News and notes from the outdoor industry

The End Of Warren Miller Entertainment

Warren Miller Entertainment (WME), a company that has been synonymous with ski and snowboarding films for over 70 years, announced that it will be shutting down operations. The company has been a staple in the ski and snowboarding community for decades, producing and distributing films that captured the spirit and excitement of the sport. According to a statement released by the company, the decision to fold was not an easy one but was necessitated by changing market conditions and the shift in how people consume media. The ski and snowboarding community has expressed their sadness and disappointment at the news of WME’s folding. Many have criticized WME’s parent company Outside Inc. and its CEO Robin Thurston for shuttering the iconic ski movie brand.

“The iconic ski movies were still popular, they just weren’t at the level of profitability that satisfied Mr. Thurston, who fancies himself a tech CEO. Since he doesn’t believe in traditional media, he considers ski films to be irrelevant. Shuttering Warren Miller Entertainment is a serious blow the outdoor community,” said ASJ editor Matt Niswonger.

Despite the folding of WME, the legacy of Warren Miller and his films will live on. The films will continue to be available through various streaming platforms, and the memories of watching them in theaters will be treasured by skiers and snowboarders everywhere.

Women Compete In Big Wave Invitational

The 39th annual Eddie Big Wave Invitational in Waimea Bay, Hawaii was a historic event as it marked the first time that women were allowed to compete in the prestigious event. The Invitational, held at the renowned surf break at Waimea Bay, attracts the world’s top big-wave surfers to compete for the title of “Eddie Aikau Champion.”

This January, six of the 40 competitors marked their names in history as the first women to ever compete in “The Eddie” — Andrea Moller, Paige Alms, Keala Kennelly, Justine Dupont, Emily Erickson, and Makani Adric. The performances of these women helped showcase the talent and determination of female surfers, while also paving the way for future generations of women in the sport.

In the end, it was a local lifeguard Luke Shephardson who took home the title of Eddie Aikau Champion, with a commanding performance throughout the event.

20th Annual Klamath River Salmon Run

The 20th Annual Klamath River Salmon Run is set to take place this May 18-21, 2023, and is open for runners of all levels. The event, organized by the Yurok Tribe, the Karuk Tribe, and the Klamath Justice Coalition, aims to raise awareness about the impact of the dams on the river’s ecosystem and the indigenous communities that have relied on the river for thousands of years.

The Run follows the traditional routes of the Yurok and Karuk tribes, passing by the four hydroelectric dams that have blocked the salmon migration on the Klamath River since the 1920s. The Yurok Tribe and other tribes in the region have been advocating for the removal of the dams on the Klamath River for many years, as they believe that this is necessary to restore the natural flow of the river and improve the health of the fish populations, which are an important source of food and cultural identity for the tribes.

Look for a feature on the Klamath River Salmon Run in our April/May issue. In the meantime, search them on Facebook to learn more about this event.

Wildlife Conservation Board Grant

At its January 13, 2023 meeting, the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) approved approximately $70.14 million in grants to help restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat throughout California. The three approved projects will benefit fish and wildlife through funding mechanisms that support biodiversity, watershed restoration, climate resiliency and working landscapes that integrate economic, social and environmental stewardship practices beneficial to the environment, landowners and the local community. Read more about the funded projects at adventuresportsjournal.com/wcb

UPHILL/DOWNHILL FESTIVAL & SKIMO RACE

The 4th Annual Luggi Foeger Uphill/ Downhill Festival & SkiMo Race is coming to Diamond Peak March 25-26. Competitors race to the top of the mountain using whatever human-powered method they prefer — skins, snowshoes, running shoes, etc. — then ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or run back down to the finish line. For those of a less competitive nature, the Beer Luggi division offers the opportunity for a less competitive experience and a pint of locally-brewed beer after the race. A recreational course to mid-mountain is also available. The event is family-friendly and also includes fun activities in the base area including ski boot races, live music, an awards ceremony, and more! The fun continues with a winterwildlife snowshoe hike Sunday morning. Learn more at adventuresportsjournal.com/luggifoeger

Visit California State Parks For Free

California State Parks has three new ways to explore the great outdoors for free. The California State Park Adventure Pass is available for fourth graders and their families, The California State Park Library Pass is available to check out at over 1,150 libraries in the state, and the Golden Bear Pass is available for CalWORKS families. Learn more about these programs at adventuresportsjournal. com/free-state-parks