News Topics
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March 30, 2026
Outdoor Guides Still Struggling a Year After REI Abruptly Cut Ties
Erik Plakanis describes himself as a “believer” in REI. He’s been a member of the retailer and co-op for nearly 40 years. So when REI leaders reached out in 2007 to start partnering with Plakanis’s guiding business, A Walk in the Woods, he was ecstatic. REI not only promised to funnel customers...
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March 27, 2026
The National Park Service Just Opened Job Applications at 6 National Park Sites
The National Park Service (NPS) just opened its job application portal for seasonal roles across six national park sites. If the ranger life is calling you, don’t snooze on submitting your resume—the window to apply closes on March 29 at 11:59 P.M. EST or once 200 people apply. According to...
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March 25, 2026
Parental deferral policies in ultra-trail: some races need to catch up
Last weekend, Italy’s Andreas Reiterer finished second at Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB, but had to turn down a Golden Ticket (automatic entry) to Western States 100 (WSER) because his partner is due to give birth around race day, and WSER’s policy does not allow partners to defer their entry. Missing a race because...
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March 25, 2026
Vail Resorts, Alterra Mountain hit with class action lawsuit over season pass prices
A federal antitrust class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of skiers and snowboarders nationwide, and two well-known ski resort operators are listed as the defendants. The lawsuit was filed against Vail Resorts, Inc. and Alterra Mountain Company, alleging the companies unfairly increased prices and used bundling tactics with their multi-mountain season passes. Vail Resorts’ season...
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March 25, 2026
REI Union Votes to Boycott Anniversary Sale in Response to Benefits, Wage Cuts
After several years of struggling to turn a profit, REI Co-op will reduce benefits for its employees, as well as the starting pay for new hires. The retailer confirmed the news to GearJunkie after Bloomberg reported last week on an internal memo from REI’s CEO. Scaled-back benefits include slower accrual...
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March 25, 2026
Travel Trailers Decline Drive RV Shipments Lower Year-Over-Year in February
RV Industry Association is reporting that its February 2026 survey of manufacturers found that total RV shipments ended the month with 29,206 units, an 11.1 percent year-over-year (y/y) decline compared to the 32,871 units shipped in February 2025. For the two-month year-to-date (YTD) period, shipments are reportedly down 10.9 percent...
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March 24, 2026
Outdoor Execs Commit to Collaborate at OIA Rendezvous After 10-Year Hiatus
More than 80 executives and industry leaders gathered last week at the headquarters of VF Corp. in Denver, Colorado, for the Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) Rendezvous, marking the first time the event has been held in roughly a decade. The meeting brought together brands, retailers, and other stakeholders to discuss...
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March 24, 2026
Skier and Filmmaker Kai Smart Passes Away After Avalanche Burial in Japa
The snowsports community has suffered a tragic loss. Whistler skier Kai Smart, 23, has passed away after being buried in an avalanche in Japan earlier this month. Kai’s father John Smart made the announcement on Instagram Tuesday. “It is with immense sadness that we have to let you know that our kind, brave and beautiful...
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March 23, 2026
World Surf League’s Global Audience Reaches 80 Million in 2025
The World Surf League released viewership and engagement data for its 2025 season, reporting a global audience of 80 million individuals across linear and digital platforms. This marks a 39% increase from the prior year. Data provided by Nielsen showed fans generated 20.3 million watch hours throughout the season, a 19%...
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March 19, 2026
Solo Brands Sales Tumble 35 Percent in Q4, Fall 30 Percent for the Year
Solo Brands, Inc. reported that sales tumbled 34.5 percent in the fourth quarter and 30.4 percent in the year due to steep declines in the flagship Solo Stove line. John Larson, president and CEO, told analysts he’s hopeful that a healthy reception to new fire pits and accessories will bring...
