Issue No. 74: Ski Industry's Mega Duopoly: Who's Winning? 🤔

Hey, Outsiders! We hope you didn’t wait until the last minute to order your holiday gifts from Vans or the North Face. These brands and others owned by VF Corp suffered a cyber attack that impacted online sales, warehouse distribution, and shipping earlier this week. The company stock crashed after the news of the data breach spread but VF claims to be up and running again. Step into their warehouses, and it's like a scene straight out of the North Pole, with people scrambling for the big day. 🎅🏭🎁

In today’s issue:

Arkansas is luring people from CO with the promise of less snow ❄️,
the U.S. Forest Service and the Forest Legacy Program protect over 3M acres in 2023,
Lululemon breaks the Mirror and Tonal attempts to pick up the pieces 🪞,
Allyship in the Outdoors created by The North Face,
USDA supports old-growth forests and a look at the Bidens 2023 Conservation achievements 🌲,
and finally ski poles that don’t suck created by Yardsale.

Let’s go! 🤙

— Scott Crowder

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Ski Industry Spotlight:

🏔️ The Ski Industry's Uphill Battle: Duopoly & Corporate Influence

📸 Credit Slate. Photos by Wladislaw Sokolowskij, Epic, and Ikon.

The idyllic world of snow sports has long been a cherished escape for enthusiasts worldwide. Yet, in recent years, two towering giants, Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company, have come to dominate the landscape, reshaping the industry with their multi-mountain passes, the Epic Pass and the Ikon Pass. While these passes offer unprecedented access, they also raise complex questions about consolidation, affordability, and the heart and soul of the industry.

🏂 The Duopoly Duel: Epic vs. Ikon Pass: The rivalry between the Epic Pass and the Ikon Pass has ignited fierce competition for the loyalty of skiers and riders. Vail Resorts, creator of the Epic Pass, boasts a sprawling network of iconic resorts, from Vail to Whistler Blackcomb. Alterra Mountain Company's Ikon Pass offers access to a diverse range of destinations, including Jackson Hole and Mammoth Mountain. Vail Resorts, CEO announced sales of its Epic Pass surpassed 2 million passes sold for this season alone.

🌟 Pros and Cons for the Passionate Pursuers: For consumers, the duopoly has yielded some benefits. Skiing and snowboarding aficionados now have unparalleled access to world-class resorts, offering variety like never before. However, the consolidation of the ski industry into a few mega-corporations has raised concerns about choice and competition. Some even claim that this Duopoly “has ruined skiing.”

🏞️ Community at the Crossroads: A heartfelt letter from a Snowmass Village resident reflects the evolving landscape of winter sports and community and how “The Aspen Skiing Co. and Vail Resorts have ruined skiing and snowboarding” for him. The rising cost of snow sports has led to an unexpected admiration for surfing, with the residents lamenting the transformation of snow sports by industry giants. The once-vibrant community spirit has dimmed as costs have risen, prompting concerns about the ability of longtime residents and their children to stay in their cherished mountain towns.

As the ski industry continues to evolve, it's worth examining how these two mega-corporations have reshaped skiing, snowboarding, and mountain communities, both positively and negatively. Change is constant, and while it may displace some and alter what once was, it also plays a role in shaping and influencing the future.

Business, Industry, & Economy:

🧗‍♂️ Ice Climbing's Surging Popularity Amid Climate Change Challenges: NBC Montana explores the rising popularity of ice climbing, even as climate change brings increased dangers to the sport. Discover how ice climbers are adapting to changing conditions and what this trend means for outdoor enthusiasts in a warming world.

🌆 Arkansas Beckons Coloradans with Promises of Less: Arkansas Online reports on Arkansas' appeal to Coloradans, enticing them with the promise of fewer crowds, less snow, and a more relaxed pace of life. Explore how this migration reflects changing preferences in the wake of the pandemic and the allure of a quieter, more serene lifestyle.

🏞️ Unlocking Rural Economic Development Through Outdoor Recreation: After three years of meticulous research, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is gearing up to unveil the highly anticipated second edition of its rural economic development toolkit on Jan 24, 2024 02:00 PM. This toolkit is designed to empower communities across the United States seeking to diversify their economies through the wonders of outdoor recreation.

🏞️ 2023 in Review: A Challenging Year for the Outdoor Industry: The Daily Outdoor Retailer reflects on the outdoor industry's journey in 2023, a year marked by its fair share of challenges. Dive into the industry's highs and lows, evolving trends, and the resilience of outdoor brands and retailers.

🌟 2023 Year in Review: Industry Executives' Nighttime Worries: Shop-Eat-Surf provides a comprehensive year-in-review, shedding light on what kept industry executives up at night in 2023. Explore the key concerns, pivotal moments, and emerging trends that shaped the business landscape over the past year.

🌆 Arkansas Beckons Coloradans with Promises of Less: Arkansas Online reports on Arkansas' appeal to Coloradans, enticing them with the promise of fewer crowds, less snow, and a more relaxed pace of life. Explore how this migration reflects changing preferences in the wake of the pandemic and the allure of a quieter, more serene lifestyle.

🏞️ Park City Mountain Lift Mechanics Union Strikes a Deal: In Park City, a breakthrough as the Park City Mountain Lift Mechanics Union reaches an agreement. Dive into the details of this accord and how it impacts both the ski resort and the workers, offering stability during a bustling winter season.

🏞️ The Mystery Behind Patagonia's Premium Price Tag: The Stock Dork unravels the enigma of Patagonia's premium pricing. Explore the factors that contribute to Patagonia's higher costs and why consumers are willing to invest in the brand's sustainable and ethical approach to outdoor apparel.

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Sustainability, Conservation, & Environment:

🐺 Colorado's Ambitious Move to Reintroduce Wolves: Colorado is making headlines as it embarks on an ambitious journey to reintroduce wolves, a species once on the brink of extinction, back into the wild. Dive into the details of this monumental conservation effort and discover how it aims to revitalize ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and protect a magnificent but endangered species.

🌳 A Monumental Milestone in Forest Conservation: This year, a monumental milestone in forest conservation is celebrated as the U.S. Forest Service and the Forest Legacy Program (FLP) complete a transformative project in Maine, pushing the FLP's total conserved forest land to a staggering 3 million acres across the United States and its territories. The Forest Legacy Program, in collaboration with states, local groups, and private landowners, identifies environmentally critical forest areas at risk of vanishing. The FLP then joins forces with states to assist landowners through federal Land and Water Conservation Fund support. Together, they either acquire the land outright or establish conservation easements that allow landowners to maintain ownership while safeguarding the land's development rights.

🐾 50 Years of the Endangered Species Act: World Wildlife Fund commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, highlighting its incredible impact on safeguarding wildlife and biodiversity. Explore the journey of this vital legislation and its role in preserving some of the world's most cherished species.

🚰 Small-Scale Water Treatment Systems: Fast Company sheds light on how a warming planet is exacerbating water shortages and how small-scale treatment systems could be the answer to improving water security. Dive into the innovative solutions that are reshaping our approach to clean water access and climate resilience.

🌿 EPA's Environmental Justice Inspections Amid Pandemic Challenges: AP News delves into the EPA's efforts to uphold environmental justice through inspections, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. 🏭 Explore how the agency is working to ensure that marginalized communities receive the protection they deserve in the face of environmental hazards.

Health, Wellness, & Fitness:

🧘‍♂️ Capitalism's Grasp on Mindfulness Meditation: An insightful piece from Vox discusses how the number of Americans experimenting with meditation has surged, a seemingly positive trend on the surface. Yet, as the article explores, this popularity can also raise questions about how capitalism can commodify and dilute the essence of mindfulness—a practice that encourages individuals to deepen their connection with themselves and the world.

🌿 Nature's Healing Touch on Mental Health: New scientific findings reveal that nature plays a pivotal role in mental health, with some medical professionals even prescribing time outdoors as part of treatment. Explore the fascinating link between nature and well-being, and how spending time in natural settings can have a profound impact on mental health.

⌚ Apple Watch Partners with TrainingPeaks for Customized Fitness Workouts: Apple Watch takes fitness to the next level with a partnership with TrainingPeaks, enabling users to create customized workout plans tailored to their needs. Dive into the details of this collaboration and discover how it empowers users to achieve their fitness goals with precision.

🏃‍♂️ Run to Remember: New Research Links Running to Sharp Memory and Alzheimer's Prevention: Exciting research reveals that running isn't just good for your physical health—it also keeps your memory sharp and may help prevent Alzheimer's. Dive into the findings and discover how lacing up those running shoes can boost brainpower.

🏋️‍♀️ Tonal Introduces Trade-In Program as Lululemon Abandons Mirror: As Lululemon phases out its Mirror fitness device by the end of the year, Tonal steps in to offer a game-changing deal. Tonal is extending a generous offer to Mirror customers. They can enjoy a whopping $250 off the purchase of a certified refurbished Tonal Trainer, a complimentary one-year Tonal membership, and as a cherry on top, have their Mirror device removed from their homes, all at no charge.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:

🤝 Join the Allyship Movement for Inclusive Outdoors: Discover Allyship, a digital course about racial inclusion and allyship created by The North Face. Take the course and join the movement at Allyship.OpeningUpTheOutdoors.com and be part of a community that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion in the great outdoors.

🎨 Alterra Mountain Company Celebrates Mountain Culture with Forward Stance Studio: Alterra Mountain Company embraces mountain art and culture through its collaboration with Forward Stance Studio. Dive into the world of creativity and celebrate the rich heritage of mountain communities with this exciting partnership.

🏞️ Winter Park Adds Indigenous Trail Signs for a Meaningful Experience: Winter Park Ski Resort takes a meaningful step towards honoring Indigenous culture by adding Indigenous trail signs. Explore how these signs enrich the ski experience, recognizing the historical significance and heritage of the land.

Government, Grants, & Policy:

🌲 USDA Takes a Stand for Old-Growth Forests: The USDA is making waves in conservation by elevating protections for old-growth forests through a proposed nationwide amendment. Dive into the details of this significant move and its implications for the preservation of these vital ecosystems.

🌍 The Conservation Alliance - Honoring 2023 Confluence Grantees: The Conservation Alliance unveils its 2023 Confluence Grantees, recognizing organizations dedicated to preserving the great outdoors. Learn more about these champions of conservation, including the People of Red Mountain, and how they're making a positive impact on our natural landscapes.

🇺🇸 Biden Administration's Conservation Achievements in 2023: The Biden administration has achieved remarkable milestones in conservation in 2023, as highlighted by the American Progress report. Explore the initiatives and records set by the administration in its commitment to protecting America's diverse landscapes, wildlife, and natural heritage.

Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality:

🦍 Lewis Hamilton's Wildlife Expedition in Rwanda: Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton takes an awe-inspiring journey to Rwanda for gorilla trekking, highlighting the allure of eco-friendly and wildlife-centric tourism. Explore how celebrities are leveraging their influence to shine a spotlight on sustainable travel experiences and conservation efforts in breathtaking destinations.

🌡️ May is the New July - Extreme Heat and Tourism's Evolution: Fast Company delves into the transformation of travel patterns as extreme heat becomes a defining factor in tourism. From seeking cooler destinations to altering travel seasons, travelers are adapting to a changing climate, reshaping the industry's landscape.

🌲 Yosemite Takes Action to Ease Crowds: Yosemite National Park is implementing a reservation system to combat overcrowding. This bold move aims to preserve the park's pristine beauty while offering visitors a chance to enjoy the wonders of nature without the hassle of overcrowding.

🌍 Most Sought-After National Parks in the USA: Conde Nast Traveler reveals the top-searched national parks in the United States, giving travelers a sneak peek into the most coveted destinations. From the iconic Grand Canyon to the serene Acadia, these parks offer a rich tapestry of natural wonders for adventurers and explorers.

🌟 Tourism Fuels Utah's Prosperity: Utah Business explores how tourism is contributing to Utah's growth and prosperity. The article highlights the economic impact of tourism, demonstrating how the state's natural beauty and recreational opportunities are not only attracting visitors but also driving local economies and job growth.

Products, Gear, & Gadgets:

🏔️ Ski Poles That Don’t Suck: In the world of winter sports, innovation knows no bounds. Fast Company introduces Yardsale, a company founded by an ex-Apple engineer who has designed a ski pole that redefines the skiing experience. Dive into the details of this groundbreaking creation, and learn how technology is transforming an often overlooked piece of ski equipment.

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