NITRO: 35 Years of Innovation in Snowboarding

Discover the NITRO brand

NITRO: The Brand’s Origins and History

The Nitro brand was founded on January 6, 1990, in Seattle, Washington, by two snow sports enthusiasts: Tommy Delago and Sepp Ardelt. The first product line had been developed as early as the fall of 1989, but it was at Vera’s Café in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood that the final decision on the brand name was made. Tommy Delago, then a rider on the Sims team, running his own snowboard school, and a writer for Germany’s leading snowboard magazine, launched Nitro with a simple idea: to create the board of his dreams and put it in the hands of riders.

From its earliest years, Nitro surrounded itself with iconic figures such as Petra Müssig, a multiple world champion, and Amy Howat, a rider from Mt. Baker. While board designs are still conceived in Seattle, manufacturing is entrusted to experienced artisans at a factory in Austria, ensuring a top-tier level of craftsmanship. Now based in Hünenberg, Switzerland, Nitro remains an independent company, true to its original DNA.

Did you know?

The very first board designed by Tommy Delago was a powder swallowtail named "Retro." At a time when the industry swore by asymmetrical raceboards and the first twin shapes, he chose to return to snowboarding’s surfing roots. Since then, almost every season, Nitro has continued to release a new swallowtail, carrying on this legacy.

Product Development and Innovations at NITRO

Because every session on the mountain deserves gear that’s up to the task, Nitro has dedicated over 35 years to engineering and perfecting snowboard equipment. This ability to innovate has always been part of the brand’s DNA, which boasts a long list of industry firsts.

Among the key milestones: the development of the 3-Piece binding, which allows the boot to be perfectly centered on the board by adjusting the binding size—a breakthrough that Nitro chose not to patent in order to advance the entire sport. When it comes to boots, the TLS (Twin Lacing System) quick-lacing system has redefined comfort and precision of fit by allowing the top and bottom of the boot to be tightened independently. Finally, the Re-Lace System has enabled riders to retighten their liner on the fly during a session.

When it comes to boards, Nitro develops its own in-house technologies: the Powerlite or Powercore core made from select poplar, Bi-Lite and Tri-Lite laminates, reinforced Railkiller Edges for rails, and Sintered Speed Formula and EcoSpeed HD bases for fast, durable glide. Nitro’s philosophy is built on consistent pillars: durability, performance, and fun, with products designed to last season after season.

Products offered by the NITRO brand

Nitro now offers a complete range of snowboards, bindings, boots, splitboards, and accessories, designed for all disciplines (all-mountain, freestyle, freeride, backcountry) and all skill levels, from children to expert riders, men and women alike.

The brand is particularly renowned for several flagship models:

• Nitro Team: an iconic all-mountain snowboard that has been part of the lineup for over twenty years, featuring a Powerlite core and Sintered EcoSpeed HD base for uncompromising versatility on the piste, in the park, and off-piste.
• Team Pro Wide: a beefed-up version of the Nitro Team, featuring Trüe Camber, carbon reinforcements, and a Sintered Speed Formula II base for demanding riders. The SMP is a more accessible all-mountain board, equipped with Cam-Out Camber and a directional shape for a ride that’s both playful and stable.
• Cinema: with its Directional Twin shape and hybrid Gullwing camber, it offers the ideal balance between float in powder and grip on the piste for intermediate to advanced riders.

When it comes to bindings, the Nitro Team features 3D Optiframe Locked Down straps and Air Dampening technology for responsive support and all-day comfort.

NITRO’s Eco-Responsible Commitment

Aware of the environmental impact of snowboard manufacturing and the direct link between the sport and the health of the mountains, Nitro is committed to a concrete and transparent eco-responsible approach. The brand has installed a 700 kW solar power plant on the roof of its board factory, enough to power the factory, offices, and staff housing, and now manufactures its boards using 100% solar energy.

All Nitro boards are built with FSC®-certified wood cores, water-based inks, recycled steel edges, and a maximum of recycled raw materials.