualzone™ EGD™
Base: Sintered WFO
PERKS
+ From its directional shape to its swallow tail and reduced length to 30mm of taper, this is a playful deep snow quiver tool.
+ Freeride Focused
