From searching for powder in national parks to diversifying outdoor recreation, from the Boundary Waters in Minnesota to Steamboat in Colorado, we’re bringing you the top stories from the outdoor media landscape. Join us on this weekly adventure.
This is what we’ve been reading the week of December 19th through 23rd.
1. Monumental: Skiing Our National Parks
Take 42 minutes to revel in adventure with the documentary that just won the Best Cinematography award at the 2016 International Freeride Film Festival in France. It’s simply gorgeous, and the perfect way to finish your celebrations of the 100-year anniversary of the National Park Service.
2. U.S. Blocks Mine Planned Near Boundary Waters in Minnesota
Environmentalist and outdoor recreationalists are heralding the Obama administration for blocking the development of copper mining near some of the most pristine waterways in America. It is unclear if the incoming administration will reverse the decision, but this is an excellent step in the right direction.
Dave and Amy Freeman spend 366 days in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to help protect them from mining. They camped at 120 different sites, explored 500 water sources and traveled over 2,000 miles by canoe, foot, ski, snowshoe and dog team. Watch their year outside.
4. Hiker for Hire: LA-Based “People Walker” Is Real Service
Chuck McCarthy wanted to get paid to walk but didn’t want to pick up poop, so he made up his own job title: people walker. Chuck, let us know when you’re expanding to Seattle. We might just know a few people at headquarters who will join your ranks on the weekends …
5. An Open Conversation About People of Color in America’s Wild Places
In May of 2015, leaders of outdoor organizations gathered in Yosemite to talk about the lack of diversity in the outdoors. Be a part of the conversation by listening first.
6. She Explores: Towards a More Inclusive Outdoors
To shine more light on the topic above, we’re also highlighting the two-part podcast about diversity, equity and inclusion in the outdoors from She Explores. This episode, the second in the series, has practical steps for how organizations and individuals can create a more inclusive outdoor space.
7. Steamboat Ski Area Could Fine Skiers for Backcountry Rescues
New signs just popped up around backcountry access gates in Steamboat alerting skiers they could be charged as much at $500 per person for a rescue, in an attempt to deter inexperienced backcountry skiers from getting in over their heads.
8. Sleeping Alone in the Woods While Female
For some women, sleeping alone in the wilderness is an exercise in managing fear. One woman describes her own experiences and points out how everyone, no matter their gender, is much less likely to encounter violence in the wilderness than in civilization.
9. Santa Claus is Shredding to Town (on a Fat Bike)
Since Santa might not be able to rely on his reindeer, he’s picked up a new form of transport (and some fun tricks). We didn’t know he had moves.