The economic outlook of the great outdoors

In this week's 'Economics on Tap' episode of Make Me Smart, host Kimberly Adams explores the current state of the U.S. outdoor recreation economy with Rachel Cohen from the Mountain West News Bureau. The conversation begins with a lighthearted drink exchange—Rachel sips a local pineapple sour from Weldworks Brewery, while Kimberly mixes a lemon blueberry shrub with soju—setting a playful tone for a deeper dive into economic trends. Cohen explains that while the outdoor economy saw a pandemic-driven surge, growth is now slowing due to post-pandemic normalization, global tariffs affecting outdoor apparel supply chains, and weather volatility. A key development discussed is a new Forest Service rule allowing ski resorts on public land to diversify beyond winter sports by redefining 'primary use' beyond revenue, enabling summer activities like mountain biking, concerts, and zip-lining. This shift reflects adaptation to climate change and seasonal instability. The episode also covers the Forest Service’s controversial move of its headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City, raising concerns about institutional knowledge loss and staff attrition. Park visitation data shows a slight dip in 2025 after a record year in 2024, possibly due to a government shutdown and declining international tourism, compounded by a new $100 per-person fee for non-residents entering national parks. The segment closes with a fun 'This or That' game featuring outdoor preferences, where Rachel and Kimberly debate hiking vs. biking, camping vs. glamping, and mountains vs. oceans—highlighting personal connections to nature. The episode blends economic insight with personal storytelling, underscoring both resilience and vulnerability in the outdoor economy.