Dr. Michelle Smith

If you’ve ever watched the Winter Olympics, you’ve probably noticed the scarcity of black faces in ski competitions (see Winter Wondering, page 20). Yet the reality is that there is a growing population of African-American skiers and a surprising number of black ski clubs across the nation.

And we’re talking serious skiers who rise early to glide through knee-deep powder or brave the narrow chutes of expert double black diamond runs. “African-American ski clubs are their own best-kept secret,” says Pia Winslow, executive director of the National Brotherhood of Skiers (NBS), which has ski clubs all over the country.

Black skiers travel near and far to kick up some snow. But it’s not all about hard-core skiing. In the evening you can enjoy activities ranging from happy hour to theme parties, sometimes featuring top-name entertainment. And if you are not up for parties, you can always sit by the fireplace at the ski lodge, drinking hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows with friends after a day on the slopes. Often advertised on local radio, these events sometimes attract droves on nonmembers who join in the fun as well.

Another ski organization, DownHill Klymaxx, founded in 1999, caters to blacks 24 to 37 years of age. Akil Kamau, one of three partners, says, “I definitely see us as having helped to introduce skiing to African-Americans.” By providing social activities such as parties, comedy showcases, barbecues, and basketball and volleyball tournaments during an event weekend, the organization lures people to the mountain who, Kamau says become hooked the first time they ski. On February 14-17, Downhill Klymaxx sponsors DHK II, the ultimate ski/party extravaganza in Gettysburg, Penn. For more information, visit www.downhillklymaxx.com.

Don’t worry if you’ve never skied before. Skiing is a sport for all levels and ages. To get started, you’ll need skis fitted to your height and ability, boots (with bindings), poles, gloves and sunglasses or goggles. Most places offer packages for first-timers that include equipment, lessons and lift tickets for $45 to $50 for a day trip. To stay overnight for a few days, a basic package averages about $140 to $150 a day.

So where do black folks go for some snow activity? “My all-time favorite is Whistler-Blackcomb,” says CNN anchor Fredricka Whitfield. “The natural beauty is breathtaking. And it’s nice to see more black families skiing,” continues the veteran skier, who started skiing with her family, in the Northeast, at age 10. After attending an NBS Summit at Vail Mountain in Colorado, however, she was sold on the West.

Vail Mountain in Colorado, where many black skiers enjoy going, has been ranked number one for the eleventh time in 15 years by Ski magazine. In a word, Vail is huge. The seven-mile expanse and pristine powder of Vail’s fabulous Back Bowls is a playground for intermediate and advanced skiers. The longest run, Riva, snakes down the mountain for three miles. In addition to fine art galleries, gourmet dining and swanky places to shop, Vail has an enormous selection of lodgings. For more information, visit www.vail.snow.com.

Vail also has the world’s largest snowboard school. “There are more African-American first-time skiers who are snowboarding,” notes Winslow. Self-taught snowboarder Aisha Tyler, former host of E! Entertainment’s Emmy-nominated Talk Soup has been an avid “rider” since age 16. “I started snowboarding because there weren’t any black snowboarders,” remembers Tyler, who organized and taught at a snowboarding club at Dartmouth College. “I picked up a snowboard and never skied again.” Even die-hard downhill skiers have crossed over to “free-riding” and, like Tyler, swear permanent allegiance to the board.

Rocky Mountain skiing and snowboarding are not limited to the powdery slopes of Colorado. New Mexico, Land of Enchantment, is home to Taos Ski Valley, a European-style village in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Wheeler Peak, which towers over a unique town inhabited by artists, writers and musicians, rises to 13,161 feet. Taos Ski Valley is known for its steep runs, but 50 percent of its terrain is designed for beginning and intermediate levels. Plus the Ernie Blake Ski School has been ranked No. 1 in the country. Visit www.skitaos.org for more information.

Pennsylvania is home to Hidden Valley, a year-round resort nestled in a quiet, forested setting that can accommodate skiers of all levels in a variety of winter sports. Touted as one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most popular family ski resorts, Hidden Valley boasts a topnotch ski school with extensive facilities for beginners and children. The Four Seasons Resort at Hidden Valley was selected by the White House to host family members of Flight 93 during the anniversary observance of the Sept. 11 tragedy. For more information, visit www.hiddenvalleyresort.com.

Looking for something a little off the beaten path? Mendoza, Argentina is a vast desert at the foot of the Andes Mountains and happens to be the fourth largest producer of wines in the world after France, Spain, and Italy. Here you will find Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas, with its peak at 22,800 feet. Two international-level ski areas, Las Lenas and Los Penitentes, are known for their superior quality of snow. An excellent place to stay is the European-styled Hyatt Mendoza Regency.

So if you’re up for an exhilarating time in a winter wonderland, contact your local ski club. Or visit www.nbs.org to find out about a black ski club in your state. See you on the slopes!