Archives: Press Releases

BOULDER, Colo. (Feb. 14, 2025)—La Sportiva, makers of the world’s finest mountain gear, today announced two new ski boot models for Fall 2025: the Kilo XTR and the Sender. The Kilo XTR builds on the success of the award-winning Kilo, refining its lightweight construction while increasing downhill power. The Sender, a new four-buckle freeride boot, is designed for big-mountain skiers who need power and control on the most demanding backcountry lines.

“La Sportiva has a long history of crafting high-performance ski boots that balance lightweight efficiency with outstanding control,” said Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “With each new model, we are refining our designs to push the limits of what ski touring boots can do. The Kilo XTR takes the performance of the Kilo to the next level,  delivering more control on challenging lines, while the Sender offers freeride skiers the stability and responsiveness needed for steep technical descents and rugged alpine terrain.”

Kilo XTR – Uphill Efficiency, Downhill Power

Built on the foundation of the award-winning Kilo, the Kilo XTR delivers enhanced control on the downhill while remaining lightweight and efficient on the skin track. Weighing just 1190g, the Kilo XTR excels in difficult terrain, offering a 68-degree range of motion for fast, energy-efficient climbing. A carbon-infused tongue increases the flex rating to 120, giving skiers a powerful, responsive feel for confident descents in variable conditions.

The boot’s Force Power Strap and Force Power Buckles allow for precise tuning of responsiveness and fit, while the Tilt Lock Lite System makes ski-walk transitions quick and seamless—even in harsh alpine conditions. The Force Flex System, featuring a Pebax® Rnew® tongue, enables a smooth, natural walking motion on the uphill, while the In-Axis Pivotal Joint optimizes efficiency on steep climbs.

A Frixion Wave Alpine XTR sole prevents snow buildup and provides traction when boot packing, while dual-compound rubber enhances grip in high-wear zones. Inside, the Ultralon high-density thermo-moldable liner delivers a precise, comfortable fit with excellent warmth and support.

The Kilo XTR retails for $849.

Sender – Freeride Performance, Backcountry Versatility

For big-mountain skiers who thrive on steep, challenging descents, the Sender offers a powerful freeride experience in a lightweight package. With a 130 flex and a weight of just 1480g, it’s one of the lightest freeride touring boots available, ensuring that long approaches and high-alpine missions don’t come at the cost of downhill performance.

Designed to seamlessly transition between the backcountry and the resort, the Sender utilizes a GripWalk™ outsole, making it fully compatible with alpine bindings. La Sportiva’s new Force Wrap System enhances the fit and features a Force Wrap Tongue constructed with a double layer, allowing for increased flexibility when in walk mode and maximum power transfer on the descent. With a 64-degree range of motion, the Sender climbs efficiently and feels just as natural on the uphill as it does charging big lines on the descent.

The $849 Sender features a Pebax Bio Based Rnew shell and a Grilamid Bio Based LF Carbon shell. A last width of 102.5 accommodates a wide variety of foot shapes, while the Tilt Lock FR System allows for quick, intuitive ski-walk transitions.

Both the Kilo XTR and Sender ski boots will be available at select retailers and online at www.sportiva.com in the fall of 2025.

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 as well as ski mountaineering hardware and apparel. For more information on La Sportiva visit www.lasportivausa.com or visit their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/LaSportiva.

 

 

 

 

Portland, OR – February 14, 2025 – Snow Peak, the renowned Japanese camping brand with a 65-year legacy, is proud to introduce Epic Fly Fish, a premium fly fishing brand built on craftsmanship, authenticity, and a deep passion for the sport, as part of its new fly fishing collection of apparel and gear.

Born in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, Epic Fly Fish has earned worldwide respect for its dedication to precision and quality. Each rod blends modern materials with time-honored techniques, delivering exceptional strength, sensitivity, and responsiveness. Designed for anglers who value both performance and tradition, Epic rods offer an unparalleled casting experience—now available for the first time in the United States starting March 27.

Following this launch, Snow Peak will introduce its first-ever Snow Peak Fly Fishing collection, an assortment of apparel designed to pair with existing Snow Peak products and Epic Fly Rods, everything you need for a memorable day on the river. The Fly Fishing apparel collection, which will be available to US consumers on March 27th,  will include fishing vests, base layers, mid-layers, and outer shells to keep you comfortable, no matter the conditions. The collection will also highlight an assortment of popular Snow Peak gear like the Camping Essentials Set, insulating coolers, and packable furniture.

The first Epic Fly Fish release under Snow Peak features a curated selection of award-winning fly rods and reels, with prices ranging from $695.00 – $1,195.95.. Each product is designed to elevate the fly fishing experience, ensuring anglers have the tools they need to perform at their best.

“At Snow Peak, our mission is to reconnect people with nature and its restorative, healing powers. We embrace ‘Noasobi’—the art of being outside, and view the campsite as a destination of rest,” said Yuichi Uchida, Brand Director at Snow Peak USA. “Fly fishing embodies a similar ethos—immersing us in our environment and grounding us in the moment. Our flyfishing collection brings a design-forward approach to the riverside experience. Epic shares our commitment to craft and innovation, and our combined collection offers a seamless fusion of functionality and comfort,  elevating the riverside experience for both seasoned and novice flyfishers.”

With a long-standing commitment to quality and innovation, Snow Peak continues to expand its offerings, bringing new opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to connect with the natural world. The partnership with Epic Fly Fish and the launch of Snow Peak Fly Fishing marks an exciting step forward, uniting two brands that share a deep respect for craftsmanship and the outdoor experience.

About Snow Peak        

Founded in Japan in 1958, Snow Peak is a camping brand serving customers in the USA for more than 20 years, with a mission to unite people and alleviate the stresses of modern life through time gathering outside. Its Japanese-designed, lifetime-guaranteed camping equipment serves as a catalyst for restorative experiences in nature. Focused on bringing people together, Snow Peak operates immersive retail locations in Portland and Brooklyn, and offers hospitality experiences through its restaurant Takibi, and campground, the Long Beach Campfield. More at snowpeak.com

About Epic Fly Fish

Epic Fly Fish traces its roots to the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, where a commitment to excellence and a passion for craft guide every rod they create. Combining modern materials with time-honored techniques, each rod is known for its strength, sensitivity, and responsiveness. Through unwavering attention to detail, Epic has earned worldwide respect among fly anglers.​

 

 

 

PRESCOTT, Ariz. and CARRBORO, N.C. (February 13, 2025) — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of run specialty stores, today announced the opening of its newest store in Prescott, Arizona. The store, owned by Billy Preston, is located at 122 N. Cortez St., Suite 100, in downtown Prescott. A grand opening celebration is planned for February, with details to be announced soon.

Billy Preston’s journey with Fleet Feet began in 2016 when he joined a long run with a group in Charleston, South Carolina. That run introduced him to Fleet Feet and its mission of empowering runners and walkers of all abilities. Preston started working for Fleet Feet Mt. Pleasant shortly after and, inspired by the rewarding experience of helping customers, dreamed of one day opening his own store. Nearly a decade later, that dream is becoming a reality.

“Opening this store in Prescott is a culmination of years of passion for the running community and Fleet Feet,” said Preston. “I’ve seen firsthand how Fleet Feet changes lives, whether through finding the perfect fit for someone’s unique needs or helping them achieve goals they never thought possible. I’m thrilled to bring this experience to Prescott.”

The Prescott location is uniquely positioned in the heart of downtown, just steps from the town’s main square. It offers easy access to over 500 miles of nearby trails and is surrounded by a community that celebrates outdoor recreation year-round. With a mild climate, Prescott is a hub for running, hiking and mountain biking events, including the Cocodona 250, Saddles 100, Whiskey Row Marathon and Whiskey Off-Road event.

“Prescott is the perfect place for a Fleet Feet store,” said John Moloznik, vice president of franchise operations and development at Fleet Feet. “The town’s growing population, active community, and proximity to world-class trails make it an ideal fit for our personalized approach to outfitting and community support.”

As part of its commitment to the community, Preston plans to use Fleet Feet Prescott to support local races and events by volunteering services and forming partnerships with local organizations. They also have made connections with local medical professionals to help individuals with foot pain find solutions through proper footwear.

Fleet Feet Prescott will offer a comprehensive range of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories from leading brands such as HOKA, Brooks and New Balance, as well as performance apparel from rabbit and New Balance and sports bras from On and Brooks.

The new store will operate with the brand’s exclusive personalized outfitting experience, fit id®, which includes 3D foot scanning technology that allows the brand to accurately assess the size and shape of customers’ feet and how each foot moves through the gait cycle. This personalized, expert-led approach allows outfitters to offer the right fitting footwear and accessories for each customer.

For 49 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners, and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge, and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.

Images of Fleet Feet Prescott are available upon request.

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About Fleet Feet

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 275 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

 

 

 

{Dover, NH—February 13, 2025} — Outdoor gear manufacturer NEMO Equipment’s list of partners for 2025 is a clear reflection of the brand’s continued focus on innovation, community, and sustainability. These key partnerships emphasize access, advocacy, inclusivity, and conservation and support NEMO’s overarching efforts to get more folks outdoors and to create the next generation of stewards for our planet.

CONSERVATION

Conservation Alliance harnesses the power of business and outdoor communities to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s wild places and outdoor spaces. Through its membership, the Conservation Alliance champions solutions that balance the best interest of the land, water, wildlife, and people, as well as provide for nature-based solutions to climate change through the protection of key landscapes and ecosystems.

Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership works to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish. TRCP and its partners advance America’s legacy of conservation, habitat, and access.

NEMO also continues to partner with Southeast Land Trust of NH and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers in conserving our public lands and waterways to provide areas where the public can recreate, as well as creating healthy landscapes for wildlife.

ADVOCACY & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is the leading business coalition advancing a sustainable and growing outdoor recreation economy for the benefit of all Americans. ORR brings industry, government, and other stakeholders together to educate, advocate, and identify solutions to the most pressing issues facing the future of the outdoor recreation economy.

To expand its government affairs capabilities and knowledge, NEMO also works with organizations including Outdoor Industry Association, California Outdoor Recreation Partnership, European Outdoor Group, and American Apparel and Footwear Association.

INCLUSIVITY

Outdoor Diversity Alliance is a group of outdoor industry businesses and organizations working together to build the outdoor industry of the future — one that is long lasting, prosperous, and relevant to the society in which it lives. ODA helps outdoor companies grow with purpose while supporting the development of authentic relationships with underrepresented communities.

Big City Mountaineers is a nonprofit that connects youth in disinvested communities with the outdoors. BCM provides free, fully outfitted, professionally led backpacking trips to kids in urban areas across the country. BCM currently engages young people in six metropolitan areas across the U.S., including Birmingham, AL; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN; Denver, CO; San Franciso, CA; and Seattle, WA.

To support equitable access to outdoor adventures and increase diverse participation, NEMO also supports Bewilder, Black.Surfers, Confluence Collective, and Outdoors Empowered Network.

More information on places to adventure and folks to go with can be found on NEMO’s Adventure Resources page.

About NEMO
NEMO is a New Hampshire-based outdoor gear company known for creating award-winning products that are built to last, comfortable, and fun to use. The brand has been named Outdoor Brand of the Year by Outdoor Retailer’s The Daily, and one of Outside Magazine’s and Business New Hampshire’s Best Places to Work. NEMO has also been recognized as a small business leader for the environment by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility. NEMO’s reputation for design innovation across its product lines—tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, luggage, camp accessories, and furniture—is an outgrowth of its design philosophy to never bring anything to market that doesn’t offer a meaningfully better experience. NEMO’s team of designers and engineers are motivated by a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainability.

Adventure Anywhere. Adventure for Anyone. Adventure Forever.®

 

 

[Jackson Hole, Wyoming] – February 11, 2025 Black Diamond Equipment, a global leader in mountain sports gear, is proud to announce a partnership with The Mountain Guides (TMG) which operates mountain guiding operations specializing in technical rock and mountain climbing and backcountry skiing. TMG locations are found throughout the American West with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides (JHMG) being the oldest and most notable. Begun in 1968, JHMG is the second oldest guide service in the United States and the only American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) accredited Institution in the Tetons.

Key Black Diamond retail locations will host outdoor education programs and events led by The Mountain Guides. Stores will be meeting points, a source for program information and serve as the primary outfitter for classes and trips. These locations include the Jackson Hole store in Wyoming, the Boulder and Denver stores in Colorado’s Front Range and the home store in Salt Lake City,

This collaboration solidifies Black Diamond’s commitment to expanding its role in the industry beyond equipping adventurers with the proper gear for safe and successful endeavors by leveraging its retail locations as hubs for fostering outdoor education, adventure and accessibility.

“Black Diamond has always been committed to equipping and inspiring outdoor adventurers,” says Neil Fiske, President of Black Diamond Equipment. “Partnering with The Mountain Guides allows us to connect with the guiding community and their clients in a meaningful way, providing the tools, education, and support they need for success.”

The partnership will improve access to mountain programs. Black Diamond will provide gear for guides and guests, scholarship funding for guides to advance their education through the AMGA, and opportunities for product testing among TMG guides who can offer unique insights on how gear performs in extreme environments at high volumes of use.

Integrating professional guides into gear development is a key component of Black Diamond’s commitment to continuous innovation. Guides put equipment through rigorous, real-world testing in some of the world’s most demanding conditions, providing invaluable feedback that helps refine and improve product design. By working closely with JHMG guides, Black Diamond can ensure that their gear meets the highest standards of durability, performance, and safety to deliver solutions that support both professional guides and everyday outdoor enthusiasts in pushing their limits with confidence.

“We could not be more pleased about our new relationship with Black Diamond.” said Phil Powers, President of the Mountain Guides and former CEO of the American Alpine Club. “This allows us to put our guides and their guests in the best possible equipment. It’s been a pleasure to see our trips launch from the Black Diamond store in Jackson where people can easily round out their kits before launching into the mountains.”

With this initiative, Black Diamond and The Mountain Guides aim to make technical mountain sports more accessible while reinforcing safety and best practices within the outdoor community.

About Black Diamond Equipment

Black Diamond Equipment is a global leader in designing innovative outdoor-engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, skiing, and a wide range of other year-round outdoor activities. Headquartered in Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond is synonymous with performance, innovation, and durability in the outdoor community. For more information on Black Diamond Equipment, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com.

About The Mountain Guides

The Mountain Guides is a trusted leader in mountain guiding services, specializing in technical rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and mountain education. Its main location, Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, has operated in the Tetons since 1968. Their rich history of providing expert instruction and unforgettable experiences has grown to include locations in Colorado, Montana, Utah and the Red Rock of Nevada. They inspire adventurers of all levels to safely explore the outdoors. For more information on The Mountain Guides, visit www.themountainguides.com.

 

 

 

 

Boulder, CO. – February 6, 2025 – Outside Interactive Inc., the world’s leading creator of outdoor content, mapping, events, and experiences, today announced the acquisition of Inntopia, a leading provider of integrated software solutions for the adventure travel and hospitality industry. Inntopia provides a comprehensive suite of tools that includes booking, marketing, and business intelligence solutions that help ski resorts, adventure destinations, state and national parks, golf resorts, wellness and spa resorts, and tourism bureaus manage their operations and drive revenue.

This acquisition brings together two companies with a shared passion for outdoor adventure and travel. Outside’s audience of over 100 million registered users is a natural fit for Inntopia’s platform, which facilitates direct-to-consumer, multi-vendor booking by resorts and provides access to a broad range of third-party distribution channels. Inntopia’s platform is used by over 200 resorts and destinations across North America, Europe, and Australia. The company has a strong track record of innovation and growth, and its platform is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for online adventure travel booking.

By integrating Inntopia’s SaaS platform and research capabilities with Outside’s extensive network of event directors, tourism partnerships, and hospitality partners, Inntopia’s platform can deliver curated and comprehensive adventure travel packages, including accommodations, local activities, equipment rentals, and activity ticketing, capturing previously untapped revenue streams and creating additional value for partners. Inntopia’s client base will benefit from preferential access to Outside’s audience of outdoor adventurers, integration into the Outside advertising network, and additional investments in the Inntopia travel solutions.

Furthermore, the integration of Inntopia’s business intelligence research and analytics platform technology will empower Outside to gather and analyze key insights into consumer journeys. These insights can be leveraged to optimize advertising strategies, identify new opportunities for partner engagement, and ultimately drive revenue growth for both Outside travel partners and Inntopia’s clients. By demonstrating the tangible value of these data-driven insights, Outside can further strengthen its relationships with advertising partners and position itself as a leader in the digital travel advertising space by building the first-of-its-kind adventure travel retail media network.

“The acquisition of Inntopia is a major step forward in our mission to get everyone outdoors by inspiring them with our content, activating through our technologies, and ultimately celebrating their adventures on our social platform.,” said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside. “By combining our content, utilities, and community with Inntopia’s booking platform technology and research, we’re creating a one-stop shop for outdoor adventure travel. We’re excited to offer our users a more seamless and personalized experience, and we’re confident that this acquisition will accelerate our growth and solidify our position as the leading active lifestyle platform.”

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Outside, a company that shares our passion for the outdoors and our commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences,” said Trevor Crist, CEO of Inntopia. “Our booking platform is a perfect complement to Outside’s content, utilities, and community, and we’re excited to work together to create the ultimate travel platform for outdoor adventurers.”

The acquisition of Inntopia represents a strategic move that will substantially bolster Outside’s core businesses and offerings. From discovering inspiring destinations through its rich content, to seamlessly booking accommodations, activities, and transportation through Inntopia’s intuitive technology, the combined platform will simplify the travel planning process and enhance the overall outdoor adventure experience for its audiences.

BrightTower, a New York City headquartered investment banking and M&A advisory services firm, served as exclusive financial advisor to Inntopia in this transaction. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

About Outside

Outside Interactive, Inc. is the premier destination for outdoor inspiration, activation, and celebration. Each year, Outside reaches over 300 million unique users and has over 100 million registered users across its network of 25 media, service, and utility brands, including Outside Magazine, Velo, Yoga Journal, Pinkbike, GaiaGPS, Trailforks, MapMyFitness, athleteReg, and more. Outside’s mission is to get everyone outdoors, experiencing healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives by creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside’s membership offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, magazines, and more. Learn more at www.OutsideOnline.com.

About Inntopia

Inntopia is a leading provider of integrated software solutions for the travel and hospitality industry. The company’s platform helps resorts and destinations manage their operations and drive revenue. Inntopia’s solutions include booking, marketing, and business intelligence tools.

For more information, contact:
Rachel Weiss
Rachel.weiss@backbone.media

 

Red Lodge, Mont. (Feb. 6, 2025) – Crazy Creek Products, a leading manufacturer of outdoor seating for 38 years, is excited to grow its sales representation, nationally. Today, the Montana-based manufacturer announces its partnership with Adventure Marketing Group (AMG) as their new Southeast rep group, as well as the brand’s expansion with the Alta Group, Inc. into Montana and Idaho.

“We are very excited to bring a legacy brand like Crazy Creek into our diverse portfolio,” said Tom Hammond, Principal of Adventure Marketing Group. “Every account we have should be carrying Crazy Creek and our team looks forward to getting out in the field and showing the great benefits of selling Crazy Creek to our customers.”

AMG will be taking over Crazy Creek sales in the Southeast for Allyn Morton of Eastern Outdoor Sales who has retired after a decorated 40-year career in the outdoor industry.

“Adding a group like AMG to our rep network is a testament to the strength of the Crazy Creek brand and we are thrilled to have Tom and his team representing us in the Southeast,” said Forrest Rogers, Co-Owner of Crazy Creek. “We want to also thank Allyn Morton of Eastern Outdoor Sales for the last 20 years of dedicated service he has provided us, we wish him the best as he settles into a much-deserved retirement!”

Crazy Creek has also expanded its sales group representation into Montana and Idaho.  The Alta Group, which currently supports the brand in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, will now support the brand in these two additional western states.

“We are very excited to expand the territory that the Alta Group, Inc. is representing Crazy Creek.  It is an honor to represent Crazy Creek in their home state of Montana! Crazy Creek has been on a great trajectory for us the past several years and we are looking forward to more growth,” said Dave Haavik of the Alta Group. “ We are really excited about the product development that the brand has been working on for the past few years and I am sure that will compound our growth.”

For more information about Crazy Creek, please visit crazycreek.com.

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About Crazy Creek

Founded in 1987 in Red Lodge, Montana, Crazy Creek has been a pioneer in outdoor seating, known for its innovative, lightweight chairs. The brand’s mission to perfect “just sit there” comfort across any terrain has garnered trust worldwide among outdoor professionals and enthusiasts alike. Renowned for their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, Crazy Creek chairs have traveled from the backcountry of Northern Alaska to sunny backyards in Southern Florida. The product line includes a range of chairs crafted from the most durable fabrics, featuring carbon fiber stays and a custom stitching process, all backed by a lifetime warranty on Original & Hex 2.0 Chairs. In 2024, Crazy Creek introduced the AirCliner, its most compact and comfortable chair yet. For more information, visit crazycreek.com.

SALT LAKE CITY – February 5, 2025 – Black Diamond Equipment^®, a global leader in climbing, skiing, and mountain sports apparel and equipment, has partnered with National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), the world’s foremost provider of wilderness education. Central to the partnership is the Elevate Scholarship, an initiative to foster leadership, mentorship, and stewardship within the outdoor community.

The Elevate Scholarship provides full-ride support, including travel and gear, for select NOLS courses in the Summer and Fall of 2025. Funded through an annually recurring co-op program between NOLS and Black Diamond, the initiative aims to cultivate future leaders in the outdoor community who might not otherwise have access to the resources they need to recreate safely and sustainably. Additionally, 10% of any purchase made by NOLS, a NOLS employee, or an enrolled student will directly contribute to the scholarship fund.

“At Black Diamond, climbing has always been more than a sport—it’s a way to discover our limits, build resilience, and connect deeply with the natural world,” says Neil Fiske, President at Black Diamond Equipment. “Partnering with NOLS on the Elevate Scholarship lets us extend those values to a broader community, breaking down barriers and equipping the next generation of climbers and outdoor leaders with the skills, mentorship, and gear they need to thrive. Together, we’re not just supporting individuals—we’re fostering a culture of stewardship and sustainability for the vertical and beyond.”

Black Diamond has been one of NOLS’ preferred equipment providers for decades. The official partnership will now also include ongoing gear design collaboration between the two organizations and field testing on key pieces of equipment from Black Diamond, such as the Mega Light Tent, a staple piece of equipment in the NOLS kit. A dedicated gear testing pipeline will engage NOLS field instructors in the design process, leveraging their hands-on expertise in creating and enhancing Black Diamond gear moving forward. To further support NOLS staff, the partnership offers expanded pro deals for all employees.

Several professional Black Diamond athletes got their start with NOLS, including Aaron Mulkey, Adrian Ballinger, Carlo Traversi, and Angela Hawse. Peter Metcalf, the founder of Black Diamond and a 1971 NOLS graduate, credits the school with introducing him to climbing. This joint effort builds on the longstanding relationship between these two organizations. In keeping with that tradition, Black Diamond has committed to providing opportunities for its employees to develop their outdoor and leadership skills with NOLS.

“The NOLS and Black Diamond partnership is such a perfect match. It brings together two organizations who share a deep commitment to wilderness, leadership, and the environment,” said Sandy Colhoun, President of NOLS. “We are grateful for the Black Diamond Elevate Scholarship’s impact on our school, making outdoor education accessible to all. Together with Black Diamond, we are excited to empower the next generation of leaders, explorers, and adventurers.”

The application period for the Elevate Scholarship opens on February 5, 2025, and closes on March 5, 2025. Scholarship recipients will be announced on April 30.

For more information on the scholarship and application process, please visit: https://www.nols.edu/en/expeditions/planning/financial-aid/black-diamond-elevate-scholarship/

MEDIA IMAGE GALLERY | LINK

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About Black Diamond Equipment

Black Diamond Equipment is a global leader in designing innovative outdoor-engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, skiing, and a wide range of other year-round outdoor activities. Headquartered in Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond is synonymous with performance, innovation, and durability in the outdoor community. For more information on Black Diamond Equipment, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com.

About NOLS

Founded in 1965 in a small cabin in Sinks Canyon, Wyoming, the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is a nonprofit global wilderness school that seeks to help individuals step forward boldly as leaders. We believe that anyone can be a leader; it’s our role to provide the environment and training to help them discover their full potential. We do that in classrooms close to home and remote wilderness areas worldwide. The scope of NOLS’ mission and impact is broad, with 14 campuses across six countries and educational opportunities worldwide. The school enrolls over 28,000 students and employs over 1,000 full-time and part-time staff and instructors with an annual budget of approximately $40 million in a typical year. NOLS currently has more than 360,000 active alumni. 

nols.edu | @nolsedu | 800.710.6657

^{MEDIA CONTACTS}

^{BLACK DIAMOND EQUIPMENT}

^{LUCIE RATHBUN}

^{lucie.rathbun@backbone.media}

^NOLS

^{KELLI LUSK}

^{kelli_lusk@nols.edu | 208.309.3793}

YORK, Pa. and CARRBORO, N.C. (Feb. 3, 2025) — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of specialty running stores, announced the grand opening of its newly acquired location in York, Pennsylvania. Located at 1511 Mount Rose Ave., York, PA 17403, the new store takes over the space previously occupied by Flying Feet Sports Shoes. With stores in Mechanicsburg and Harrisburg, this marks the third Fleet Feet location owned and operated by Shelby and Fred Joslyn.

Flying Feet owners Greg and Celine Baum recently announced their retirement after more than 40 years of serving the York community. The Joslyns aim to continue the Baums’ legacy of exceptional customer service and community engagement, while introducing the community to Fleet Feet’s signature experiences, including their outfitting expertise and technology.

The store launched its soft opening as Fleet Feet York on Jan. 4. A grand opening celebration will take place on March 8, beginning at 9 a.m. with a three-mile community run from the store, complete with demo shoes and accessories to test from HOKA, Karhu, Mizuno, OOFOS, On and Superfeet. Customers will have a chance to take home giveaways throughout the day, and will receive a free custom Fleet Feet shirt with any purchase over $100.

“We’re beyond excited to open our third location and serve the incredible York community,” said Fred Joslyn. “Greg and Celine built Flying Feet with a strong foundation of personal service and a commitment to their customers, and we’re dedicated to carrying that forward. Our goal is to create a welcoming space where runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities can find the products, expertise, and support they need.”

Fred and Shelby Joslyn bring years of experience and a deep passion for running and community involvement. The couple met as high school students, and their journeys together as runners and employees at Fleet Feet Syracuse inspired them to own their own store. Together, they have grown their presence in Central Pennsylvania, coaching Fleet Feet training programs, hosting charity events for local animal shelters and youth programs and supporting initiatives like Girls on the Run and Communities Rising.

Fleet Feet York will operate with the brand’s exclusive personalized outfitting experience, fit id®, which includes 3D foot-scanning technology that allows the brand to accurately assess the size and shape of customers’ feet and how each foot moves through the gait cycle. This personalized, expert-led approach allows outfitters to offer the right fitting footwear and accessories for each customer.

“York is a growing area with a strong sense of community, and we’re thrilled to welcome Fred and Shelby’s third store to the Fleet Feet family,” said John Moloznik, vice president of retail development at Fleet Feet. “Their passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences and supporting their community embodies everything that Fleet Feet stands for.”

For 49 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners, and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge, and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.

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About Fleet Feet

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 275 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.