When you think of ski culture, what comes to mind?
Snow-covered mountains, après-ski lounges, and maybe a sprinkle of elite winter
sports enthusiasts? But what if I told you there’s an entire week dedicated to
Black excellence on the slopes, packed with culture, camaraderie, and
celebrations? Enter Black Ski Week at the NBS Summit—the longest-running Black
ski event in the country that has been bringing together thousands of attendees
for decades. And yet, hardly anyone talks about it. Why is that?
What is Black Ski Week at NBS Summit?
Black Ski Week, hosted by the National Brotherhood of Skiers
(NBS), is an annual gathering that has been around for over 50 years. At its
peak, the event attracted between 20,000-25,000 attendees from across the
nation, creating a vibrant winter wonderland for Black skiers, snowboarders,
and those who simply wanted to enjoy the scene. While attendance has dropped to
5,000-7,000 in recent years, the energy remains unmatched. This is more than
just a ski trip—it's a full-blown experience of music, networking, partying,
and cultural celebration.
The Best-Kept Secret in Travel
For some reason, Black Ski Week is still a hidden gem, even
within the Black travel community. Mainstream media rarely covers it, and
unless you’re in the know, you might not even realize it exists. Other
organizations have attempted to create their own versions over the years, but
even those remain largely under the radar. The reality is, many people don’t
associate Black travelers with skiing or snowboarding, but the truth is, we’ve
been carving up the slopes for decades.
What to Expect at Black Ski Week
So, what actually happens at Black Ski Week? Imagine a
family reunion meets winter getaway, where you can experience:
- Epic ski and snowboard sessions – Whether you’re a seasoned
pro or a first-timer, you’ll see skiers of all levels.
- Non-stop parties – Think themed nights, après-ski events,
and all-out celebrations.
- Networking opportunities – Business professionals,
entrepreneurs, and creatives come together, making it an ideal place to build
connections.
- A welcoming environment – Even if you don’t ski or
snowboard, there’s still plenty to do. Many people come just to soak in the
vibes, participate in social activities, and enjoy the community.
- A legacy of tradition – Families have been attending for
generations, passing down the experience to the next wave of attendees.
NBS Summit's Black Ski Week. (Photo Credit: Alex Jackson)
A New Wave of Attendees
While Black Ski Week has historically attracted an older
crowd, there’s been a surge of younger attendees in recent years, thanks to
word-of-mouth and veteran attendees bringing their children, nieces, and
nephews. Now, a new generation—the 40-and-under crowd—is beginning to embrace
this legendary event, ensuring that the legacy continues.
Why You Should Attend the 54th Annual NBS Summit
If you’ve never considered adding a Black ski event to your
travel bucket list, this is your sign to go. Whether you ski, snowboard, or
just want to experience the magic of being in a space dedicated to Black joy
and adventure, you’ll leave feeling inspired. The 54th Annual NBS Summit is
happening next year, and I urge you to be there.
Don’t miss out on a one-of-a-kind experience that has been
thriving for over five decades. This is a travel experience unlike any
other—one that combines sport, culture, and community in a way that deserves
national attention.
So, will I be back? Absolutely. Will you be there? Let’s
make it happen.
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