It's a well-known fact that ski culture has long been centered in the white societies of Europe and North America. In recent years, the price of lift passes has continued to rise, and with the emergence of member-only, private resorts, skiing may be gradually becoming an environment that is only accessible to a select few. A team of six Black people, OFFPISTE, is breathing new life into this world. What message and initiatives are they sending out?
What is OFFPISTE?
"Off-piste" refers to areas outside of groomed slopes, in the backcountry, or unexplored or uncharted areas, but in 2023, six Black members formed a team in the UK to break new ground in the snow industry, as the name "OFFPISTE" suggests
Check out their Instagram to hear what they have to say
"Less than 1% of the world's skiers are black.
How many black ski instructors are there?
So few, they don't even count.
We're here to change that.
What began as a single instructor in the UK in 2023 has now grown into a fully-fledged ski team leading hundreds of members, all wearing the support of THE NORTH FACE gear.
More confidence. More freedom. More friends on the snowy mountains.
Our team of ski and snowboard instructors, the first of its kind in Europe, teach skiing, guide, plan ski tours, host events and do a variety of other activities to advance ski culture.
This isn't just about skiing,
it's about diversity, community, and making winter sports more accessible than ever before to everyone.
At this very moment, history is moving with us."
The idea behind the establishment
Their goal is to transform the ski resort experience itself into a richer, more cultural one by combining entertainment elements such as music, BBQs, and DJ events with Black culture. The only requirement for participation in OFFPISTE is that you must be 21 years of age or older. They actively promote an attitude of respecting diversity and culture and accepting everyone. They believe that allowing participants to freely enjoy the snowy mountains and winter sports in their own way will lead to the development of a new culture
"It's not scary if you ski with everyone" A safe tour even for first timers
As part of its activities, OFFPISTE organizes group tours primarily for members of the Black community who find ski resorts, communities, and even the sport itself difficult to enter or try.
By coordinating everything from basic arrangements like flights and accommodation to on-snow lessons and apres-ski events, OFFPISTE minimizes participants' anxiety and hassle. More than just saving time and effort, OFFPISTE-sponsored tours offer a sense of security and belonging, and the joy of skiing itself becomes a social and cultural activity.
Turn up the volume instead of "raising your voice"
Although they are involved in social activities, they do not make loud appeals. People naturally gather, drawn by the music and smells of food, and smiles and conversation spread. As a result, they aim to broaden the industry's reach.
As you sway to the music, shake off prejudices and stereotypes and enjoy the snowy mountains with a fresh mind. Make skiing a more open culture! By turning up the volume instead of raising your voice, they hope to deliver their message in a comfortable way. This is the idea behind their activities.
"Invisible walls" that exist around the world
Looking at the world, there are certainly "barriers" surrounding winter sports. There are economic, cultural, and psychological hurdles, and only a limited number of people can overcome them. In fact, data shows that people of color are very small among the global ski and snowboarding population, with black people making up just 1.5%
For Japanese people, skiing has long been a favorite leisure and hobby. The barriers to entry may not be all that high. However, the reality is that the number of Japanese skiers continues to decline. Rather than dismissing this as a result of the declining birthrate and aging population, diversifying leisure activities, rising costs, or the effects of global warming, perhaps it's worth taking a look at activities like OFFPISTE
It's impressive how they bring their own unique culture and style, rooted in their everyday lives, to the slopes. Perhaps there's a clue there
Although OFFPISTE only just started its activities in 2023, famous brands such as Red Bull and THE NORTH FACE have already expressed their support. As a cultural movement that transcends the snow industry, OFFPISTE's activities are likely to continue to expand. The next recruitment tour will be announced soon, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out along with story
Information
Off Piste Ski Trip
official website: https://www.offpisteskitrip.com/Official
SNS: Instagram │ X