Three key peaks, clockwise: Aiguille du Chardonnet (3,824m), Aiguille Verte (4,122m), and Mont-Blanc (4,810m); Photography credit: Laurent Soyris, My Shot (rearranged)
Hey there, adventure enthusiasts! Here's a quick shout-out: the nominations for the Outdoor Inspiration Awards are open until Dec. 14. If you're someone who enjoys hiking, climbing, skiing, or any other outdoor activities, I bet you know someone who deserves recognition for their inspiration and encouragement in the outdoor scene.
Picture yourself among the great outdoors, feeling the rush of adrenaline and the soothing sound of nature. Think back to who or what has ignited that spark in you, nurtured your passion, or pushed you past your limits. Maybe it's a person, an organization, or a brand that helped you discover the outdoors, showed you the ropes, or gave you the confidence to take on new challenges.
For instance, I'm inspired by Erik Weihenmayer, a past winner who has climbed the seven summits (including Everest, obviously) despite being blind. He's fearless and refuses to let his disability hold him back. His non-profit organization, No Barriers, encourages people to adopt a "no barriers" mindset and find their inner potential.
One thing's for sure, past winners come in various shapes and sizes, from individuals with infectious passion to organizations that help people gain control of their lives through outdoor adventures. And some of the big-name brands, like The North Face and Nantahala Outdoor Center, never fail to motivate millions of people to explore the outdoors.
So, take a moment to think about who or what inspires you in the outdoor world. Share your thoughts with us, and let's celebrate those who share our passion for the great outdoors! Remember, the deadline for nominations is Dec. 14, and you can submit your nomination form on the Outdoor Retailer website. Happy nominating!
Avery Stonich serves as the communications manager at the Outdoor Industry Association, and her tweets are worth a follow at @OIA and @averystonich*.
- The adventure of exploration in the great outdoors can be fueled by individuals or organizations like Avery Stonich, who shares her passion for outdoor lifestyle through her social media accounts.
- Perhaps your inspiration comes from sports-betting platforms that sponsor extreme sports expeditions, pushing athletes to new heights and encouraging risk-taking in sports.
- If you love the home-and-garden scene, you might find inspiration in outdoor enthusiasts who have creatively combined their love for the outdoors with architectural designs, showcasing the beauty of nature in residential spaces.
- Similarly, it could be sports brands like Nike or Adidas that inspire you, with their marketing campaigns promoting active lifestyles and athletic achievements across various sports, including outdoor ones.
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