Outdoor Alliance: In a time of major threats, outdoor community is standing strong for public land and water

Washington, D.C. (December 18, 2025) — Large-scale threats to conservation and outdoor recreation use of public lands and waters over the last year played a major role in galvanizing the public to have a bigger voice than ever before around publicly shared resources on conservation and public lands issues, according to 2025 data from Outdoor Alliance, a coalition of outdoor recreation groups working together to protect public lands.

Despite facing unprecedented headwinds, the different types of human-powered recreation represented through Outdoor Alliance — hikers, bikers, climbers, paddlers, surfers and skiers — rallied this past year to move the needle in pushing back against major threats to the nation’s public lands and waters.

Throughout 2025, Outdoor Alliance’s constituency has:

  • Delivered more than 25 million messages directly to decision makers
  • Re-shared maps of proposed threats to public land more than 4 million times.
  • Held more than 307 meetings with lawmakers, more than one every working day of the year.

These efforts have played a major role in effecting policy change, including spurring the rejection of potential large-scale public land sales this past summer. Thanks to sustained outreach and advocacy, a growing number of lawmakers are stepping up to defend public lands and waters. New bipartisan caucuses for conservation and public land stewardship have also formed in both the House and Senate, signaling broader support for making public lands and waters a legislative priority.

However, an unprecedented array of threats remains, including a proposal this week from Utah Sen. Mike Lee as part of the Interior appropriations bill moving through the Senate that would open the door to national parks and other public lands being sold off or transferred. Other ongoing threats also include massive layoffs at the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and other land-management agencies, which hamstring proper management of those resources, alongside efforts to roll back the Roadless Rule and ongoing interest in some quarters to sell off millions of acres of public lands.

Through the advocacy work of Outdoor Alliance’s constituency, solidarity and support for public lands and waters are playing a more important role than ever.  These are Outdoor Allies — people with a vested interest in the proper management and protection of public lands who are taking action to defend public lands.

“In 2025, public lands have been at constant risk of being sold off, developed, and underfunded,” said Adam Cramer, CEO at the Outdoor Alliance. “It has been incredible to see the dedication and commitment of the outdoor community in advocating for the places people love to get outside. The fight isn’t over. At Outdoor Alliance, we are committed to staying on top of the world of outdoor policy in D.C. and will continue to make it easy for you to take action when it matters most.”

Although 2025 was a monumental year in public lands and waters protection, the challenges facing outdoor advocacy will continue in 2026. Among many other initiatives, the Outdoor Alliance team will continue tracking ever-changing public land policy and initiatives, mapping threats to the outdoors, bringing key voices to D.C., alongside programs like its Grasstops Collective.

Heading into 2026, the Outdoor Alliance team has consolidated a list of current issues that the public can take action on today.

To learn more or support the Outdoor Alliance team, please visit www.outdooralliance.org.

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 About Outdoor Alliance

Outdoor Alliance is a nonprofit coalition of organizations that includes American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, The Mountaineers, American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, Colorado Mountain Club, and Surfrider Foundation. For more than ten years, Outdoor Alliance has united the human-powered outdoor recreation community to achieve lasting conservation victories. Our work has helped to permanently protect 40 million acres of public land, secure $5.1 billion in funding for the outdoors, and convert more than 100,000 outdoor enthusiasts into outdoor advocates. For more information, visit www.outdooralliance.org

 

 

DPS Skis Welcomes Mali Noyes to Athlete Roster

SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 18, 2025) — Utah-based ski industry manufacturer, DPS Skis, announces that big mountain skier Mali Noyes has joined the DPS athlete team. Noyes captivated the ski world earlier this year when she set the fastest known time for skiing all 93 lines documented in Andrew McLean’s iconic backcountry guidebook, “The Chuting Gallery”, in just 47 days. Known for her relentless drive, technical prowess and inspiring approach to skiing, Noyes brings an unmatched blend of athletic excellence and adventurous spirit to the team.

“Mali represents everything we admire in a modern skier: fearless exploration, deep dedication and a genuine connection to the mountains,” shares Zach Clayton, global marketing manager at DPS Skis. “We’re thrilled to have her join us during such a monumental year and are looking forward to supporting her future adventures and challenges.”

Noyes grew up skiing Nordic competitively and moved into big mountain skiing after graduating from the University of Utah. She excelled immediately, competing on the Freeride World Tour, setting achievements around the Wasatch Range and debuting her ski film “Girl Crush.” Along with setting records in the mountains, Noyes has found joy and balance working as a nurse and giving back to the Utah community.

Earlier this year, Noyes cemented her place in the sport when she shattered the record time for completing 93 iconic backcountry skiing lines in the Wasatch Range. The previous record was measured over months and seasons, not weeks. She documented the effort in her ten-part web series, “Rapid Fire”, which offers a raw and honest look at the risk, discipline and excitement behind her accomplishments. The series earned widespread praise for its authenticity, highlighting Noyes’ storytelling and ability to connect with the broader ski community.

“Joining DPS Skis feels like a natural step in my ski journey,” says Mali Noyes. “Their commitment to performance and innovation makes them unique in the ski industry and I admire the strong legacy they’ve built in backcountry and big mountain skiing. I couldn’t be more excited to work with a brand that’s as dedicated to skiing as I am.”

For information on DPS Skis, please contact senior PR manager Corinne Baud at corinne.baud@rygr.us.

 

About DPS Skis: Located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah, DPS designs the world’s most advanced ski products by fusing space-age carbon technology with groundbreaking shapes. DPS is responsible for the world’s first and only pure pre-impregnated carbon fiber sandwich ski, the first 120mm-waisted powder pintail, the first rockered ski with sidecut, and PHANTOM Glide, a high-performance base treatment that delivers consistent, long-lasting glide without the hassle of waxing skis or snowboards. DPS products are sold on five continents and are the trusted brand of choice for serious skiers worldwide. www.dpsskis.com

 

Media Contact: 

Corinne Baud

Corinne.baud@rygr.us

970-924-0704 ext. 2109

 

Wiley X Employees Support Boot Campaign’s Seasons of Service Program

Frisco, TX – [December 18, 2025] Wiley X, a global leader in protective eyewear, proudly supported Boot Campaign’s Seasons of Service program this holiday season through hands-on employee volunteerism and product donations.

As part of the initiative, Wiley X employees stepped away from their desks to help wrap Christmas gifts for veterans and military families in need. Each year, Boot Campaign’s Seasons of Service program provides holiday support to ensure military families have one less burden during the season. In addition to volunteering, Wiley X donated premium protective eyewear so that every participating family received a pair.

Supporting Seasons of Service reflects Wiley X’s ongoing commitment to honoring and uplifting those who serve, especially during the holidays when support can make a meaningful difference.

For more information about Boot Campaign and its mission, visit https://www.wileyx.com/pages/boot-campaign.

For more information about Wiley X and its commitment to first responders, military service members, veterans, and their families, visit www.wileyx.com.

 

Rossignol launches its all-new freeride outerwear collection in partnership with evo

Park City, UT – Dec 17, 2025 – In keeping with its global diversification strategy, Rossignol continues to build momentum in the softgoods category with the arrival of its all-new athlete-approved, Proclivity Ltd Edition 3L outerwear collection.

Stress-tested on the Freeride World Tour and validated by the brand’s impressive roster of global freeride and snowboard athletes, Proclivity introduces a new level of performance, technicity and style to the iconic brand’s outerwear collection with eco-conscious solutions and specific cuts for both men and women.

Rossignol’s diverse group of freeride and snowboard athletes provided the input to inform Proclivity’s creation while offering very specific thoughts on how their outerwear should fit and function when performing in the elements at the highest levels of the sport.

Whistler local and current 2025 Freeride World Tour Champion, Marcus Goguen added, “I was stoked to play a part in the development of the Rossignol’s new Proclivity kit. The team really listened when providing input on the design, sizing, and color palette. Then to get out and validate the early prototype fit and function to get it where it is today—the whole process was amazing!”

Designed to be right at home flashing exposed faces or lapping resort and park laps in inclement weather, this new Ltd Edition collection includes 3-layer shell jackets and bibs, each in three (3) unique men’s and women’s colorways that will only be available for the 2025-26 season. Other features include:

  • Modern, roomier, freeride-inspired fits with built-in stretch that drapes rather than hugs the body providing ample room for layering and dynamic mobility.
  • Constructed with remnant Sympatex® 20k/20k waterproof/breathable fabric, minimizing waste and maximizing real-world benefit for elevated eco-conscious performance.
  • Seam-sealed construction and PFC-free water repellency for exceptional breathability while shedding weather and venting moisture.
  • Contemporary patterns with huge pockets for storage when lapping the mountain, on ridgeline hikes, or quick pocketing of climbing skins before the descent.

In partnership with evo, the in-season release of the Proclivity Ltd Edition 3L jacket and bib is available now, exclusively at evo.com and rossignol.com while supplies last.

Group Rossignol designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of winter sports and outdoor equipment, providing a continuous, year-round experience for consumers from elite-level athletes to amateurs, and from mountains to city. The Group’s global headquarters is located in the French Alps near Grenoble with four different industrial sites (Nevers, Saint Etienne de Saint Geoirs, Artès, Montebelluna) across western Europe and a U.S. headquarters in Park City, Utah.

 evo is a global outdoor experiences company whose purpose is to spark human connection, outside. evo is focused on providing unique experiences across its curated family of brands; evo, Rhythm Japan, All Together Skatepark, evo Hotel, evoTrip, and The Callaghan which are centered on sport, culture, the outdoors, and human connection.

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La Sportiva Introduces New Cold-Weather Apparel and Technical Packs for Fall 2026

BOULDER, Colo. (Dec. 17, 2025) — La Sportiva, makers of the world’s finest mountain gear, today announced its Fall/Winter 2026 apparel and pack collection. Headlined by new climbing and mountain running apparel built for cold-weather performance, the line also features an expanded technical pack lineup for ski touring and rock climbing.

“Winter conditions demand gear that can keep up,” said Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “The Fall 2026 collection is built to support athletes across every discipline, from climbers working cold-weather projects to runners logging frigid pre-dawn miles. We’ve listened to feedback from our community and focused on delivering the features they need to train harder when the temperatures drop.”

The $349 Helixir 3L Shell Pant is the newest addition to La Sportiva’s premium Alpine Tech line, and is designed to deliver high-performance protection from the elements. An advanced 3-layer shell utilizes Spectra® Fiber for exceptional strength, abrasion resistance, and durability in alpine environments. Side ventilation zippers provide added airflow during intense efforts, while articulated knees and a gusseted inseam allow freedom of movement on technical terrain. The boot-compatible, adjustable zippered hems feature a water-resistant flap for greater protection, and an adjustable inner gaiter with elastic drawcord ensures crampon compatibility.

The Opry Stretch Insulated Jacket is one of the standout additions to the climbing apparel line. Designed with Comfortemp® Fiberball Thermal Insulation made from recycled PET fibers, the jacket offers exceptional freedom of movement and high thermal insulation with optimum breathability. An adjustable hood accommodates a helmet, while a two-way zipper and strategically placed hand pockets work seamlessly with a climbing harness. The $249 Opry Stretch weighs 19.4 oz for women and 22 oz for men.

Adding to the climbing lineup, La Sportiva is introducing the Highball Pant and Setter Bib Pant. The $145 Highball Pant features a loose-fit design made with Cordura® Blend fabric and triple-needle stitching for high-level abrasion resistance. The $159 Setter Bib Pant is a work-inspired unisex overall made with 4-way stretch premium corduroy fabric and Cordura® knee reinforcements, delivering abrasion resistance and all-day comfort for climbers who demand durability and everyday style.

For mountain running, La Sportiva is introducing the Flash Micro Fleece and Primal Thermo Tight, engineered for runners training in harsh conditions. The $79 Flash Micro-Fleece is crafted as a lightweight pullover for fast-paced activities, weighing just 5 oz for women and 5.7 oz for men. Anti-chafe flatlock stitching delivers comfort during long efforts, while a fitted scuba hood provides extra protection from the elements. The lightweight fleece also features Polygiene® odor control technology for long-lasting freshness.

The $99 Primal Thermo Tight is designed for trail running, but versatile enough for any high-paced winter adventure. Made from recycled materials, the tights feature an internal adjustable waistband for a customized fit and all-day comfort. Two drop-in side pockets and one invisible zippered back pocket provide storage for essentials, while a reflective logo increases visibility in low-light conditions.

La Sportiva introduced an innovative new pack line in the spring of 2026, and is expanding on that line this season with the introduction of several new models. The new $179 Granite Tour 28+ is a lightweight ski-touring pack built with high tensile Oxford Cordura, which has a high tear strength and is cut, abrasion, and wear resistant. The 28-liter volume expands to 32 liters using a roll-top closure, while a thermoformed back panel with an aluminum frame provides structure for winter loads. A J-zip front pocket organizes avalanche tools, and adjustable compression straps allow diagonal or A-frame ski carry. The Granite Tour 28+ has an MSRP of $179.

The new Granite Crag models are designed for gym-to-crag days and come in 45L ($169 ) and 25L ($129) versions. Both models use recycled fabrics for improved durability and feature innovative storage layouts, including back-panel access on the 45L and a streamlined main compartment on the 25L. Padded hip belts, safety-whistle sternum straps, and dedicated rope-carry systems make the Granite Crag packs a dependable option for both long days and daily training sessions.

The Granite Rope Bag is another addition to the line. It features an integrated tarp system to help with organization, wide openings for fast access, and adjustable shoulder straps with a tapered shape for seamless transport from car to crag. Made from 100% recycled nylon, the bag is highly water-resistant and can hold up to 100 meters of rope.

The new apparel and packs will be available at select specialty retailers and at lasportivausa.com in the Fall of 2026.

 

About La Sportiva
With over 90 years of heritage, La Sportiva has unrivaled experience in building the world’s finest performance mountain footwear. Creating innovation through passion, La Sportiva now offers the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking shoes on the market, along with a full line of ski mountaineering hardware and apparel. For more information on La Sportiva visit www.lasportivausa.com or follow @Lasportivana on Instagram.

Outdoor Retailer Unveils Inaugural Urban Outdoor Experiences for 2026 Minneapolis Show, Aug. 20-21, 7-10AM daily

MINNEAPOLIS (December 16, 2025) – Outdoor Retailer, the central gathering for North America’s outdoor community, will host its inaugural Urban Outdoor Experiences at the 2026 Minneapolis show, bringing curated outdoor activities into an urban setting. Taking place daily from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. August 20-21, this curated program invites attendees to personalize their mornings with activities including hiking, trail running, yoga, biking, walking, birding and climbing. Organized through an enhanced Outdoor Retailer show app, these experiences leverage the stunning natural assets and adventure-ready parks minutes from the Minneapolis Convention Center. Hosted in partnership with The Loppet Foundation, this initiative celebrates community, connection, and the spirit of outdoor exploration and is a fundamental pillar of Outdoor Retailer’s program supporting industry and local non-profit organizations.

“Minneapolis is the perfect city for real urban outdoor experiences,” said Stephen Regenold, a native Minnesotan, founder of Gear Junkie and member of the Outdoor Retailer Leadership Village. “Starting each show day with trail runs, paddling, biking, and other outdoor adventures is energizing and reflects the spirit of our industry and community. It’s exciting to see Outdoor Retailer creating these opportunities for all of us to get outside together.”

Urban Outdoor Experiences will be centered primarily at Theodore Wirth Regional Park, one of the country’s most expansive and diverse urban park systems. It is considered the crown jewel of the Minneapolis park system, spanning over 740 acres just west of downtown and offers year-round recreation for every season. In fall, visitors can hike or bike the trails, spotting deer, foxes, and badgers. Spring brings blooms at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and birdwatching, while summer features disc golf, archery, swimming at Wirth Lake Beach, and golf with skyline views. Specifically, The Loppet Foundation will support access, permitting, and logistics while assisting in identifying additional partner groups for biking and paddling inside the park.

“Theodore Wirth Park is one of the most unique urban outdoor environments in the country,” said Meghan Cosgrove, executive director of the Loppet Foundation. “It’s minutes from the Convention Center but feels like a true escape into nature. With trails, water, forests, and year-round recreation, there’s something for everyone, and we’re excited to help Outdoor Retailer bring attendees into this extraordinary outdoor playground.”

Urban Outdoor Experiences Lineup

Trail Run & Hike – Theodore Wirth Regional Park

A morning trail run and guided hike will take advantage of the park’s iconic wooded terrain and extensive trail network, delivering a high-quality, community-oriented experience.

Mountain Bike & Road Bike Rides – Theodore Wirth Regional Park

Featuring world-class singletrack, paved loops, and varied terrain, show attendees can participate in both mountain bike and road cycling experiences.

Paddling – Mississippi River and Theo Wirth Regional Park

A canoe experience will take place on the Mississippi River with Wilderness Inquiry, a Minneapolis‑based 501(c)(3) nonprofit connecting people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities to the natural world through inclusive, shared outdoor adventures, breaking down barriers to nature access and inspiring community, growth, and belonging.

Birding – Theodore Wirth Regional Park

The Urban Bird Collective, an organization working to create welcoming and inclusive space for all communities to explore birding and the outdoors, will host guided bird-watching sessions with expert guides and binoculars, ideal for beginners and seasoned birders.

Climbing & Yoga

Climbing and yoga offerings that celebrate movement, wellness, and the Minneapolis climbing community are being developed with logistics to be provided shortly.

About Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Retailer, the leading U.S. business events for the outdoor and winter sports industry, brings together retailers, manufacturers, designers, distributors, industry advocates, journalists, and more to conduct the business of outdoor recreation through commerce, unique product experiences, dedicated media events, content, and web-based business solutions. Outdoor Retailer provides critical platforms for face-to-face commerce, product launches, networking, and focused industry education to enhance business and support the outdoor recreation economy. Visit outdoorretailer.com for more information.

Media Contact: Chris Goddard, CGPR, chris@cgprpublicrelations.com (781) 640-8387 or marybeth@cgprpublicrelations.com

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Turtle Fur Expands National Sales Representation with Four New Agencies

Morrisville, Vt. (December 16, 2026)Turtle Fur, a certified B Corp specializing in hats and accessories for all seasons, announced four new sales agency partnerships across key U.S. territories. The expanded representation is a strategic step in growing the brand’s reach beyond its long-established ski channels and into broader outdoor and lifestyle markets.

Turtle Fur has built its business in the ski industry and is well known across core ski channels. By adding these new agencies in high-impact regions, the brand aims to expand its presence beyond the snow market.

The newly appointed agencies and their territories include:

  • Caraway & Co – West Coast & Southwest
  • Green River Sales – Rockies & TALO (Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma)
  • Denne Sport Sales – Midwest
  • Peak 2 Sea Sales – Southeast

These established agencies bring immediate access to new wholesale channels, strong relationships and access to new retailers, more sales representation on the ground, increased specialty dealer support, and increased sales and servicing capacity to support accounts of all sizes.

“This expansion marks an exciting new chapter for Turtle Fur,” said Erika Canfield, CEO of Turtle Fur. “We will always remain loyal to our ski roots, but these new partnerships will help us invest in supporting our existing dealer base, expand into new sales channels, build new relationships with outdoor and lifestyle specialty retail, and bring our products to people who live, play and explore in every season.”

About Turtle Fur:

Since 1982 Turtle Fur has been a leading headwear and accessories brand in the outdoor, snow sports, and lifestyle markets. Turtle Fur lives to play outdoors, and they want you out there with them. They design sustainable accessories that ignite confidence and wrap you in comfort—so when you boldly step outside your shell, you’ll never want to go back in. To find out more about stepping outside your shell with Turtle Fur, visit turtlefur.com and follow them on social media @turtlefur.

LifeLabs, a Material Sciences Pioneer, Names Sportswear Veteran, Jordi Beneyto-Ferre, Director of Textile Innovation and Sustainability

SAN FRANCISCO and TAIPEI (December 16, 2025)LifeLabs®, a materials science company pioneering temperature-regulating textiles for a more sustainable future, today named sportswear industry veteran, Jordi Beneyto-Ferre, as its new director of textile innovation and sustainability, effective immediately. Beneyto-Ferre will lead LifeLabs’ efforts in developing high-performance fabrics integrating the brand’s proprietary WarmLife® and CoolLife® technologies, while ensuring a circular, sustainability-first approach across textile production.

“Jordi is a true visionary whose proven ability to deliver performance-driven solutions aligns perfectly with LifeLabs’ mission to use science for a more sustainable future,” said Sophia Ou, co-founder of LifeLabs. “His track record of embedding regenerative and circular practices will be instrumental as we scale our proprietary CoolLife and WarmLife technologies, ensuring that innovation and responsibility go hand-in-hand.”

Beneyto-Ferre brings more than 17 years of experience shaping the future of performance apparel at the intersection of advanced material engineering, global sourcing, and responsible fiber production. His career includes senior roles at Adidas, Puma, and VF Corporation, where he pioneered patented textile technologies, regenerative wool sourcing practices, and the development of plastic-free and circular performance apparel solutions. Holding multiple engineering degrees and more than 10 patents in garment and textile technology, Beneyto-Ferre’s unique expertise reflects a deep commitment to advancing textile innovation incorporating sustainable best practices.

“The opportunity to lead textile development for technologies like CoolLife and WarmLife is genuinely exciting,” said Jordi Beneyto-Ferre. “LifeLabs is uniquely positioned to drive the next era of apparel where material science significantly reduces environmental impact. My focus is to maximize the performance of these fabrics while embedding a sustainability-first perspective into every aspect of innovation.”

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About LifeLabs®
LifeLabs®, an YiLab Temperature Control Technologies brand, is a material science enterprise founded by Professor Yi Cui and Sophia Ou. LifeLabs develops sustainable, high-performance textiles through its proprietary WarmLife® and CoolLife® technologies. With a mission to reduce energy consumption while improving personal comfort, LifeLabs® empowers apparel brands and consumers to embrace a more sustainable future. For more information, visit https://lifelabs.design/.

Media Contact: Jason Silva, CGPR, jason@cgprpublicrelations.com