Soul Trak and Arc’teryx Take Howard University Students to the Slopes

A Weekend of Firsts, Fun, and Community at Snowshoe, WV

At 4 AM, while most of Washington, DC, was still asleep, 23 Howard University students bundled up and gathered outside the administration building on campus. Soul Trak, in partnership with Arc’teryx, was taking them on a weekend ski and snowboard trip to Snowshoe, West Virginia. Some students were filled with excitement, while others, new to winter sports, carried a mix of nerves and anticipation.

As the bus made its way to the mountains, conversations buzzed with expectations and questions. For many students, this was their first time hitting the slopes, and they weren’t sure what to expect. But in true Soul Trak spirit, the more experienced skiers and snowboarders immediately stepped up to support their classmates, offering advice, encouragement, and a sense of camaraderie before they even touched the snow.

After a four-hour journey into the mountains, we arrived at Snowshoe Resort. There was no time to waste—gear was quickly gathered, layers adjusted, and soon enough, we were on the slopes.

For those stepping into skis or strapping onto a snowboard for the first time, the initial moments were challenging. Balancing, turning, and learning how to fall safely were all part of the process. But with every stumble came cheers from friends, and with every small victory—a successful turn, a smooth glide—came shouts of excitement.

One student reflected on the experience, saying:

“I had a great time on this trip! I enjoyed meeting new people and being able to be in a space to try new things. The best part of this trip was the overwhelming positive energy from everyone.”

That positive energy was felt everywhere—on the ski lifts, at the beginner slopes, and among groups huddled together, strategizing their next run.

Beyond just learning a new sport, the trip sparked deeper reflections about access and representation in outdoor spaces. Another student shared:

“Soul Trak should be everywhere! I never really got to reflect on how inaccessible outdoor activities are to POC before joining Soul Trak. Being from Colorado, I’ve seen mountains every day, but me and many people in my community have never or rarely been to the mountains. When people have asked me if I go skiing after I’ve told them I’m from Colorado, I’d always think no—that’s a white people thing. But Soul Trak has made me realize how many more layers there are to that.”

This trip wasn’t just about skiing and snowboarding; it was about breaking down barriers, shifting perspectives, and proving that the outdoors belongs to everyone.

By the end of the day, exhaustion set in, but so did an immense sense of accomplishment. Whether students had mastered a run, gained confidence on their board, or simply embraced the thrill of trying something new, everyone walked away with an experience they wouldn’t forget. One participant summed it up perfectly:

“It was an amazing time! The environment that was created by Soul Trak allowed me to surpass limitations that I unconsciously placed on myself. I was able to try snowboarding for the first time and achieved a level of proficiency, if I do say so myself. The support and encouragement really made a big difference. Thank you, Soul Trak!”

As we packed up and headed back to DC, the sense of community that had formed on the slopes carried onto the bus. Laughter, reflections, and the quiet satisfaction of pushing past personal limits filled the space.

For some, this was just the beginning of their snow sports journey. For others, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But for everyone, it was a reminder that adventure, growth, and community are always within reach.

Want to be part of or support our next outdoor adventure? Stay tuned for more trips with Soul Trak, and let’s continue breaking barriers and making the outdoors a space for everyone!