Issue No. 3: SNOW BIG DEAL - no it is a big deal

Written By PHC Commissioner

Hey Outsiders! Thanks for subscribing to Outsider Insider and for opening up Issue No. 3 of 2023. We have a jammed-packed newsletter below and to improve the ease of reading, you’ll find content and links organized with some nifty new headers. You are welcome! 👊

In this week’s edition:

  • sNOw Industry ❄️

  • Strava trips 🏃‍♀️

  • And so much more…

— Scott Crowder

📢 Spread the word! Share this email to help expand the Outsider Insider community.

⛷Snow Industry vs No Industry🏂

It seems to be the case each winter within the ski industry where two distinct groups are formed, the haves and the have-nots. This season is no different and for those in the have-not category, it may seem like the worst one yet. Some resorts in the eastern United States and Canada as well as across the pond in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand are facing one of the warmest winters on record. In Switzerland, some alpine villages are facing what some call an identity crisis. The ski industry has come a long way in the snow-making department to combat being 100% reliant on mother nature to provide the white stuff. Outfitting their mountains with pipes and snow guns to cover their trails whenever temperatures allow. Snowmaking is helping but even this is dependent on cold temps and resorts are becoming increasingly more aware of the snow-eating capabilities of rain.

Feast or Famine - while some are struggling, others are flying high. Resorts in California and Utah top the list of the nine mountains with the most snowfall totals to date in North America. The top 3 on the list have the most recorded snowfall in the world. 🤯

For those who have it, we say go enjoy it. For those who don’t, here is a list of the top ski movies of 2022/23.

Strava Stumbles

For the outdoor industry, Strava might be the go-to activity tracker. Riding the pandemic push, Strava doubled its platform size to over 100M+ global users in two years, reaching a recent valuation of over $1B+. Strava tripped on a tree root this week with its first price hike in over ten years. Many users were confused or unaware of the price hikes but discovered them in the app store or on their monthly statements. The pricing model appears to be convoluted but once explained makes sense (sort of). Strava pricing depends on region, monthly or annual subscriptions, and how long a member has been a premium customer.

Some users saw their prices double. The price hikes coincide with other cost savings strategies at the company. Just last month, Strava reduced its staff by roughly 15%. One might question the communication and optics of the price rollout but as purse strings tightened due to recession fears the timing of the rollout may also prove to be unfortunate for Strava. Time will tell if the strength of the platform and its loyal following will allow it to ride through this unscathed.

Business:

Health and fitness:

  • Are you as fit as a pro skier and rider? Check out these five drills 💪

  • Study reveals the impact of heat on outdoor activity in China - temps over 95 F reduce activity by 13% - in a warming world this is a scary trend.

  • 🍂 Nature may replace medications - a new study shows the benefit of outdoor activity in reducing the need for prescriptions for mental health, asthma, and blood pressure.

  • Well + Good layout wellness trends for 2023

  • 🧠 Mountain Mental Health Tips include finding mentors and forming a board of directors - check out all 5 suggestions.

  • Different Rooute in Nova Scotia and Nelson Holland in CO are working to get more people of color outside

Sustainability & Environment:

  • Oil boss tapped to lead Climate Summit - COP28

  • Ball Corporation might have just replaced the plastic cup at sporting events and in doing so recognized for sustainability efforts.

  • https://www.environmentalleader.com/2023/01/ceo-study-rethinking-esg-sustainability-initiatives-to-achieve-net-zero-emissions-by-2050/

  • 🥕 Sustainability messaging on Menus? Yes, it is a successful way to get more diners to eat plant-based.

  • Planet Tracker gives you the tools to spot Greenwashing.

Conservation:

Sports:

Tourism/Hospitality:

Gear:

If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

PHC Commissioner
Previous

Issue No. 4: Juicy Nuggets & More
Next

Issue No. 2: Great Outdoors & Big Data