I Didn't Know Skiing Was For Us Until I Went To Soft-Like Ski
Firstly, I don't enjoy the cold. I could think of nothing less appealing than partying in cold weather. Secondly, winter sports have never appealed to me. Lastly, I would not be able to conceptualise the idea of 950 Black people attending a ski festival, especially considering that Black skiers make up only 1.5% of the population in ski resorts, according to the National Ski Areas Association.
Soft Life Ski is the brainchild of Emmanuel Ojo, Kendrick Fordjour, Edmund Antwi, and Mikun Olupona.
What started as a small ski trip between friends in 2022 has evolved into a trip that has caused FOMO for those who missed out on tickets. It was only a few lucky individuals who managed to get tickets, as they sold out in just seven minutes. Signifying the desire for the Black community to take over the Alps.
So what actually happens during Soft Life Ski? Let's do a recap.
Monday
My trip started a day later than the rest of the attendees. I arrived at London City Airport, bright and early. After a short one-hour flight, I arrived at Zurich Airport, where I was greeted with an SLS sign. This is when the excitement started to sink in. My journey to my hotel involved two trains and a bus. When I arrived, I was taken aback by the clear blue sky, the scenery of the mountains, and the lakes. It looked like a picture on a postcard. After taking in the location, I went to drop my luggage in my room and went to get my ski equipment.
A long day of travelling requires a hearty meal, and luckily, I made the right decision, heading to Grandis Restaurant. After having one of the best steaks I've had in my life, it was time for R&B N Ski Gams. SLS had an impressive line-up of DJs with popular names like RBC, Selecta Suave, DJ Naira, with Charlie Mase as the host.
My first night went off as a hit. I reconnected with university friends, met new people and soaked in what the next few days would be like.
Tuesday
Waking up was a struggle; fortunately, I had a few electrolytes on hand to give me some extra energy. Breakfast was also a treat. My buffet included French toast, granola, and pancakes, providing me with enough fuel to tackle the Alps. Prior to coming to Zurich, I took one lesson at Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre so I could ease myself into the sport. However, I was still very much a beginner.
As a perfectionist, starting new hobbies is a reminder that I am not automatically good at something, and it takes hours of practice to master a skill. However, I found it much easier to learn how to ski in Zurich than I did in the UK.
It also felt affirming to be around other beginners who looked like me. I'd describe the process of learning how to ski as an adult as a humiliation ritual. You will fall several times and feel embarrassed every time you do. But, it's also so much fun and it felt rewarding to learn a new skill as an adult.
As my skiing lesson finished, I went back to my hotel to get ready for Apres Ski At The Top. After Rnb N Jamz, I knew SLS could pull off a good party, but Apres Ski At The Top took partying to a whole new level.
To say that experience was one of the best parties I've been to in my life, i an understatement. To hear Afrobeatz, dancehall, RNB, and even Fuji music on a mountain in Zurich with Black people is a feeling that can never be replaced. It was Black joy at its finest. Not only are surrounded by the picturesque views overseeing the beauty of the mountains, you're surrounded by your friends, old and new. It was surreal. After hours of partying, it was time to head back down, have dinner, and then get ready for the next party.
Wednesday
It felt a bit easier waking up on Wednesday; my body had adjusted to the lack of sleep and intense levels of alcohol in my body. I somehow managed to wake up for my ski lesson (once again, thank you electrolytes).
This was was the first day that I felt like a real skier. It felt good to feel myself progress. I even found myself helping other people learn how to ski as well. My ski lesson was followed by lunch and a well-needed shower before getting ready for another day of Apres Ski. Just like the night before, the party went off like a hit.
Thursday
Thursday was my unfortunately last day. After having my last breakfast, I returned my ski equipment, said my goodbyes, and headed back to Zurich to go back home.
Courtesy of Soft Life Ski
Overall thoughts:
As a self-professed party-girl, being at Soft Life Ski is a memory that will stay with me forever. While this is a ski-festival, it's felt like more than a party. It allowed Black people to have access to an experience that before, may have felt like it couldn't be ours. In the past, I had described skiing as a 'White' hobby – it didn't feel like a space I would be accepted to enter.
Let's be clear, many Black people do ski, and I know Black people who know how to ski.
We shouldn't and don't have to wait for spaces like Soft Life Ski to exist to go skiing, but SLS bridges the gap for Black people like me who didn't see themselves on the slopes.
One of my favourite attributes to this holiday was the feeling of safety, from the hotel staff to the SLS wellness team and crew members. I felt safe and assured that if I had an issue, I could get it sorted by someone.
However, there were some complaints from attendees about the organisation of the trip, particularly on the first day. Some attendees experienced late coach arrivals from the airport to Laax and issues with the gondolas returning from the first party. But, this seems like a minor blip and to be expected when taking care 950 people in a ski resort.
So, to the people who are wondering if you should get tickets to SLS next year? Believe the hype, I'll be there. You can find out more about their events here.
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