Vanessa Chavarriaga is a mountain athlete and environmental sociologist who focuses on the intersection of people and nature. As an immigrant and woman of color herself, she recognizes the systemic barriers that purposefully keep BIPOC out of outdoor spaces. Chavarriaga is the co-director of Internal Peaks, alongside Jr Rodriguez. Taking up space in the outdoor community feels revolutionary.

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ABOUT INTERNAL PEAKS

Follow Wyoming-based skiers Jr and Vanessa, whose love of the sport fuels their concerns for its culture and its future. As immigrants from Colombia, they fight to be included in a sporting community known for its exclusivity, while also confronting the urgent need for action and education around climate change.

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FILM

Internal Peaks

PROGRAM AFFILIATION

HOMEGROWN: Horizons

COHORT YEAR

2026

WEBSITE

linktr.ee/vanessachav

INSTAGRAM

@vanessa_chav