Black Joy on the Slopes: The National Brotherhood of Snowsports Marks a Historic 53rd Summit at Keystone.

On the final day of Black History Month in 2026, February 28th, the National Brotherhood of Snowsports (NBS) converged upon the jagged, snow-draped peaks of Keystone, Colorado, for its annual week-long Summit. In a contemporary era where Black American culture often finds itself the subject of public scrutiny and sociopolitical friction, this unapologetic manifestation of joy in the high-alpine wilderness serves as an enduring tribute to human resilience. It is a profound statement that the pursuit of happiness—specifically through the lens of outdoor recreation—remains a fundamental right that will not be denied.

This year’s gathering was particularly poignant, occurring in the immediate wake of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy. The NBS, now in its 53rd season, celebrated a landmark achievement as two of its own athletes competed on the world’s most prestigious stage. As the planet’s largest organization dedicated to the promotion of skiing and snowboarding among communities of color, the NBS Summit has evolved from a niche gathering into a vital celebration of Black excellence and a significant economic force in the winter sports industry.

The invitation to attend this year’s Summit came from my cousin, Dr. Marshall Titus, who has for years urged me to join him on the slopes. Though our connection is not defined by blood, it is rooted in a deep, generational bond. Our mothers were best friends during their time at UCLA in the 1950s, a period of immense social upheaval. These empowered Black women navigated the Civil Rights Movement together, raising their children with a shared set of values while pursuing careers as educators in Southern California. Our childhoods were punctuated by weeks spent in backcountry vacation rentals, where our parents introduced us to the restorative power of nature. To reunite with one of my oldest friends 50 years later, atop a mountain in Colorado, was an invitation that transcended mere recreation; it was a return to our roots.

The National Brotherhood of Snowsports Summit is an integral part of a long-standing tradition of community gatherings among Black Americans. Since its inception in 1973, the organization has served as a bridge, bringing Black skiers from urban centers across the country to the predominantly white landscapes of Western resorts. The timing of its founding was no coincidence. Emerging toward the end of the Black Power Movement of the 1960s, the first ski clubs were formed as a means of collective security. In an era when Black travelers were not always welcome in rural mountain towns, gathering in large groups provided a sense of safety and a space to master alpine skills among peers with similar cultural identities.

The inaugural NBS Summit, famously known as the "Black Summit," was held in Aspen, Colorado. Reflecting on those early days in the 2019 documentary Brotherhood of Skiing, NBS co-founder Art Clay noted, “At first, we were just interested in getting together. By the time enrollment hit a peak, we were getting 5,000 to 10,000 people to show up. It was incredible!” While the numbers have fluctuated over the decades, the mission has remained steadfast: to foster a love for winter sports while advocating for diversity in a space that has historically lacked it.

This year, organizers estimated that more than 1,800 participants from approximately 60 different clubs nationwide traveled to Keystone. Despite a winter characterized by marginal snowfall in many other regions of the country, the Summit participants were greeted by a mountain with full snow coverage, allowing for an optimal experience on the slopes. However, for most attendees, the quality of the "corduroy" or the depth of the powder was secondary to the spirit of the event itself.

“This is a family reunion,” NBS President Henri Rivers III explained during a break between runs. “When we come together like this, we’re not just skiing. We’re building community and passing the love of the mountains on to the next generation.” This sentiment was echoed by Janice Jackson, a veteran skier from Detroit who has been a staple at the Summit for decades. “It’s the camaraderie. The people. I just love being with my people,” she said, highlighting the social fabric that holds the organization together.

For newcomers, the experience is often transformative. Jake Smith, who traveled from Harlem, New York, for his first Summit, described the atmosphere as "magical." For Smith and many others, the sight of hundreds of Black skiers and snowboarders navigating the mountain together is a powerful visual disruption of the traditional "ski bum" archetype. This visibility is a form of advocacy in itself.

The presence of high-profile figures in the outdoor community further amplified this message. Myrna Valerio, the renowned ultramarathoner and author who has recently embraced skiing, noted that representation is the most powerful component of the Summit. “Seeing people that look like me that may or may not have similar life experiences to me on the slopes means everything,” Valerio said. “Being able to be in a community, being able to have conversations with people, sharing a drink, sharing a meal together is incredible.”

Beyond the social and cultural significance, the 53rd Summit highlighted the NBS’s role as a pipeline for elite athletic talent. Tallulah Proulx, a young alpine racer who represented the Philippines in the 2026 Winter Olympics, credited Team NBS with providing the resources necessary to compete at an international level. “Being part of Team NBS gives you access to resources and opportunities that help you grow as an athlete,” Proulx said. “But it’s also being around people who support you and believe in what you’re doing that makes a huge difference.”

The evolution of the NBS is also reflected in the rise of new member clubs. Among the newer organizations represented at Keystone was the BIPOC Mountain Collective of Seattle. Co-founders Deanne Teasley and Kimberly Jackson formed the group after connecting online, seeking others who shared their passion for the mountains in the Pacific Northwest. What started as a digital meet-up has grown into a thriving community that seeks to lower the barriers to entry for newcomers. “A lot of people get into skiing because a parent or friend introduced them to it,” Jackson said. “What we’re trying to do is bridge that gap and show people that this space is for them, too.”

The economic impact of the NBS Summit is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of the event. For a week in late February and early March, the town of Keystone and the surrounding Summit County see a massive influx of visitors. Based on industry data from sources like Inntopia and the Colorado Board of Tourism, the Summit likely generated between $2 million and $4 million in lodging revenue alone. When accounting for food and beverage spending at local restaurants, bars, and catered events, that figure rises by another $1 million. Furthermore, lift ticket purchases and pass usage likely contributed between $750,000 and $1.5 million in revenue for the resort.

In total, the direct visitor spending associated with the Summit is estimated to be between $4 million and $6 million in a single week. This makes the NBS one of the most significant winter tourism drivers for the region. Greg Sullivan of Vail Resorts emphasized that hosting the Summit is both a cultural milestone and a business priority. “Representation is really important to us because it reflects our values as a company,” Sullivan said. “This group brings a lot of energy to the community.”

NBS Sponsorship Chairperson Kim Bailey noted that mountain resorts are increasingly recognizing the economic power of diverse demographics. “When the NBS Summit comes to a mountain town, thousands of people show up ready to ski, stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, and support the local economy,” Bailey said. “These are passionate travelers who come back year after year and bring their families and friends with them.”

The concept of "legacy families" is central to the NBS mission. President Henri Rivers III pointed out that the organization is creating a multi-generational cycle of participation. This is best exemplified by his own son, Henri Rivers IV, who competed for Jamaica in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Having attended the Summit nearly every year of his life with his sisters, Rivers IV is the product of a community that nurtured his talent from a young age. “The support of the NBS, their love, and their unwavering encouragement was just the best thing that I could ask for,” Rivers IV said. As he prepares for the Europa Cup and the World Cup circuit, he views the Summit as a reminder of his beginnings and the community that made his Olympic dream possible.

As the 53rd Summit concluded, the message from Keystone was clear: the mountains are a place of belonging. County Commissioner Nina Waters, speaking at the opening ceremonies, addressed the participants with a message of radical hospitality. “We are in the business of hospitality, and we are committed to making you feel welcome, safe, and valued here,” Waters said. “This place, these mountains, this resort are different because you are here. Your presence changes the space.”

With investments from companies like Vail Resorts—which has provided more than $1.3 million in support of NBS programs—the future of Black snowsports looks brighter than ever. The Summit is no longer just a week of skiing; it is a laboratory for social change, an economic engine, and a sanctuary for joy. For the next generation of skiers currently weaving through the crowds at Keystone, the National Brotherhood of Snowsports is not just celebrating the history of the sport; it is actively building its future.