While living in the land of the Rising Sun for ten years, Dr. Fanon Wilkins, aka The Dusty Foot Philosopher, taught African American history at Doshisha University. He also became one-half of the founding partners of Epic Life Adventures, which curates exotic international ski trips for people of color to unworldly locations all over the planet. And, although the Dusty Foot Philosopher’s Epic Life trips are minority-focused, ALL are welcomed. In the Dusty Foot Philosopher video, Dr Fanon Wilkins, is narrating a day in the life of a rare domestic Epic Life experience in the Steamboat Springs backcountry of Buffalo Pass. Let’s learn more about the mercurial character called, The Dusty Foot Philosopher. 

Buffalo Pass: The Dusty Foot Philosopher

The Adventures of the Dusty Foot Philosopher

Now currently living back in Los Angeles near his roots of Compton, California, Dr Wilkins is still enlightening young minds about the complexities of African American history as he teaches at Pasadena City College. But in between semesters and lectures, you can still find the good Dr slarving (slashing and carving) powder. Whether that be in the Hokkaido, Japan backcountry, snowboarding through the glaciated alpine in the French Alps, or conquering the steep slopes of Revelstoke and Kicking Horse, where he survived getting caught in an avalanche and rescued his backcountry partner who suffered a broken leg in that same ill-fated incident. 

One little avalanche does not stop Epic Life Tour’s borders from advancing to conquer new and exotic lands! With the grace of a snow leopard and enough fury to fuel an atmospheric river, Fanon also took his splitboard and Epic Life tour to the Himalayas. Specifically Gulmarg, in Kashmir India, where he and his brave followers from Epic Life rode the backcountry of Gulmarg in the direct vicinity of an active month-long war between India and Pakistan. The Dusty Foot Philosopher was not going to let a little thing like a war get in the way of long steep dreamy power runs in the Himalayas. Legend has it that it was hard to distinguish between ski patrol avalanche bombs and Indian Pakistani war bombs in the distance. 

The Black Powder Movement

Fanon is not just a champion of international powder but also a pioneer in the Black Powder Movement (A phrase coined by African American Splitboarding Mountaineer and hip hop artist Eric “MC Ric Riggler” Rhea who raps and sings about all things snowboarding and backcountry). The Black Powder Movement is a global international effort that strives to bring more diversity to the backcountry. Fanon believes that if he can carve his way through icy landscapes, so can others who have historically been underrepresented in this economically challenging sport. 

The Epic Life cultural immersions will often draw a gathering of up to 300 skiers, snowboarders, and telemarkers locked in unwavering devotion to each other’s well-being, while seeking international cultural awakenings and renewed life experiences. These international powder seekers impetuously follow the Dusty Foot Philosopher literally to the ends of the snowy earth with the same zeal as the tribal members of the J’Abari tribe in Wakanda who faithfully follow M’Baku from the Black Panther unified by the energy the of call and response: 

What these Adventures are all about

When asked about his adventures, Dr. Wilkins often says it’s less about the destination… It’s more about the heartfelt feels and life-indebted connections that are shared in the intimate spaces between each and all of the Epic Life souls and followers that make every international snow journey unique and unforgettable. Between deep powder turns in Kashmir India, riding real-life-sized Mario Kart with newfound Japanese friends in Tokyo, and stumbling out of mid-mountain lodge rave parties that leave you lost of the ability to feel your face in the French Alps; Fanon insists that every Epic Life trip takes him closer to his ultimate goal. To establish and lead the charge by example that “Nature does not discriminate, Neither should access!”. And with this mindset, the Dusty Foot Philosopher will usher in the greatest age of world peace and brotherly & sisterly love. One powder turn at a time. 

So if you ever want to experience the greatest show with the greatest snow on earth, then connect with Dr Fanon Wilkins and his Epic Life Adventure Tours. Curated and led by the Dusty Foot Philosopher himself, Dr Fanon Wilkins. 

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