Opening Doors in the Backcountry: BIPOC Scholarship Recap

This winter marked our second year running the BIPOC Outdoor Representation Scholarship, and we were proud to award two outstanding applicants, Hanan and Kendall, with a spot in one of our AIARE 1 avalanche education courses. There were many thoughtful, passionate applications, and choosing only two winners wasn’t easy. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who applied, and to the communities they represent and uplift. Thank you all!

We also want to recognize the generous support from our partners. Gear Hut Reno donated gift cards so winners could shop at their consignment store, and Gordini contributed gloves, goggles, and socks to help outfit our winners for the backcountry. These contributions are an important part in helping recipients feel welcomed and supported.

One of our scholarship winners shared: “This opened a door for me. It’s definitely something I want to continue doing.”

Why This Scholarship Matters

Skiing and snowboarding, like many outdoor spaces, still lack meaningful diversity. According to the National Ski Areas Association’s 2021–2022 survey, 88.7% of skiers in the U.S. identified as white. Only 1.5% identified as Black, 5.5% as Latino/Spanish origin, 5.7% as Asian or Pacific Islander, and less than 0.06% as American Indian. These numbers point to more than a lack of participation—they highlight cultural and systemic barriers that have made skiing and backcountry travel less accessible for BIPOC individuals.

This scholarship aims to push back against that exclusivity. Ski culture has long glorified elitism while tolerating harmful dynamics and the exclusion of people who don’t match the “typical” image of a skier. That needs to change. Barriers to participation—whether they’re financial, cultural, or systemic—should not block people from experiencing the joy of the mountains. This scholarship is one small step toward breaking down those barriers and reimagining a more inclusive ski community.

At Alpenglow Expeditions, we believe in leveraging the power of the mountains to create positive change—and that means making space for everyone. Representation matters. When a BIPOC skier gains backcountry skills, they inspire others, challenge stereotypes, and shift the narrative. Their presence on the skin track creates ripples through their communities and throughout the broader outdoor world. We’re honored to play a part in that work.

👉 Check out our 2024 scholarship blog to hear from past recipients.
👉 Keep an eye out for next year’s application opening for Winter 25/26, and follow us on Instagram @alpenglowexpeditions_tahoe to stay in the loop.