The story behind colour your trail
Growing up in Austria, we often felt like the odd one out during outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. Rarely did we encounter anyone who looked like us. The stares we received in these spaces served as a reminder that we were outsiders. This experience was isolating and discouraging, and for a long time, it even kept us from fully enjoying the mountains because we didn't feel welcome.
Years later, we transformed that sense of isolation into a source of inspiration for others. What started as a conversation between siblings has grown into a movement to make the outdoors a more inclusive space for underrepresented communities. Thanks to my brother who encouraged and supported me to become the change we need to see outdoors.
Colour Your Trail was founded in May 2024 and is a non-profit association.
Through community-led experiences, we create connection, visibility, and access for Black and People of Colour (BPoC), empowering them to engage with the outdoors in safe, inclusive, and meaningful ways and experience the profound benefits of nature.
The vision
Our vision is to drive systemic change toward a more diverse, welcoming, and inclusive outdoors for underreprested Communitites in the DACH region. Starting by being the change we want to see and empowering BPoC to step outside.
We 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.
Our 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
We are committed to changing the narrative around who belongs in outdoor spaces by enhancing BPoC visibility and participation in Swiss outdoor adventures. Our 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 invisible 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 am a passionate trail runner, exploring the outdoors as a Black woman with a hearing disability.
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 experience joy, build resilience, face my fears, and finding my own way into adventure.
Navigating these identities has sometimes made it challenging for me to feel safe and a sense of belonging in outdoor communities.
I believe that life’s challenges also bring out our hidden 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 toward a more diverse, welcoming, and inclusive outdoors for underreprestend communitites focusing on BPoC in the DACH Region. Starting by being the change I want to see and empowering others to step outside.