The story behind colour your trail
Growing up in Austria, I often felt like the odd one out during outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, trail running, and hiking. Rarely did I encounter anyone who looked like me. The stares I received in these spaces served as a reminder that I was an outsider. This experience was isolating and discouraging, and for a long time, it even kept me from fully enjoying nature because I didn't feel welcome.
However, I managed to transform my frustration into inspiration. The glaring lack of representation in the outdoors motivated me to become the change I wished to see.
I founded Colour Your Trail in May 2024 together with my brother who encouraged me to realise my vision to address the critical need for systemic change in outdoor spaces. We recognized that our individual outdoor adventures too often revealed a stark lack of representation for particularly BPoC and shared the vision of making the outdoors a more inclusive place.
Through shared activities, we aim to connect, empower, and help individuals of the global majority to appreciate the profound benefits of nature.
The vision behind colour your trail
My vision is to drive systemic change toward a more diverse, welcoming, and inclusive outdoors for people of the global majority in the DACH region—starting by being the change I want to see and empowering others to step outside.
I believe adventure lives within all of us, waiting to be uncovered. Whether it’s hiking in the mountains, running through forests, or swimming in cold waters, every interaction with nature nurtures our well-being and helps us find balance.
Especially for marginalised identities and the younger generation, seeing role models who look like them matters. It shows that we belong here too.
My vision is a future where it’s entirely normal to encounter Black and People of Color (BPoC) in outdoor spaces and a feeling of belonging due to established representation is given. This community will inspire others to explore, be curious, and embrace nature by breaking down barriers to participation and fostering a deeper connection with the outdoors.
the mission behind colour your trail
I am committed to changing the narrative around who belongs in outdoor spaces by enhancing BPoC visibility and participation in Swiss outdoor adventures. My mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore the outdoors.
It’s important to raise awareness within the industry about the barriers BPoC individuals face in accessing and feeling a sense of belonging in outdoor spaces. By addressing these challenges and emphasizing the need for inclusion, we can ensure that everyone feels welcomed and valued, ultimately creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive outdoor community.
Always remembered, always loved. Thank you, little brother for all the adventures we shared. Your joy, courage, and love will live on in my heart forever.
Hi, I am Jess, pronouns she/her.
I’m a black woman, I’m hard of hearing and I am a passionate outdoor enthusiast.
Born in Austria and living in Switzerland, I am grateful to have the chance to live in such an impressive natural environment. Nature is my sanctuary—a place where I can build resilience, face my fears, and find the balance to navigate life’s challenges.
Navigating these identities has sometimes made it challenging for me to feel a true sense of community and belonging.
I believe that life’s challenges also bring out our hidden resilience and strength and that in moments of hardship, we discover the sharp edges of our character — our determination, courage, and inner power. And in combination with nature interaction we can learn to rest, to connect and heal.
Through this platform I advocate to drive systemic change toward a more diverse, welcoming, and inclusive outdoors for people of the global majority in the DACH Region. Starting by being the change I want to see and empowering others to step outside.