Norrøna Unveils a New Lodge at Andørja, Opening Summer 2027

Oslo, Norway, 15 September, 2026: Norrøna, the 97-year-old Norwegian outdoor brand, has revealed a new lodge on Andørja, Northern Europe’s most mountainous island, opening in June 2027. The Norrøna Lodge at Andørja is built for travelers who want to be close to raw nature and real adventure without giving up comfort, and marks the first step in Norrøna’s vision for a new Arctic Voyage, a growing network of lodges along one of Norway’s most untouched coastlines.

“Norrøna’s lodge at Andørja sits at the edge of one of Norway’s wildest and most remote coastlines, on an island with twenty peaks rising over 1,000 metres straight from the fjords,” says Jørgen Jørgensen, CEO and fourth-generation owner of Norrøna. “Its opening is not only a milestone in our nearly 100-year history, it is also a doorway into an entirely new world for our customers, and the first step in connecting this coastline into a single, unforgettable journey.”

Designed for the Wild

The design of the lodge is led by Norrøna, working in partnership with Dark Arkitekter to bring that vision to life. The lodge’s main building began life as a research centre for basking sharks. Norrøna chose to build around the site, preserving what was already there rather than starting from scratch.

The finished lodge will feature 15 guest cabins welcoming up to 30 guests at a time. Each room is designed around the needs of an adventurer, constructed from solid timber insulated with a wood-fibre material, prefabricated and shipped in before being craned onto timber poles, leaving the lightest footprint possible. It will also include a lounge and bar, restaurant, two wood-fired saunas, and a Norrøna shop.

“At Andørja, we’ve focused on preserving the ground and the vegetation,” says Jørgensen. “Everything we’ve built sits on poles, the boardwalks cover the infrastructure, and there’s no road access anywhere on site. We’re building base camps for guests who come here to ski, hike, bike or climb, whatever their experience level, and the whole lodge is designed to make that as easy as possible.”

The Andørja Experience

Open year-round, The Norrøna Lodge at Andørja offers adventure across every season. Guests are welcomed at the airport and arrive at the lodge by boat (weather permitting). Every stay is fully inclusive, covering guiding, dining, recovery, and end-to-end transport, and can be tailored to the guest.

Activities range from skiing untouched terrain to hiking, mountaineering and trail running beneath the midnight sun, or heading into the Arctic night to chase the northern lights, snow-shoe, or fish, right from the lodge doorstep. For something slower-paced, guests can join local guides to learn about the island’s fishing traditions and communities, photograph the Arctic light, explore wildlife, or unwind at the lodge’s sauna, outdoor hot tubs, and fjord dips.

Andørja’s setting also makes it a natural basecamp: neighbouring islands Rolla, Grytøya and Senja offer similarly remote terrain within reach by boat, and many of Andørja’s own peaks are only accessible from the water. Guests travel to and from activities aboard the lodge’s aluminium tender craft, often finding themselves completely alone in nature.

Back at the lodge, meals draw on the same landscape guests explore by day, built around fresh, local Arctic raw materials such as king crab, sea urchin, and foraged berries and wild herbs.

“We believe the best adventures are shaped around the adventurer,” says Christian Schmidt, Chief Experience Officer at Norrøna. “Andørja gives us an extraordinary canvas to do that, guided by people who live and breathe this region and can show our guests something they won’t find anywhere else. Every guest will leave with their own story and some of the most memorable days they’ll ever spend in nature.”

From Gear to Destination: A Fully Integrated Outdoor Brand

Norrøna has been developing premium outdoor gear since 1929. The new Lodge at Andørja marks the next step in the brand’s evolution, pioneering the future of outdoor adventure through both gear and hosted experiences. It joins Canvas Telemark, the brand’s mountain biking hotel in Southern Norway, and Varg S/Y, its expedition sailing yacht, as part of a growing portfolio of adventure destinations across Norway.

“We’ve always made the gear. Now we’re building the places it takes you, where guests can test that same gear in the very landscapes that inspired it,” says Jørgensen. “The Norrøna Lodge at Andørja joins Canvas and Varg in that vision, and it’s where our Arctic Voyage begins: a growing network of lodges opening some of Norway’s most untouched coastline to travelers in a way it never has before.”

To learn more about The Norrøna Lodge at Andørja and join the interest list for early updates and booking access, visit destinations.norrona.com/en/andorja-lodge/.

ENDS

About Norrøna:

Norrøna, the heritage Norwegian outdoor brand, offers authentic, world-class active adventures across the globe. Uniting Norrøna’s 90+ year tradition of technical craftsmanship with a 40-year legacy of expedition travel, the company provides over 100 expertly guided tours in 50+ countries. Specializing in both private and group adventures, the portfolio spans hiking, high-altitude trekking, ski touring, ski expeditions, mountain biking, and tailor-made adventures.

Notes to Editors:

Press Kit: Available here

Images: Available here

Design & Architecture: For more on the design behind Andørja Lodge, see here

All-Inclusive Package: Every stay includes guiding, dining, recovery and end-to-end transport; drinks are not included. Guiding runs daily in groups of five to seven with a professional guide, with a private guide available on request, and weather permitting, at least one guided trip to a neighbouring island is included per stay. Guests can also borrow kayaks, fishing rods and wetsuits, and rent or test Norrøna’s own skis and gear.

Bookings are available from the end of October, with rates from €990 pp/night.

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Ellee Lines, Senior Account Director, Roam Generation

ellee@roamgeneration.com |  +61 4 34 264 858

Corinne Baud, Senior PR Account Manager, rygr

corinne.baud@rygr.us

Noto Group Adds Senior Partners Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns to Expand Global Consumer Practice

PORTLAND, OR | LEEDS, UK — September 15, 2026 — Noto Group, an executive search and leadership advisory firm serving consumer brands across North America and Europe, today announced the addition of Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns as Senior Partners.

The appointments expand Noto Group’s expertise and strengthen the firm’s ability to support clients through growth, transformation, and strategic change. “Cody and Kirsty bring highly complementary experience, deep consumer sector expertise, and a genuine connection to how we work,” said Sara Spirko, Managing Partner of Noto Group. “Both understand that finding the right leader starts with gaining full context including the desired outcomes beneath the hiring need. That perspective, combined with rigorous assessment and close client partnership, is central to how we approach every search.”

Kirsty Schofield Strengthens International Practice

Based in the UK, Schofield brings 15 years of executive search experience and will help grow Noto Group’s fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and wellness practices. She joins Senior Partner John Copeland in expanding the firm’s international reach, leveraging her network across Europe, Asia, and North America.”

A founding member and shareholder of PartnerWise, Schofield built a senior-level search practice serving leading consumer brands across functions and markets. She advises boards, CEOs, and executive teams on critical appointments, combining Hogan certification and assessment expertise with a strong understanding of the leadership required to drive growth, transformation, and long-term performance.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to organizations and leaders building something meaningful,” said Schofield. “Noto Group’s consumer focus, values, and proven Sure Hire process really resonate with me. I’m excited to work with our clients as they make important leadership decisions and shape the future of their brands.”

“I’ve known Kirsty for a while and have tremendous respect for the practice she has built,” said John Copeland, Senior Partner at Noto Group. “I’m thrilled to work alongside her as we extend Noto Group’s reach with top leaders and consumer brands around the world.”

Cody Johns Returns to Her Executive Recruiting Roots

Johns has nearly two decades of experience in executive search, talent strategy, and organizational transformation. She joins Noto Group after more than 14 years at Nike, most recently as Director, Talent Business Partner, advising VP and SVP leaders on succession planning, organizational capability, and leadership hiring across Sales, Direct to Consumer, Design, and Product. She also played a key role in a major realignment that moved more than 2,000 employees into a new operating model in fewer than 90 days.

Previously, Johns served as Nike’s Executive Sourcing Director, helping scale the company’s executive sourcing capabilities, and earlier led executive recruiting across Product Management, Merchandising, and Product Creation.

Johns’ move to Noto Group marks a full-circle moment. Notowitz gave her first opportunity in executive recruiting at Generator Group, the search firm he founded before Noto Group. She later built on that foundation through senior talent roles at Adidas and Nike.

“It’s been rewarding to watch Cody build an exceptional career,” said Notowitz. “She returns with a rare combination of executive recruiting expertise and firsthand experience advising leaders inside a global organization on talent, succession, and organizational transformation.”

“I’ve followed Noto Group’s growth and have always respected its commitment to helping great companies make consequential leadership decisions,” said Johns. “Having seen those decisions from both inside organizations and as a search professional, bringing that perspective to Noto Group feels like a natural next chapter.”

Johns will advise clients on executive search, leadership selection, and talent strategy, with a focus on fitness and sporting goods, fashion, wellness, and beauty sectors.

Expanding Noto Group’s Consumer Leadership Platform

“Kirsty and Cody strengthen our firm in distinct but highly complementary ways,” Notowitz added. “Kirsty brings extensive international search experience and deep relationships across global consumer markets, while Cody brings firsthand experience inside a world-class consumer organization. Together, they broaden our ability to help founders, CEOs, boards, and investors build leadership teams equipped to grow, evolve, and endure.”

About Noto Group

Noto Group is a global executive search and leadership advisory firm that helps consumer brands recruit, select, and prepare exceptional leaders for critical roles, often during periods of growth, transformation, turnaround, or strategic change.

Founded in 2009, the firm specializes in C-suite, VP, and Director-level search across sporting goods, outdoor, apparel, footwear, CPG, food and beverage, fashion, lifestyle, beauty, personal care, travel, and hospitality. With offices across the U.S. and UK, Noto Group combines the high-touch service of a boutique firm with the reach and assessment capabilities of the larger global search firms.

Noto Group is a Certified B Corporation since 2013 and a member of 1% for the Planet.

Visit www.notogroup.com to learn more.

Switchback at TRE sharpens focus on outdoor industry growth with robust retail education roster and deep confirmed brand list

PORTLAND, MAINE (September 15, 2026) –   Switchback, the education and business gathering for the outdoor industry, this week announced the initial list of confirmed education sessions at The Running Event (TRE). 

Led by a broad range of retailer-focused topics from A.I.-informed marketing to cutting-edge merchandising tactics, and supported by a strong roster of industry voices – including both official event partner Outdoor Industry Association as well as The Conservation Alliance – Switchback at TRE is delivering tangible events with real value for outdoor industry businesses seeking growth. 

By building its forward-looking outdoor educational slate on top of the historically successful foundation of the running industry’s largest and most energetic gathering, Switchback at TRE has taken another positive step forward in refining – not just reimagining – its role as the national gathering for the outdoor industry. 

“For brands and retailers looking for growth more than guessing, Switchback at TRE is the right place to be. It stands on a solid and proven event foundation, it has an unmatched combination of legacy brands and retail-ready new faces, and it has been crafted from the ground up to be an opportunity factory for all attendees,” said Sean Smith, Switchback event director. 

Switchback at TRE will be held December 1-3, 2026, in San Antonio, TX, at the Henry B. González Convention Center.  The gathering will open with a dedicated retail education day (Dec. 1), followed by two days of retailer and brand meetings with educational sessions continuing on the main exhibition floor.   

A selection of confirmed exhibitors in the Switchback section of the event floor include Berghaus, Chaco, Cotopaxi, Crocs, Danner, Free Fly Apparel, Gossamer Gear, Huckberry, KEEN, Klean Kanteen, LOWA Boots, Mammut, Patagonia, Scott Sports, SKIDA, Smartwool, Sunkski, TEVA, The North Face and Toad & Co.  A selection of outdoor brands on the main TRE floor include Arc’teryx, Birkenstock, Brooks, Buff, CamelBak, Darn Tough Vermont, Garmin, Goodr, GU Energy Labs, Hydrapak, Hoka, La Sportiva, LEKI USA, Lems, Merrell, MiiR, On, Petzl, prAna, Salomon, Saucony, Sea to Summit, Superfeet, Suunto, Tifosi Optics, and Vuori. 

Confirmed presenters in the TRE Education program include representatives from Outdoor Industry Association, The Conservation Alliance (TCA), The North Face, KEEN, Circana, The Rut Mountain Run, Max Retail, Blaze Partners, Karnan Associates, Strava, and others. A selection of scheduled sessions include: 

  • KPI Kitchen: A Recipe for KPIs That Actually Matter, presented by Karnan Associates on Day One; Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 9:30 AM. 
  • Beyond Margin: A Discovery Workshop on Smarter Retailer Profitability, presented by Max Retail on Day One; Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 9:30 AM. 
  • If AI Can’t See You, Runners Won’t Either: A Guide to AI Visibility for Retailers, Brands & Events, presented by Blaze Partners on Day One; Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 9:30 AM. 
  • The Mobile Retail Blueprint: Taking Your Store on the Road, presented by Sidewalk Athletics on Day One; Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 2:30 PM. 
  • A New Era in Marketing – How Brands and Retailers Can Leverage Media Partnerships, presented by Flo Sports on Day Two; Wednesday, Dec 2 at 9 AM. 
  • Trail Access + the Power of Community to Protect it, presented by Patagonia, RDIC, and TCA on Day Two; Wednesday, Dec 2 at 1 PM. 
  • The Trail Ahead: Consumer & Industry Trends Shaping Trail Running, presented by UltraSignup on Day Three; Thursday, Dec. 3 at 11 AM. 

 For updates on education at Switchback at TRE and The Running Event, visit  TRE Education Program | Switchback. 

To register for TRE and Switchback at TRE, visit www.therunningevent.com/register. 

ABOUT SWITCHBACK 

Switchback is the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry owned and operated by Diversified, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. Scheduled at optimal times for discovery and buying conversations, Switchback is held each fall in conjunction with The Running Event and each spring as a standalone event. Blending an accessible format with a schedule of education, peer connection opportunities, and business meetings, Switchback is a dedicated gathering place for all sectors of the outdoor industry community. Upcoming dates for the event include Switchback at TRE (Dec. 2-4, 2025; San Antonio, TX) and Switchback Spring (June 16-18; New Orleans, LA). To learn more about Switchback, please contact Michael Collin (michael@palemorning.com) or visit www.switchbackevent.com. 

About Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting — and growing access to — the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org. 

rePurpose Global Becomes an Approved 1% for the Planet Impact Partner

New York, NY, September 15, 2026 — rePurpose Global announced today its official approval as an Impact Partner within the 1% for the Planet network. The partnership brings together 1% for the Planet’s global giving network and rePurpose Global’s network of verified plastic recovery projects strengthening waste systems worldwide.

As an approved Impact Partner in the network, rePurpose Global has completed 1% for the Planet’s robust vetting process and is now eligible to receive contributions from 1% for the Planet Members—companies that are held accountable for directing at least 1% of annual revenue to vetted and approved environmental organizations. This gives businesses a simple way to fund verified plastic recovery and take meaningful action on plastic waste while meeting their 1% commitments.

To date, rePurpose Global has enabled the recovery of more than 110 million pounds of plastic waste across India, Indonesia, Colombia, Cameroon, Kenya, and beyond. The impact extends far beyond the tonnage recovered: funding this work supports dignified incomes for waste workers, strengthens community waste management systems, and helps protect coastlines and ecosystems from plastic pollution.

Businesses that direct their environmental giving to rePurpose Global’s projects receive clear visibility into where their contributions go and the specific impact they help create, backed by transparent, traceable reporting. This gives businesses verified impact data to support credible plastic recovery claims and ESG reporting, while also bringing the impact behind the numbers to life through stories of the people, communities, and ecosystems their contributions support.

“We have long admired how 1% for the Planet mobilizes businesses around a model that is simple by design yet profound in its impact. We’re incredibly proud to join this global community and excited to reach more businesses committed to environmental action. For rePurpose, that means helping more resources reach the people doing the hard work of tackling plastic pollution every day — recovering waste, building stronger local systems, and creating dignified livelihoods in communities around the world.”

— Manika Doshi, CEO, rePurpose Global

“1% for the Planet is rooted in the belief that every business, everywhere, has a responsibility to invest in solutions so our planet and future generations thrive. Our core work is to grow corporate support for the organizations delivering these critical environmental solutions so they can create even greater impact. We welcome rePurpose Global into our global network of members and impact partners working together to create a thriving future.”

— Kate Williams, CEO, 1% for the Planet

Together, rePurpose Global and 1% for the Planet are connecting more businesses with meaningful environmental action and more resources with the people and communities delivering it on the ground.

Businesses interested in supporting verified plastic recovery through rePurpose Global can learn more at repurpose.global or book a call.

Media contact

For rePurpose media inquiries, reach out to hello@repurpose.global.

For 1% for the Planet media inquiries, contact media@onepercentfortheplanet.org.

Outdoor Alliance heads to D.C. this week to advocate for public lands and waters

Washington, D.C. (September 14, 2026) — Days before a comment deadline that will affect 45 million acres of National Forest land and the recreation experiences on them, Outdoor Alliance and more than 60 outdoor recreation leaders representing 18 states are on Capitol Hill this week meeting with members of Congress. They will urge Congress to focus on conservation priorities such as protecting public lands and investing in the agencies that manage them as major decisions over the future of America’s national forests and other public lands come to a head.

The delegation includes representatives from national and regional recreation organizations, outdoor businesses, and conservation groups, including Patagonia, American Whitewater, Winter Wildlands Alliance, The Mountaineers, Runners for Public Lands, Washington Trails Association, Colorado Mountain Club, Bikepacking Roots, and others.

Organized by Outdoor Alliance, the annual fly-in brings together outdoor industry leaders, nonprofit organizations, and recreation advocates for meetings with lawmakers and federal agencies. This year’s meetings come just days before the close of a public comment period on the proposed rescission of the Roadless Rule.

Last summer, lawmakers rejected proposals to sell off millions of acres of public lands after an unprecedented outpouring of public opposition. But the pressure on public lands has continued. Over the past year, the administration has moved to roll back the Roadless Rule and other conservation policies, reconsider how motorized use is managed across national forests, and reduce staffing and capacity at federal land management agencies.

Congress has an opportunity to chart a different course. Fly-in participants will ask lawmakers to protect America’s backcountry forests, reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, oppose future public-land sales, and ensure federal land management agencies have the staffing and resources needed to steward public lands and recreation.

“Public lands and outdoor recreation are bipartisan American values that have long united people across political lines,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of the Outdoor Alliance. “Last summer, Americans sent a clear message that they want public lands to stay in public hands. Keeping them healthy and accessible also requires smart conservation policy, sustained investment, and strong, well-resourced land management agencies. This week, more than 60 outdoor leaders are bringing that message directly to Congress.”

The following issues will be top priorities with lawmakers this week:

  • Keep Public Lands Public: Fly-in participants will urge lawmakers to oppose proposals that sell or transfer public lands or prioritize private interests over public benefit. Outdoor Alliance’s recent Public Lands at Risk report highlights more than 20 recreation landscapes on Forest Service and BLM lands facing current threats.
  • Protect the Roadless Rule: The administration is moving to rescind protections for 45 million acres of national forests, including more than 25,000 miles of trails and more than 10,000 miles of mountain biking. Fly-in participants will urge lawmakers to defend the Roadless Rule and the backcountry recreation, clean water, wildlife habitat, and communities it supports.
  • Reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund: With the fund expired and land management agencies facing a roughly $41 billion maintenance backlog, fly-in participants will urge Congress to renew investment in trails, campgrounds, roads, bridges, visitor facilities, and other recreation infrastructure.
  • Travel Management: The Forest Service is considering changes that would move toward an “open unless designated closed” approach to motorized use on national forests. Fly-in participants will raise concerns about impacts to human-powered recreation, natural and cultural resources, and the additional decision-making burden this could place on already understaffed local Forest Service offices.

Fly-in participants representing outdoor recreation organizations, businesses, and communities across the country are available for interviews about the national and local impacts of these public-land policy decisions.

To learn more, please visit www.outdooralliance.org.

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, Runners for Public Lands, 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

Peter Rauch Named President of Mountain Hardwear

PORTLAND, Ore — September 11, 2026 — Columbia Sportswear Company (Nasdaq: COLM), a leading innovator in active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, today announced that Peter Rauch will be the new President of the Mountain Hardwear brand.  Mountain Hardwear’s mission is to encourage and equip people to seek wilder paths. With over 30 years of wild wisdom, Mountain Hardwear continues to offer premium technical apparel, accessories and equipment products for climbers, mountaineers, skiers, snowboarders, and trail athletes. Troy Sicotte will transition to a new role as Global Vice President, Sales for Mountain Hardwear.

Mr. Rauch transitions from his current role as General Manager of Columbia Brand North America and brings nearly 20 years of experience across the Columbia family of brands, deep industry expertise, and a genuine passion for the outdoors.

“Throughout his career, Peter has built strong cross-functional partnerships, developed high-performing teams, and delivered meaningful business results,” said Peter Bragdon, President, Columbia Sportswear Company. “His deep understanding of our business, combined with his commitment to the outdoor industry and consumers we serve, positions him well to lead Mountain Hardwear into its next chapter.”

Since joining Mountain Hardwear almost eight years ago and serving as President for nearly five years, Mr. Sicotte has played a pivotal role in strengthening the brand and building a strong foundation for future success. In Mr. Sicotte’s new role, he will focus on strengthening marketplace relationships.

“We are grateful for Troy’s contributions and are excited about the leadership he will continue to bring to the brand,” said Craig Zanon, EVP, Europe Direct, Asia Direct and Emerging Brands. “His deep industry expertise, strong retailer partnerships and global perspective position him well to help drive the Mountain Hardwear brand’s next phase of growth and success.”

“As I transition into this new role, I am excited about Mountain Hardwear’s future and the opportunities ahead. I look forward to strengthening relationships with our marketplace partners globally and helping drive the brand’s continued growth,” said Troy Sicotte. Mr. Rauch and Mr. Sicotte will begin their new positions on September 28.

About Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear, Inc., was founded in 1993 and is based in Richmond, CA. We exist to encourage and equip people to seek a wilder path in life. For over 30 years, we’ve built essential equipment for climbers, mountaineers, and outdoor athletes and have supported expeditions on the world’s highest peaks. Relentless precision continues to inspire everything we do — our designers sweat every stitch and detail to continuously improve function, durability, and comfort.

Mountain Hardwear is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company, which distributes its products through specialty outdoor retailers in the United States and worldwide. www.mountainhardwear.com

UDisc Uncorks List of 10 Best Disc Golf Courses at Wineries

MINNEAPOLIS — September 10, 2026 — UDisc, the leading disc golf course directory and smartphone app, is revealing its tasting notes for the 10 Best Disc Golf Courses at Wineries for 2026. This year’s vintage includes scenic properties in eight U.S. states and one Canadian province, proving that disc golf and wine make for a perfect pairing.

“There’s nothing quite like a day at a vineyard, and adding disc golf makes that experience even more memorable,” UDisc Co-Founder and CEO Josh Lichti said. “Whether it’s the views, the hospitality, or the varietals on offer, each venue on this list provides a unique way for visitors to also enjoy one of the fastest-growing forms of recreation in the world.”

Pennsylvania’s Aviator Vineyard & Winery tops the list with its challenging Preserve at AGA Farms.  Courses in California’s Paso Robles and New York’s Finger Lakes bring well-known wine regions to the list, while dual-purpose vineyard/breweries in Virginia and North Carolina also stand out.

That geographic spread reflects disc golf’s continued success: More than three courses were built per day in 2025, according to UDisc’s Disc Golf Growth Report, bringing the global tally to more than 17,000 places to play in over 100 countries.

Download the UDisc app to record your rounds, discover more winery courses, and experience disc golf near you.

About UDisc

UDisc is the world’s #1 disc golf app, trusted by millions of players to record rounds, discover courses, and measure their progress. UDisc’s mission is to empower the world to play more disc golf by supporting players and organizers around the globe. Now the industry standard for measuring disc golf participation, infrastructure, and reach, the company’s Disc Golf Health Index focuses on the places where new courses can be most impactful. Learn more at UDisc.com.

LOWA and Summit Scholarship Foundation Complete Matterhorn Adventure

September 10, 2026 – Salt Lake City, Utah – LOWA, a global footwear brand renowned for over 100 years of premium craftsmanship, celebrates the successful completion of the LOWA Matterhorn Adventure in partnership with the Summit Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit that provides women access to mountaineering through training, mentorship, and financial assistance.

On September 2, scholarship recipients Tiffany Diep of New Hampshire and Noemi Kreuz of Germany set out to climb the iconic Matterhorn under the guidance of world-class alpinist Ines Papert. Despite months of rigorous preparation, getting to the summit was not straightforward. Conditions on the 14,692 ft mountain proved to be challenging for weeks leading up to the attempt, and the team continuously reassessed the situation with the counsel of local mountain guides.

“In mountaineering, success is not measured solely by reaching a summit,” said Sunny Stroeer, Founder of the Summit Scholarship Foundation and LOWA Athlete. “Equally important is the ability to assess risks carefully and make the right decision for one’s own situation.”

Following a training day on the Riffelhorn and improved conditions on the Matterhorn, the team decided to make a summit attempt via Hörnli Ridge. Ultimately, Noemi Kreuz reached the summit along with mountain guide and LOWA ambassador Ramona Volken, while other members of the team decided to turn back at Solvay Hut after carefully evaluating their individual circumstances.

“This project was more than climbing a mountain,” said Summit Scholarship recipient Tiffany Diep. “Despite feeling drawn to the outdoors as a kid, it never crossed my mind that it was a place for me. Our journey is now documented, telling the story of the importance of gender equity in the outdoors. I hope that we can be those female role models I so desperately needed when I was a kid.”

Amidst a successful summit as well as individual turnaround decisions, the outcome of the 2026 LOWA Matterhorn Adventure reflects the program’s broader goal: creating opportunities for women to gain experience, confidence, and access to mountaineering through structured training, coaching, and support. The expedition was accompanied by an all-female film crew, with a documentary scheduled to premiere at the Tegernsee International Mountain Film Festival, October 14–18, 2026.

For more information about the Summit Scholarship Foundation and how to apply for future scholarships, visit summitscholarship.org. To learn more about LOWA USA and the latest brand news, visit us.lowa.com or contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

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About LOWA

With over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, LOWA is a globally respected footwear brand located in Jetzendorf, in Upper Bavaria. Since 1923, LOWA has created premium outdoor boots and shoes featuring beautiful silhouettes, best-in-class quality, and proprietary technology. Its designers adeptly navigate the outdoor performance, trail running, lifestyle, and tactical categories, always nurturing brand integrity. LOWA is one of the only footwear brands to receive ISO 9001 status for the highest quality construction and process standards. LOWA certified tactical boots are also made to comply with the European Union’s PPE standards. For more information, visit www.us.lowa.com.

About Tecnica Group

A global leader in outdoor footwear and ski equipment, Tecnica Group boasts a portfolio of some of the industry’s most historic brands: Tecnica (ski boots and footwear), Nordica (skis and boots), Moon Boot® (footwear), LOWA (trekking and outdoor shoes), Blizzard (skis), and Rollerblade® (inline skates). Founded in 1963 by the Zanatta brothers, the company has been highly innovative from the very beginning, pioneering the first double-injection plastic ski boot that revolutionized the industry and creating iconic design products such as the legendary Moon Boot.

Today, Tecnica Group is an international company with 10 subsidiaries, along with more than 40 distribution partners, exporting to over 80 countries worldwide. The company employs 3,722 people, around 400 of whom are based in Italy, primarily at its headquarters in Giavera del Montello (Treviso). In 2017, the Zanatta family, still at the helm of the Group, opened the company to external capital with the entry of Italmobiliare as a minority shareholder. For more information, visit www.tecnicagroup.com.