In honor of Black History Month, we are sharing key Black figures in skiing and riding who have paved the way for a more inclusive future. This week is all about Judith Kasiama – an entrepreneur and diversity advocate who recently took up skiing.
Kasiama’s adventure into skiing started in January 2019 after seeing an advertisement for “Never Ever Days” at Whistler Blackcomb – a beginner ski package that included a lift ticket, rentals and a ski lesson for $25. Flash forward to today, she has become not only a notable skier, but a strong advocate for making the outdoors an inclusive space through her Vancouver-based organization, Colour the Trails.
Like other members of the BIPOC community, Kasiama has found being the only Black person on the slopes lonely.
“As a Black woman joining the outdoor community, there’s a sense of imposter syndrome. The idea that there’s a distinction between ‘real’ athletes and non-athletes is rooted in privilege. I was an athletic child growing up, my single mother could not afford to pay for a certain sport, so I stayed at low-cost sports, such as basketball, track and field, and cross country. So, does my financial barrier, lack of access make me not athletic enough?”
Kasiama sees a huge opportunity for resorts to grow their skier base by creating more diverse outreach opportunities and providing more financial accessibility. Through Colour the Trails and the help of the Canadian Ski Council, she continues to create a space for the beginner Black ski community in Canada.
Keep up with Kasiama and Colour the Trails on Instagram!