Vasu Sojitra Skis Mount Moran’s Skillet Glacier

Probably one of the more impressive of the 50 Classic Ski Descents, Mount Moran’s Skillet Glacier, includes one of burliest approaches and climbs to get to. Before you even start ascending more than a vertical mile up the actual ski run, you have to walk six miles across Jackson Lake, likely dragging a heavy sled filled with climbing and camping gear. In other words, it’s no easy feat. And then there’s the skiing: 6000 feet of sustained fall-line steeps! Well, just a few days ago, Vasu Sojitra completed the first disabled descent of the monster line. In case you’re unfamiliar with Sojitra, he’s a North Face Team athlete who lost his right leg to a blood infection when he was nine months old, meaning he climbed and skied Moran on one leg, without a prosthetic.

The Moran trip is a continuation of Sojitra’s work to open up outdoor spaces to everyone. Sojitra sums up his experience:

Remember this: Disabled people are out here. People of color are out here. In a time of constant social and civil unrest toward Disabled Queer Black and Brown people, humans, neighbors, friends, family the need for representation is everything. This dream team of color is EVERYTHING!

I'm so proud of the team for believing in my ability. That most definitely dissolved any doubt in a successful attempt supplemented by the selfless support I have received throughout my life to be where I'm at today. My perseverance got me here, but most importantly my privilege and access to so many opportunities prior got me here.

I say "First Disabled Descent" proudly not to continually "bag" peaks for my own selfish individualism. I say this to showcase that with access to the opportunities like representation and mentorship a chunky one legged Brown kid can see the role model that he needed when he was younger to show joy and confidence in his own skin; to show joy and confidence in being and existing.