The “nature gap,” refers to the lack of inclusion and diversity in outdoor spaces. This lack of representation is broader than just camping and hiking. The gap has spilled over into certain sports and outdoor activities.

For a long time, the racial demographic of skiing enthusiasts has lacked people of color. Now several groups are doing their part to change that.

AFAR shared the story of Annette Diggs, who became a ski instructor in 2019 after she “felt out of place,” and almost “scrutinized” when she signed up for ski lessons.

“I remember going to go get a drink from the café, and I overheard someone say, ‘Hey look, a unicorn.’ I looked around and realized they were talking about me. I was the outlier in the room. I didn’t like that feeling at all,” Diggs said.

Diggs opened up to the outlet about how that day influenced her to make a change on the slopes. “That day, I decided I was going to bring more women of color with me to the mountain.”

Diggs founded Edge Outdoors, “an organization dedicated to helping women of color access snow sports through scholarships for lessons, lift tickets, and gear.” Edge Outdoors is part of a growing number of groups formed to break down entry barriers and create a community for women, BIPOC individuals, and those with disabilities interested in participating in snow sports.

AFAR shared a statistic from theNational Ski Areas Association, stating that 88.7 percent of skiers and snowboarders in the U.S. are white, and 63 percent are males. It’s also an industry that inherently favors those who are non-disabled.

Another group contributing to the evolution of snow sports is the National Brotherhood of Snowsports (formerly the National Brotherhood of Skiers). Detour previously covered NBS celebrating its 50th annual gathering, which saw more than 2,000 Black skiers and snowboarders unite for a week in Vail, Colorado.

NBS comprises roughly 5,000 skiers, snowboarders, and 57 participating snow sports clubs nationwide. Aside from racial demographics, including individuals with disabilities has also been a low point for this sports group.

The High Fives Foundation serves people who have sustained life-changing injuries by using adventure and sports to get them back into the community. Athletes within the organization have injuries that range from spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries to limb loss.

AFAR mentions that only seven percent of newbie skiers and snowboarders stick with the sport. These groups are doing what they can to empower and encourage them to stay on the slopes.

Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her bylines include “person of interest” interviews, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything Beyonce.

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This story was originally published April 25, 2023 3:42 PM.