It’s no secret that snow sports (like all recreational sports) have barriers for specific communities. These barriers are often rooted in systemic racism, discrimination, and oppression of racialized groups. Catherine Jager and I, Nazanin Ali, wanted to help change that in nordic skiing this last season. We worked together to organize Nordic clinics for women and non binary folks that have been historically (and often purposefully) left out of these spaces. Specifically, these clinics were created for racialized communities including the Black, Indigenous, ethnic minorities groups and all of their intersecting identities. Together our community did just that.  

With the help of Mountain Shop, (special shout out to the wonderful Liz Craig) we fundraised about $1,200. This money was used to provide transportation and rental gear for all participants in three separate clinics at Teacup. Mountain Shop graciously gave us a discount on rental gear and also helped with the complicated logistics of organizing a big group (big thank you Eric in the rental department!). Some funds were even used to access lessons outside of our clinics as some participants' interest in Nordic skiing had grown. We had never seen the Oregon Nordic trails this diverse! New skiers were motivating each other to try new things, fostering a space where all felt welcome, and doing away with the elitist energy that snow sports often cultivate. We witnessed beginner skiers gracefully take safe falls, teach each other classic technique, and support one another regardless of skiing level. We watched a handful of mentees push each other to go down Wahoo Gulch on their first day on skis, ever! Many participants went back on their own along with folks they met at the clinic. 

Some direct quotes from our lovely participants:
“ this clinic broke the ice, now I feel like I know Teacup is here and it’s also for me. I am definitely coming up again and bringing friends”

“I was motivated to attend this clinic because of the folks it was tailored to, and because I want to continue building skills in snow sports. I didn't have access to this growing up so it's been a long-term interest of mine.”

“Learning in an all women's/NB space feels really different for me. In those spaces, I find myself feeling more inspired, motivated, and challenged in a way that builds me up. Women/NB folks that are more advanced than me just inspire me, and I can see how I could get to that level because I can literally see myself in them. In spaces with men, the whole vibe just shifts and I end up feeling inadequate, like I'm slowing down the group.” 

Through this project, both Catherine and I were able to learn more about what our communities need in regards to accessing nordic skiing.  One important piece of feedback was to have language that is more inclusive to folks that experienced gender oppression. Our goal is to create a space that feels truly safe for everyone. We’ve learned that spaces that feel safe for us can very much feel the opposite for others based on their identities. 

This year we have launched a Gofundme (https://gofund.me/21178682 ) with a $3,000 goal to offer five clinics and 3-4 gear packages (boots, skis, poles) through a scholarship that will be open to all People of Color with priority given to underrepresented genders. Sign-up for our first two events in 2022 filled up in 20 minutes, validating the importance of this project. In addition, our goal is to continue to help create and foster community connection through supporting reciprocal relationships between mentors and mentees that continue beyond the clinic. Lastly, we are committed to acknowledging and supporting the tribes whose land we recreate on;  of Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. We desire a reciprocal relationship with these tribes and will offer time and donations when appropriate. 

It has been healing to see so many affinity groups- often led by People of Color (shoutout to local mountaineer Theresa Silverya for the support and inspiration) share their skills and knowledge through creating opportunities and mentorship for their collective communities.   In the first week of February, we will be opening sign ups for our March 19th and March 20th Clinics for trans and cis women, trans men, non-binary folks and all those affected by gender oppression. Follow our instagram page poc_nordic for updates! Thank you Mountain Shop for supporting this cause. See you all on the trails!