Outdoor Recreation Economy at CU Boulder

🌍 Fun Fact Friday — Happy World Environment Day! 🌳

Today, June 5th, is World Environment Day — the United Nations' largest global platform for environmental awareness and action, observed in over 143 countries. This year's theme is "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future," reminding us that nature isn't optional — it's central to climate resilience and our collective future. 🌱

At the CU Boulder Outdoor Recreation Economy (ORE) program, this message is at the heart of everything we do. The outdoors isn't just where we play — it's what we protect.

📢 Interested in the CU Boulder Outdoor Recreation Economy (ORE) Program? Join us TOMORROW!

We're hosting a Program Admissions Q&A on Tuesday, June 2 from 12–1pm MT. This is your chance to learn all about our master's degree, graduate certificate, and professional development programs — and get your questions answered directly by our admissions team.

Whether you're looking to grow in your current career or pivot into the outdoor industry, this session is designed for you. 🌲

Register now (it's free!) 👇
https://ce.apply.colorado.edu/register/?id=eb46ffe9-9e8a-42f0-8cb4-341ddc1f1e06

Fun Fact Friday — and some exciting news!

Did you know Outside Days is one of the largest outdoor industry gatherings in the U.S., bringing together music, adventure films, inspiring speakers, immersive experiences, and a full industry conference all in one place? 🎶🎥🏔️

And this weekend, the CU Boulder Outdoor Recreation Economy (ORE) Graduate Program will have a booth there! Come find us, say hello, and learn how ORE can help launch or level up your career in the outdoor industry.

📍 Auraria Campus | Downtown Denver
🗓️ May 29-31, 2026

outsidedays.outsideonline.com

What do past grads have to say about their time in the program? 🎓

Jacey Steelman, Summer 2025 graduate, says “The program taught me leadership and high-level thinking in a way that currently earned me my GM job where I am a resort leader for Vail Resorts. It is because of this program I will continue to advance my career in the ski industry.”

From the classroom to the mountain— we love seeing where ORE takes our grads! ⛷️🏔️

🚴 Fun Fact Friday!

Cycling is the most profitable sports goods category in the world, worth about $51 billion each year — accounting for roughly 12.5% of the entire global sporting goods market!

From road bikes to trail rides, cycling isn't just a beloved outdoor activity — it's a global economic powerhouse. And with the market continuing to grow, it's a prime example of why understanding the outdoor recreation economy matters.

Learn what ORE can do for you!



(Source: NPD Group)

What do past grads have to say about their time in the program? 🎓

Tyler Ginger, Fall 2025 graduate and Operations Officer with the United States Air Force, is already putting his ORE project management skills to use in his military career. Long term, he hopes to transition out of the Air Force and leverage his degree to land a role with a government agency in the outdoor space — think Department of the Interior, BLM, or USFS.

Learn what ORE can do for you! 👇
https://lnkd.in/gUTm6Rrd

👟 Fun Fact Friday!

Running is one of the most popular and accessible forms of outdoor recreation in the U.S. — and it's still growing! According to the Outdoor Industry Association's 2026 Running Report, much of that growth is driven by casual runners who weave running into a broader mix of fitness and outdoor activities.

From road to trail, more people are lacing up than ever. What does that mean for the outdoor industry? Opportunity. 📈

Want to dig into the data? Check out OIA's 2026 Running Report for the full breakdown of trends, demographics, and market insights → https://bit.ly/48hTjlX

What do past grads have to say about their time in the program? 🎓

Jennifer Adams, ORE alumni, says "Although not working directly in outdoor recreation, the ORE program helped me find my love for backpacking and being 'lost' in the wilderness, and triggered a spontaneous move to Alaska. Lifetime connections with my new buddies + who we continue to go on amazing outdoor backpacking trips including great adventures like the wonderland trail and summiting Mt. Rainier last summer to planned adventures in Alaska this summer."

The ORE program isn't just a degree — it's a community, a lifestyle, and sometimes, a one-way ticket to Alaska. 🏔️

Whether you're looking to grow in your current career or pivot into the outdoor industry, the CU Boulder Outdoor Recreation Economy (ORE) Graduate Program is designed to meet you where you are.

🏜️ Adventure Highlight!

viggiano and her two roommates took on Moab in the best way possible — hitting the red rock trails at Arches, soaking in those jaw-dropping canyon views, and then finished it off with a jump in the desert with Skydive Moab. 🪂✨

❄️ Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know cross-country skiing is as much as 22,000 years old, dating all the way back to the Paleolithic era? Talk about a timeless outdoor pursuit! 🎿

In honor of this week's Colorado snow, we're taking a moment to appreciate just how deep our connection to the outdoors truly runs. 🏔️

What's your favorite way to enjoy a snow day?