Mountain Gazette Nominated for ASME National Magazine Award

March 4, 2026

The Original Outdoor Culture Magazine Joins The New Yorker, The Atlantic and others in Feature Writing Category

North Lake Tahoe, California /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Mountain Gazette has been nominated for a 2026 National Magazine Award from the American Society of Magazine Editors in the category of Feature Writing, the category widely regarded as the marquee award of the evening, is one of the highest honors in American journalism.

The nomination recognizes “The Bear Suit,” written by Owen Long and published in Mountain Gazette 203, the spring 2025 issue, in collaboration with Epic Magazine. Epic Magazine pitched the story to Mountain Gazette. The editorial staff at Mountain Gazette—Editor Mike Rogge, Managing Editor Doug Schnitzspahn, Art Director John Coleman, Editorial Coordinator Hannah Truby and Copy Editor Kim Stravers—developed, edited, copy edited, fact-checked, sourced archival photography, and designed the feature exclusively for the 11” X 17” print format. The magazine does not publish a digital edition.

Mountain Gazette stands alongside an extraordinary group of finalists in the Feature Writing category, including:

• The Atlantic for “Is Ian Still in There?” by Sarah Zhang
• Harper’s Magazine for “The Goon Squad” by Daniel Kolitz
• New York Magazine for “There Is No Safe Word” by Lila Shapiro
• The New Yorker for “Second Life” by Rachel Aviv
• STAT for “Sterilization, Mysterious Pain, and Dismissive Doctors: Why Women Turn to Reversal Surgery—and Sometimes to RFK Jr.” by Eric Boodman
• Texas Monthly for “Where the River Took Us” by Aaron Parsley

The National Magazine Awards, often referred to as the “Ellies,” were established in 1966 by ASME to honor excellence in journalism published in U.S. magazines. Over six decades, the awards have recognized the most impactful reporting, writing, design, and photography in the industry. A nomination alone places a publication among the most distinguished editorial institutions in the country.

Feature Writing is considered the premier category of the awards. It recognizes narrative journalism at the highest level, work that demonstrates originality, reporting depth, literary craft, and cultural impact. To be nominated in this field places Mountain Gazette alongside some of the most influential editorial brands in American media.

“This nomination is an honor for our team and for independent publishing,” said Mike Rogge, Editor and Owner of Mountain Gazette. “Mountain Gazette is proudly independent. Our only shareholders are our readers. They allow us to be committed to fearless, long-form storytelling. To be recognized at this level affirms that independent magazines can compete and lead on the biggest stage in American journalism.”

Mountain Gazette, based in North Lake Tahoe, California, publishes large-format print editions focused on outdoor culture, mountain life, and narrative storytelling. Since its revival, the magazine has grown into one of the largest independent magazines in the United States, backed by subscribers. In 2026, the magazine celebrates its 60th anniversary. Print Ain’t Dead – A Mountain Gazette Anthology, a hardbound collection of the magazines most inspiring stories over the last 60 years is available at MountainGazette.com.

For more information, visit MountainGazette.com. Editor Mike Rogge, Art Director John Coleman, Managing Editor Doug Schnitzspahn, and writer Owen Long are available for comment upon request.

Media Contact:

Rian Rhoe

The Sideways Life

Rian@thesidewayslife.com