The Outside Summit and Outside Festival held last week in Denver have emerged as significant milestones for the outdoor industry, reminiscent of the renowned South by Southwest conference.
With a robust attendance of 35,000 over the four-day event, nearly doubling last year’s figures, the festival has cemented its place as a burgeoning platform for business, networking, and community engagement.
The first two days consisted of the Outside Summit, featuring enlightening sessions led by industry leaders, policymakers, and athletes, while the latter half transformed Civic Center Park into a vibrant festival space.
During this time, the Adventure Travel Trade Association convened its annual meeting, and various outdoor advocacy groups assembled for the Elevate Conservation gala, marking the growing importance of collaboration within the industry.
Robin Thurston, the entrepreneur behind the Outside brand, remarked on the event’s evolution, stating, “We’ve tapped into something far bigger than a festival. This is becoming a movement.”
The festival, backed by Outside Inc., the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Office, and Visit Denver, faced initial concerns when the Outdoor Retailer trade show pulled out of Denver in 2022.
Many in Colorado’s outdoor sector feared the loss of their city’s status as a national hub for outdoor recreation. However, the Outside Festival answered the call for a business-friendly and consumer-engaging event.
Aspiring to emulate the success of South by Southwest, which boasts over half a million attendees annually, the festival aims to create a unique intersection of industry knowledge and celebratory experiences.
In line with this vision, Thurston envisions future editions of the Outside Festival expanding across multiple locations in Denver, emphasizing the need for in-person interactions.
Among the highlights from the Outside Summit was a ‘Shark Tank’-style pitch competition that showcased innovative startups in the outdoor space. This competition attracted over 200 applications, signaling a wealth of entrepreneurial enthusiasm within the industry.
Colorado’s Kyle Siegel, a mechanical engineer with experience at SpaceX, clinched the top prize with his company, Raide Research.
His lightweight and technical ski packs not only impressed judges but also reflect the innovative spirit of the local startup ecosystem. Siegel’s products prioritize safety, featuring designs that allow quick access to avalanche tools and a unique air-pumping system for emergencies.
With the competition’s award, Siegel plans to use the funding to expand Raide’s inventory and create jobs, spotlighting the potential for startup growth in Colorado’s outdoor market.
Another standout was Campfire Ranch, a company that aims to simplify outdoor experiences for millennials and Gen Z travelers. Founder Degenhard’s pitch highlighted the company’s unique offerings of lodging, gear rentals, and guided adventures tailored for outdoor enthusiasts.
With plans to grow from its existing locations to 25 properties across ten different regions by 2030, Campfire Ranch seeks to make outdoor adventures accessible and cost-effective for its guests.
Degenhard emphasized the economic advantage for groups of travelers: “You can really go and try on camping without having to buy all the stuff.”
The festival was not just about pitches; it also saw influential figures in the outdoor community sharing their experiences and insights.
Notable speakers included climbing legend Alex Honnold, swimming icon Diana Nyad, and snowboarding mountaineer Jeremy Jones, each hosting engaging sessions that drew enthusiastic crowds.
Honnold’s presence alone generated long lines, reflecting the excitement and interest surrounding his contributions to the climbing community.
Nyad’s walk also attracted many outdoor lovers eager to glean wisdom from her remarkable journey.
Jeremy Jones led talks addressing the intersection of outdoor sports and environmental responsibilities, showcasing the festival’s commitment to elevating important discourses within the outdoor space.
In addition to the stimulating discussions, the festival featured numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration among businesses and attendees, reinforcing its multifaceted approach to engagement.
As the summit drew to a close, the focus shifted towards the future of outdoor recreation, with discussions on sustainability, innovation, and community survival.
An exciting development in the ski industry was highlighted during the summit when Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, shared his new venture in Utah’s Powder Mountain ski area.
Having acquired the ski resort, Hastings is devising a new business model that hinges on a public-private partnership rather than aligning with existing major pass programs.
His ambitious plan includes selling approximately 600 $1 million lots to skiers, who would then build homes and become members of a private ski club, thereby providing a steady revenue stream to fund public access to the mountain.
Hastings expressed a desire to create a sustainable model that stands outside the traditional ski resort path, emphasizing a passion project that fuses art and recreation.
The addition of the Powder Art Foundation aims to embed art installations across the public ski terrain, enhancing the aesthetic experience of the area in innovative ways.
From light-filtering sculptures to whimsical installations across ski runs, Hastings’ vision integrates art into the skiing experience, creating interactive points of interest that delight visitors.
Overall, the Outside Festival and Summit underline a vital shift in California’s outdoor sector as it searches for fresh avenues for engagement and community-building.
With enthusiastic attendance and notable innovations, the event represents a substantial leap towards establishing a national gathering that resonates with both industry professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.
As this movement gains momentum, it paves the way for a brighter future in outdoor recreation, fostering connections, culture, and an enduring love for the great outdoors.
image source from：https://coloradosun.com/2025/06/06/outside-festival-denver-2025/
