Nyota

Nyota - Nat for short - is from Bozeman MT and grew up skiing Bridger and Big Sky until a passion for travel and big mountains brought her to Switzerland in 2014. Now, after several years of tromping through the backcountry abroad, she lives back in Montana and is a ski coach during the winter and an adventurer, sewer, attempted gardener, hiker, biker, and 100 other things during the summer.

She is committed to creating a more inclusive space within the outdoor recreation industry and especially looooves connecting with other women and getting outside together however possible. Most recently she created a women's ski group in the Missoula/Montana area (please reach out to her about it if you're local!). You can usually find her exploring at her local mom n' pop resort, chasing some crazy new idea, or running around the woods with her husky Sasha. 

Doughnuts or Bagels? Ooof, that's tough!! It used to be bagels but I no longer eat meat and they aren't the same. So now I LOVE a good chocolate or maple donut :)

Home mountain range? The Bridgers, babyyy! What a gem.

Fur-Baby? My sweet sweet bean's name is Sasha and he is an almost-10-year-old Siberian Husky.

Favorite trail (bike), favorite mountain (ski)? I am brand spankin' new to biking and don't know up from down, so I love a simple, mellow, flowy trail right now. Favorite ski area is hard. There is a special place in my heart for our teeeeny little resort in Missoula - Montana Snowbowl - but I don't think anything will ever compare to the Swiss resort I skied for a few years called Meiringen-Hasliberg. If you don't know and want a little adventure, check it out and thank me later!!

Go-to aprés beverage? Will never say no to a Bloody Mary but given a choice, I will 10/10 pick our local ski bevy, the Kettlehouse Coldsmoke Scotch Ale. 

Day Job? I work for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) coordinating housing and aiding folks in the process of resettling and rebuilding their lives here in Montana. 

Passion Projects? I am passionate about creating space in my community for women to learn new skills and make new connections in skiing, biking and other outdoor recreation, whether it's through coaching local kids, facilitating groups & meet-ups, or helping to organize women's clinics. I'm also eager to help develop programs that impact long term access and reduce barriers to these sports.

Any big plans for the next year? I've got a few fun ski trips and possible bike races planned! Missoula has a small ski area that I've been skiing and working at for years, but this year I hope to put energy towards travelling and meeting more of the WR family :) 

Favorite piece of Wild Rye gear? This year, it's hands down the Oliva Onesie. It is so, so cozy. I wear it skiing, and to work under a pair of jeans on a cold day. Could not recommend more!

Follow Nat's Adventures: @nyotahaley