In recent years, numerous groups have been created with the goal of promoting winter sports in the Black community and uniting lovers of these activities. However, one of the oldest organizations doing it has been around for more than 50 years. The National Brotherhood of Skiers, who are now The National Brotherhood of Snowsports, was founded in 1973 by Art Clay and Ben Finley. 

“They organized 13 known Black ski clubs across the United States and had them gather in Aspen, Colorado for the first ever Summit,” explains Henri Rivers, the organization’s president.

Today, the nonprofit organization boasts a membership of over 5,000 BIPOC snow sports enthusiasts. It remains the world’s largest snow sports organization exposing people of color to winter sports. Each year it holds its biggest gathering–its annual summit–in a different location.

Celebrating 50 Years

This year, The National Brotherhood of Snowsports held its summit in Vail, Colorado and celebrated its 50th anniversary summit at Vail Resorts with over 2,100 attendees. Together, in Vail, Colorado, they were the representation of the mission of The National Brotherhood of Snowsports. The mission is two-fold, with the goal of identifying, developing and supporting athletes of color for international and Olympic competitions and increasing participation in Winter Sports.

Since its inception, the team has provided scholarships and funding for more than 45 athletes and has produced four Olympians. It currently has 23 athletes training all over the country.

Obstacles on the Slopes

Rivers recognizes that people of color have faced various misconceptions and stereotypes regarding winter sports. 

“Primarily people of color do not like the cold. People of color do not ski or ride. All myths that are being dispelled every minute of every day,” he explains. “The cold weather poses a problem for all outdoor enthusiasts. You learn to wear the proper clothing and gear to allow for an enjoyable or sustainable experience.”

In addition, the Black community has long grappled with discrimination, hostility and a lack of access to facilities. Rivers said that racism and privilege continue to plague many aspects of the industry both domestically and globally.

“Those issues will continue to be obstacles and barriers for our world,” Rivers said. “I believe many within the outdoor/snowsports community are understanding the subtle microaggressions and the not-so-subtle, blatant racist comments and actions. I believe they are becoming cognizant of their bias, and some are doing their part to educate themselves and become better global citizens, striving, understanding human equality is essential and necessary to dismantle systemic racism on the slopes, in the outdoors and across the globe.”

Open to All

The National Brotherhood of Snowsports has always kept their membership open to all. They welcome people of all races, religions, genders, sexual orientation and any other identifying attributes.

Whether you are an avid skier, a pro snowboarder or a newcomer interested in hitting the slopes for the first time, you may want to consider joining your local National Brotherhood of Snowsports club. It will allow you to learn more about gear and techniques, and meet winter sports enthusiasts of various levels. Your membership also will enable you to find events and outings to attend with a group of like minded individuals.