Outdoor Reads: Training for outdoor industry? Are these the secrets of winter camping?

What did the SNEWS team read this week that other industry insiders might find interesting? Read on to find out.

• Many of us working in the industry didn’t study anything outdoor-industry specific in college. Probably because we didn’t have the option. Now some students attending Westminster College in Utah do — the school recently added a minor in outdoor education and leadership. According to this story, the minor is intended to prepare students for leadership positions in the outdoor industry.

• Keeping kids safe and healthy on outdoor adventures might be a significant worry for parents. It could even be a barrier to exposing kids to outdoor activities. Don’t let it be. Check out this story on how to keep kids safe and happy outdoors. It includes tips like making sure they’re warm, that they sleep enough and that they understand the rules.

• If you don’t remember former star snowboarder Kevin Pearce, you will after seeing a new documentary, “The Crash Reel.” Peace made a remarkable recovery following an accident in 2009. This guy was Shaun White’s rival leading up to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, but after sustaining a brain injury, the rivalry diminished as Pearce focused on staying alive and moving on. Check out this story on his recovery.

• Pro skier Tom Warnick’s story doesn’t end as well. This story reports that Boulder’s beloved Warnick, 22, was found dead in his Boulder apartment this past week. The cause of death has yet to be determined. The SNEWS team offers its condolences to Warnick’s family and friends.

• Official reintegration programs for veterans are lacking, so many of them have turned to other means to readjust to civilian life. This Daily Beast story talks about how many veterans use active sports to get used to civilian life again. This non-conventional form of therapy is especially helpful if veterans go on adventures like snowshoeing and skiing together so they can bond and help one another.

• Perhaps one of the people leading outdoor expeditions for veterans with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is your hero. Why not get them some recognition in Backpacker Magazine? Check out how you can nominate your own outdoor heroes to be featured in an issue of Backpacker here.

• Jackson Hole, Wyo. folks should check out this story, which might be driving some tourist business to your area soon. The story talks about how Jackson Hole is the perfect destination spot for both summer and winter, because of its various options for adventures — from fishing and rafting in the summer to snowboarding and snowshoeing in the winter.

• For the past few seasons, we’ve been talking about how fashion is making its way into outdoor apparel. Technical clothing is now fashionable and functional. But check out this story about how outdoor inspiration is making its way onto fashion runways. Apparently high-end fashion designers are hitting the hiking trails to get inspiration for lines with an alpine and trekking vibe.

• If a marathon is on your bucket list, you’ll find plenty of articles out there to sway you. We’ve seen plenty of lists on the subject, but if you’re considering running one, check out this post with 26 reasons to run a marathon. Or if you’ve decided not to run one and want some reassurance, here’s a top 26 reasons not to run a marathon list.

• Just because winter is here does not mean the camping should stop – it just means the camping gear should be appropriate for winter conditions. If your customers aren’t familiar with winter camping, share this story on the top secrets of successful winter camping.

Did you read anything awesome this week? Email it to us because we want to read it, too.