Finding Belonging on the Slopes: Zuri’s Journey

photo by Zuri (pink jacket)

For Zuri, skiing was once a world that felt out of reach, even while growing up in the Tetons, surrounded by iconic resorts. Through the SheJumps Ikon Pass Mountain Access Program, formerly known as the SheJumps Ikon Pass Scholarship for Women of Color, Zuri not only learned to ski but also found community, mentorship, and belonging on the mountain. What began as her first season on skis became a powerful journey of identity and connection. Read her story below.

"My name is Zuri. I was born in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and raised in Victor, Idaho– just a short distance from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort. I later attended the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah, less than an hour from seven ski resorts. On paper, it might seem like I grew up skiing. In reality, I was surrounded  by a ski world but never a part of it. I did not learn to ski until the age of 23.

Unlike many who move to the Tetons for outdoor recreation, my parents came to the area for economic opportunities. As a daughter of immigrant parents from Tlaxcala, Mexico, recreating outdoors—especially in the snow—was not always a priority. However, I was fortunate to attend a public school that offered winter sports programs, which allowed all students to participate in a winter sport once a week during certain parts of the year. Although I wished I could have taken part in skiing, it was not possible for us at the time. I always chose the most affordable options, not wanting to add to my parents’ burdens. For many years, I believed the ski hill was not a place for me.

That belief started to change when I saw an Instagram post by Vanessa Chavarriaga Posada, a Colombian immigrant and professional skier. She was skiing in the Tetons while unapologetically embracing her culture. Despite growing up in a ski town, I had never met a Latina skier. Seeing Vanessa’s story gave me hope– I, too, could one day experience the joys of skiing and belong in the sport. 

In the fall of 2023, after graduating from the University of Utah, I moved back to Teton Valley, Idaho, in the hopes to reconnect with my roots and learn to ski. After years of dreaming about learning to ski, I embarked on my first season on the mountain. 

I was incredibly fortunate to have my friend Ella as my guide. Having grown up skiing, she showed me how fun and freeing it could be. She was patient, encouraging, and pushed me outside my comfort zone. Ella constantly reminded me that it was okay to take up space and make big, wide turns. To this day, I consider her my mentor on the ski hill and an example of what true inclusivity in the sport looks like. However, during that first season, I couldn’t help but notice that women of color were few and far between on the slopes. 

Not seeing and interacting with many women who look like you and share similar lived experiences can take a toll on your sense of belonging– especially in predominantly white spaces. It can make you question whether you truly fit in. 

In high school, I loved to visit my local rock climbing gym. It became a way to bond with my younger sister. My intention was to continue climbing throughout college, but when I arrived at my university’s climbing gym, I rarely saw other women of color. I never once met another Latina climber. What had once been a space of community and joy slowly became isolating, and eventually, I stopped climbing altogether.

In the fall of 2024, I came across the SheJumps Ikon Pass Mountain Access Program. I saw it as an opportunity to find community in skiing—something I had struggled to do in climbing. Being awarded the scholarship allowed me to connect with other women of color who have fought, and continue to fight, for their place in the sport. It reminded me that I am not alone.

One of the most meaningful moments of my journey came when I skied at Deer Valley with fellow SheJumps Ikon Pass Mountain Access recipient Anelisiwe Msomi from South Africa. It was my first time skiing with another woman of color. The program also enabled me to volunteer with Coombs Outdoors, a local nonprofit dedicated to breaking down cultural, financial, and knowledge barriers in outdoor recreation. Through Coombs, I supported winter programming at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, working with Latino youth to help them experience the joys of skiing—something I had once thought was out of reach for me.

For so long, I believed skiing wasn’t for me. But skiing is undeniably a part of who I am and a part of where I grew up. Learning to ski has been a journey of reclaiming my identity—one that I now tell as a woman, as a Mexican-American, as an older sister, as a friend, and as a member of my community.

The SheJumps Ikon Pass Mountain Access Program is more than just access to the mountains. It is an opportunity for women to recognize their power, find belonging, and shape the future of snowsports. It gives me hope that the next generation will see themselves reflected in the sport—and know they belong."

- Zuri B. 24/25 SheJumps Ikon Pass Mountain Access Program Participant

At SheJumps, we know how important it is to lower barriers of access in the outdoors. Our programs are designed to create more opportunities for women to learn, grow, and thrive outside. Applications for the SheJumps x Ikon Pass Mountain Access Program open September 8, be on the lookout, support, and apply! Want to learn more? Click the button below to read about the Shejumps x Ikon pass Mountain Access Program!

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