Arizona: Len Necefer on Skiing, Land and Culture

Diné backcountry skier Len Necefer talks about what skiing means for him, cultural/personal connections and his home state of Arizona (home of the Navajo Nation). Arizona's highest peak (Dookʼoʼoosłííd) (aka Humphrey's Peak) is one of several sacred peaks of the Southwest. The peak has abundant snowfall most years and allows for backcountry ski travel through the Nuva’tuk-iya-ovi (aka San Francisco Peaks). Backcountry Profiles is a series that highlights skiers from each snowy state in the nation. Some have forged many new descents and are a part of local ski history, and others like Len are significant influencers connected to local mountains. Len founded Natives Outdoors which speaks to indigenous people about ways to reconnect with the outdoors through modern activities like climbing, skiing and hiking. They also work on land policy/management issues with many non-profits.