Denali, AK

FEATURED ATHLETE: VASU SOJITRA

 

When Vasu was only nine months old, he was diagnosed with septicemia, resulting in the amputation of one of his legs. Since then, Vasu has not looked back; with the help of his parents, brother, friends and so many other resources and opportunities, Vasu has gained access to the confidence needed to face new challenges with grace, courage, strength, humor, and unwavering determination.

Vasu witnessed extreme poverty growing up in India, and has been living most of his life with a “dis”ability. He looks at these experiences as a blessing; they have allowed him to truly hone in on his ability to empathize with others. He continues to strengthen his vigor through his work in advocacy for those who are historically marginalized. Vasu will continue to embolden others to be a positive influence in their own communities by pushing personal limits, putting others first, and encouraging people to believe in themselves and in their own unique abilities!

With the motto of “ ninjasticking through the wood to bring intersectionality to the outdoors” Vasu continues to challenge the biases that go with being a Disable person of color with a through his intersectional work which include being the first adaptive athlete for The North Face, a founding member for The Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E Initiative, the co-founder of Inclusive Outdoors Project, and a Disability Access Strategist for The Avarna Group, In Solidarity Project and independently.

Name a person who inspires you to be a better skier?

I really enjoy skiing and riding with Ingrid Backstrom. Always looked up to her when I was younger. Besides that I mostly am inspired by abolitionists like James Baldwin, Mariame Kaba, Mia Mingus, and many others that are paving way in dismantling so many systems that exclude marginalized people.

What would you do if you won the lottery? 

I would use all my money to abolish the police and prison industrial complex.

What is a cause you care about that you'd love to share with the Warren Miller audience? 

Inclusive Outdoors Project where we work with Disabled, Queer, and Communities of Color to create clinics around mountain sports like backcountry skiing, rock/ice climbing, and mountaineering.

What is your vision for the future of skiing? 

That it’s accessible to everyBODY no matter your race, ethniticity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, class you name it. The outdoors is a human right and let’s damn well make sure we all have access to it.

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Don't miss Vasu in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021!

Photos by Grant Gunderson 

What’s your “Back in my day, we…”?
Used to duck the out-of-bounds ropes at JHMR

Who has inspired your skiing the most?
Doug Coombs

Best recovery exercises?
Pilates

Ideal down day?
Fun breakfast joint with friends, long dog walk, host a dinner party.

Spiciest/most intimidating line you've skied or ridden this year?
Un-named on the Ruth Glacier-Denali.

Goals in skiing/riding this next year?
Push myself.

What’s a great book you’ve read recently?
Diary of a Surf Bum

Favorite mountain range?
Tetons

Working title for the book or movie about your life?
The Road Goes on Forever and the Party Never Ends

Best moment filming with WME this year?
Ruth Glacier-every moment was incredible. 

How did Warren Miller the man influence your skiing/riding career?
He put skiing on the map!