Did you know that 88.2% of skiers are white, whilst only 1.2% are Black? Trippin community members, Off Piste Ski Trip are on a mission to change this and actively bring Black culture to the slopes.
Last week I spoke at their pre-trip community event alongside the brilliant Andrew Alexander K. and co founder of Off Piste Karen Grillo✨ to discuss taking up space in the outdoors and the transformative power of travel and skiing.
Skiing has often been perceived as an exclusive sport, creating a barrier for many communities of colour. The association with a white, middle-class identity still paints an unwelcoming and exclusionary picture.
However, this lack of diversity in the outdoors doesn't equal a lack of interest. There have been a growing number of outdoor and ski communities, focused on providing space by people of the global majority. Movements like Opening Up The Outdoors challenge the homogenised whiteness of the industry, envisioning an outdoor community that is truly diverse, equitable, anti-racist and accessible to everyone.
At Trippin, we are committed to making travel and exploration, especially in outdoor spaces, accessible. We’re removing barriers through educational resources that give guidance and support on how to navigate the world with more ease. Check out our Black Travel tools, including "A Guide to Skiing and Snowboarding for Black Travellers," curated by Off Piste.
As taking up space in the outdoors grows, the lingering question from an audience member echoes in my mind: 'We're outside, but are we welcome?' It's time to change that narrative together.
I thought about sharing photographs of me on the panel but instead, I leave you with a painting by Lamont Joseph White titled ‘Journey’.
#OutdoorInclusion #DiverseOutdoors #Skiing
Agent at Royal Le Page
2moWell said!