Annette Diggs Is Changing the Face of Snow Sports
Annette Diggs at Stevens Pass, WA. Photo credit: Adam J. Sanders.
Annette’s life changed the day she climbed Mount St. Helens in Washington State. It was her first big mountain, and she wasn’t sure she could do it. But step by step, she kept going. “When I got to the top, I thought, ‘I made it,’” Annette remembered. “It was the most transformative experience of my life.”
Standing on that snowy peak, Annette realized something important: there is no one right way to look or be an athlete. “Climbing shattered what I thought an athlete’s body looks like,” she explained. “What a runner’s body looks like. Nature doesn’t care about your size, your race, or your background. It only asks that you try.”
That moment lit a spark in her. She wanted other women of color to feel the same joy, freedom, and pride she felt on that summit. “I learned that we can lead with love,” she recalled. “And that’s what EDGE is all about.”
“Yes, I belong here. I know what I’m doing. I deserve this space.”
Annette Diggs grew up far from snowy ski slopes and tall mountains. She lived in a neighborhood where people didn’t have easy access to outdoor sports. There were no ski trips or mountain climbing adventures. There weren’t even many safe parks to play in. But Annette didn’t let that stop her.
Today, she is the proud founder of EDGE Outdoors, a group that helps Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC) explore the snow and mountains. Annette’s journey shows how one person’s love for the outdoors can create opportunities for many others.
When Annette was young, her neighborhood didn’t have much money or resources. The area was redlined—a term for when certain communities, often Black or brown, are denied fair access to housing, jobs, and public services.
“Where I grew up, we didn’t have the same chances as kids in wealthier neighborhoods,” Annette said. “I was lucky to survive being from a redlined neighborhood. That shaped who I am today.”
Because of that, Annette learned to work twice as hard for half as much. She knew what it felt like to be left out. Today, her mission is to ensure the next generation of women and girls have different options.
“The best people to lead change are the ones who have lived it,” she explained. “I know how it feels to have to fight for resources. I had to overcome those barriers to get here.”
EDGE ski instructors at Stevens Pass, WA. Photo credit: Adam J. Sanders.
Annette founded EDGE Outdoors to create a welcoming space in snow sports for women of color. The group teaches skills like skiing, snowboarding, and climbing, but it’s about much more than that. EDGE runs programs in avalanche education, athlete development, and instructor training. These programs aren’t just about learning how to be safe on the mountain—they’re about building confidence.
“Self-doubt is common,” said the certified ski instructor who sits on several state-wide and national committees for snow sports. “We often question our ability levels. We wonder, ‘Do I belong here?’ Black people haven’t historically been in these spaces. We’ve all experienced feeling like the ‘other’ in certain places.” By teaching technical skills, EDGE gives women the tools to say, “Yes, I belong here. I know what I’m doing. I deserve this space.”
Annette knows that representation is powerful. When women of color see others like them skiing, climbing, or teaching in the mountains, it sends a strong message: This is for you, too. “It’s about showing people what’s possible,” said the founder and CEO. “When young girls see women who look like them leading, coaching, and excelling in snow sports, it changes everything.”
EDGE creates pathways for women of color to not just participate, but to lead. Graduates of EDGE’s programs often become instructors, guides, or competitive athletes—roles where they can inspire the next generation.
Annette knows that stepping into new spaces can feel intimidating. Her advice to women of color who are curious about snow sports is simple and uplifting. “There’s room for more than one,” she encouraged. “This isn’t a competition. We all have a unique thumbprint on how we do things.”
The EDGE founder also believes that being outside is essential for everyone’s mental and emotional health. “Bet on yourself,” Annette said. “Lift as you climb—when you learn something, share it with others.” Finally, she emphasized, excelling in snow sports and in life is not just up to individuals. It requires investment from the community.
Your financial support — no matter how small — means organizations like EDGE continue to grow and reach more people. You can also support in other ways, by liking, following and reposting their content online.
Member of EDGE skiing at Stevens Pass, WA. Photo credit: Adam J. Sanders.
Annette’s vision for EDGE Outdoors is big. In the next 5 to 10 years, she wants to deepen the community and make sure EDGE is a permanent part of the snow sports world. “We want to build something that lasts forever,” she says. “This isn’t just about teaching one class or climbing one mountain. It’s about creating a legacy that supports women of color and gives back to the community.” Her dream is to revolutionize snow sports—to make them more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming.
When Annette climbed Mount St. Helens, she didn’t just conquer a mountain—she discovered her purpose. By founding EDGE Outdoors, she turned that personal triumph into an open door for many others.
Now, women of color across the country are skiing, snowboarding, and climbing mountains they once thought were out of reach. They’re becoming instructors, guides, and leaders. And it all started with Annette’s belief that everyone deserves a place in the snow.
Her journey shows that when we share our passions, support each other, and invest in organizations doing the work, we can change entire communities—and maybe even change the world.