With dynamic outdoor spaces and a never-ending list of recreational activities to choose from, spending time outside is a central part of the Colorado lifestyle. From an economic standpoint, it’s no surprise that in 2023, outdoor recreationists spent over $52.1 billion dollars on trips and equipment in Colorado, contributing to a total economic output of $65.8 billion. The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) serves as the State’s primary coordinator for outdoor recreation industry matters in Colorado. This includes supporting small businesses and organizations that rely on the health of our outdoor recreation economy and introducing people to the outdoors to help increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in this space.
The Colorado State Outdoor Recreation Grant (COSORG) helped fund regional projects across the state that are advancing Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry and strengthening local economies. The support provided through this grant was diverse. It included: funding workforce development, general operational support, stewardship/getting people outdoors, marketing and publications, planning and trail building, construction, and much more.
COSORG was made possible through funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) State Tourism Grant. In the program’s timeframe, which began in 2022, more than $3.7 million has been awarded to 49 projects in 27 counties and approximately 413 jobs have been directly supported, with indirect benefits impacting hundreds of additional jobs.
Three organizations, the American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education (AIARE), SOS Outreach, and First Descents, are great examples of the positive impact COSORG had in supporting diverse projects in the outdoor industry.
American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education (AIARE)
AIARE is the nation’s leading organization for recreational avalanche education. The Telluride-based company provides 1,300 courses that serve more than 11,400 backcountry users every year—nearly 40% of them in Colorado. COSORG’s funding supported the organization’s scholarship program that trains people to become instructors for Colorado providers. It also helped support two years of AIARE’s Colorado-based Instructor Training Course and Course Leader Training. Over the last two winters, the organization awarded more than $57,100 in scholarships to 48 avalanche professionals to further their careers as avalanche educators. With 216 instructors and course leaders, Colorado-based AIARE providers grossed $1.8 million in revenue from courses last season.
“AIARE supports the Colorado snow and avalanche community at all levels, from first-time recreational travelers to aspiring professionals to the ski patrollers, forecasters, guides, and educators who serve the public throughout the winter,” said AIARE Vickie Hormuth, Executive Director. “Avalanche education is a vital component of a safe outing in the Colorado winter backcountry, and we are all safer when more people receive education. AIARE’s student-centered approach seeks to make this important information more accessible to our entire community.”
SOS Outreach
SOS Outreach provides outdoor-based mentoring to children and young adults. The grant funding supported their Career Development Program which offers meaningful summer engagement and connects participants (ages 15+) to paid apprenticeship opportunities in the outdoor industry.
This two-week intensive program includes resume building, interview practice, guest speakers, site visits, technology demos, and inclusivity workshops. Following that, teens receive a dedicated mentor/supervisor to begin their apprenticeship with vetted industry partners. In Colorado, the program operates in Denver, Eagle, and Summit counties.
“Through our Career Development program, we are equipping our teens with the skills needed to be successful, regardless of the career path they choose, and then connecting them to opportunities to practice those skills. We are so grateful for partners like OREC who have seen the value in this apprenticeship program that offers continued support for our young people as they enter the workforce.” said Elizabeth Williams, Chief Operating Officer at SOS Outreach.
In the summer of 2024, of the 19 teens who participated in SOS Outreach’s two-week career skills intensive, nine pursued paid apprenticeships with partners such as Vail Resorts, Sonnenalp, Epic Mountain Gear, Oberalp, and Optic Nerve.
First Descents
First Descents (FD) is a Denver-based nonprofit that provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. COSORG awarded the nonprofit $50,000 which provided direct support towards FD’s partnerships with professional commercial outfitters, thereby stimulating the outdoor recreation workforce and improving equitable access to Colorado’s front and backcountry spaces.
The organization successfully delivered four weeklong whitewater kayaking programs in Buena Vista with the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, and four weeklong rock-climbing programs in Estes Park with Colorado Mountain School. Through these programs, FD served 95 young adults impacted by cancer and multiple sclerosis and provided a total of 143 technical trainings to program participants, staff, and volunteers through the grant-funding program.
“These outcomes demonstrate the positive impact of providing individuals with access to the outdoors. By doing so, First Descents and the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office can be a catalyst for continued outdoor adventure, drive meaningful investment in the outdoor recreation industry, and improve the health of our communities,” said Emma Burick, Senior Development Officer of First Descents.
Additionally, First Descents launched a Community Adventures platform which provides members with customized support to plan regional gatherings with their peers. This initiative has seen tremendous success nationwide, and especially within Colorado. To-date, FD alumni from Colorado have hosted 23 local adventures to engage 250 community members. Activities have included hiking, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, yoga, art workshops, kayaking, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, and rafting.
For the OREC team, it’s been a fulfilling experience to provide financial support to organizations that are significantly contributing to the local workforce and the greater outdoor economy in Colorado. While the Colorado State Outdoor Recreation Grant is closed, OREC continues to support the industry through the Colorado Outdoor Industry Leadership Summit and OREC Rural Technical Assistance Program.