This past February, we had the privilege of working with Outdoor Afro, a national leader in diversity & inclusion in the outdoors, to create a pilot program for Black folks to learn to ski. Embracing the "train the trainer" model, we worked with Outdoor Afro to bring program leaders from across the country to Winter Park, CO, so that they could bring new skills back to their own regions and lead similar programs next season. Watching anyone make their first turns on skis is thrilling, and we were stoked to see how powerful it can be to watch their model in action.
We are excited to move this work forward and continue to provide support and media coverage for future Black on the Slopes events. We are grateful for the support of all our partners who worked with us to make this a positive, comfortable, and cost-free experience. Thank you to Winter Park Resort, Fat Tire, Eddie Bauer, Evo, 686, Smartwool, Yeti, Stanley, Spy, and Darn Tough.
If you're an individual who contributes to charities each year, consider adding Outdoor Afro to your list of annual donations - you can donate here.
Outdoor Afro has become the nation’s leading, cutting edge network that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. They are a national not for profit organization with leadership networks around the country. With more than 80 leaders in 42 cities around the country, they connect thousands of people to nature experiences, who are changing the face of conservation.
Outdoor Afro supports and promotes policies in the following areas:
Connecting Black People to the Outdoors - Ensuring Black people have access, representation, meaningful participation, and quality nature-based experiences.
Reimagining Blackness in the Outdoors - Uncovering and amplifying the historical and ongoing contributions of Black people in the outdoors.
Protecting the Outdoors - Protecting and enhancing our lands, wildlife, and waterways for long term sustainability.
Check out the recap edit for a window into Black on the Slopes:
Level 1 has been documenting skiing since 1999 through feature-length films, event experiences, and short movies and edits. We're a family of talented filmmakers, athletes, and designers, trekking the globe to capture compelling images of the best skiing action, cutting it up and delivering premium content to your screen! We’re all passionate about what we do – determined to stay true to our vision through the media we produce and the merchandise we put the Level 1 stamp on.
