We’re deep in winter now. The Olympics are still rolling, the days are short, and the cold air has a way of sharpening everything, focus, effort, perspective. This time of year always reminds me how much discipline and preparation matter, whether it’s on a global stage or just getting out the door for a run.
Here’s what’s happening across the outdoor world this week.
What to know:
🏃♂️ Barkley Marathons defeats all 40 runners; one completes "Fun Run"
⛰️ Young hiker dies on Mount Marcy; rescue dog survives winter conditions.
⛰️ Nepal requires climbers summit 7,000m peak before Everest attempts
🏁 Alta couple wins Kings and Queens of Corbet's 2026 competition.
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The world's most brutal ultramarathon crushes 40 hopefuls in Tennessee
2026 Barkley Marathon
French ultrarunner Sébastien Raichon was last standing, completing 3 loops in 38 hours
Zero runners finished the 100+ mile course within the 60-hour limit—26th time this has happened
Damian Hall completed 3 laps but was disqualified for missing book pages at checkpoints
Only 12 of 40 starters made it past the first loop in brutal February conditions
Race has been completed just 26 times by 20 people since 1986—London had 56,640 finishers
Why it matters? The Barkley's 97% historical failure rate proves that some challenges are designed to win, reminding us that not every race needs finishers to be legendary.
How tough is it?
“The Finisher” documents, Jasmin Paris in 2024, who made history by becoming the first woman to finish the Barkley Marathons, widely known as one of the hardest races in the world and a defining test in ultrarunning and trail running.
New Jersey hiker dies in winter rescue attempt on NY's highest peak
Mt Marcy
21-year-old slipped near Mount Marcy's 5,344-foot summit during extreme winter conditions
Temperatures in teens with wind chills below zero prevented helicopter rescue attempts
Rangers hiked 5+ miles in darkness to reach victim; hiker found deceased at 9:51 PM
Dog found alive and safely escorted down mountain by rescue teams Friday morning
Spruce traps and high winds make Mount Marcy's exposed summit deadly in winter
Why it matters? This tragedy highlights the unforgiving nature of winter alpine hiking—even experienced climbers can fall victim to hidden dangers and rapidly changing conditions.
New law requires prior high-altitude experience—but only on Nepali mountains
Mt Everest
Climbers must summit a 7,000m peak in Nepal before attempting Everest under new Tourism Bill
86 qualifying peaks available, with permits costing $500-$800 depending on altitude and season
Health certificates now required for all climbers, Sherpas, guides, and Liaison Officers
K2 experience doesn't count—only Nepali 7,000m peaks qualify for the prerequisite
Won't affect 2026 spring season—bill must pass lower house before becoming law
Why it matters? Nepal's boosting safety and revenue by forcing aspiring Everest climbers to spend more money—and gain experience—within their borders first.
Alta couple claims King and Queen crowns at Jackson Hole
Keegan Rice
Tristen Lilly and Piper Kunst, both from Alta, won the athlete-judged competition
Kunst landed only the second-ever women's backflip into Corbet's Couloir
Lilly stomped frontflip, backflip, and bio 7 combo to secure his crown
Fresh snow after January dry spell created perfect conditions for hucking
Kelly Hilleke's double backflip and creative snowboarder entries wowed crowds
Why it matters? This athlete-judged format celebrates creativity over rigid scoring, proving freeride skiing's soul still belongs to the riders themselves.
🗞️ Other Headlines
⛷️ A veteran skier argues that backcountry skiing is being overtaken by gear obsession and safety culture
🎿 Professional trail runner Anna Gibson qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics in ski mountaineering after just six months of training
🏄 Medewi Beach in Bali now requires beginner surfers to have instructors or guides
🚴 Portland engineer Jerry Shrall completed every single bikeable street in the city—all 2,400 miles—using his work commute to explore unknown neighborhoods and hidden gems.
🧗 Connor Herson freed Drifter's Escape (5.15a) in Squamish—potentially the world's hardest trad climb
⏱️ FKT Highlight: Fire Island (NY)
Fire Island is an amazing 35 miles stretch (484 ft vertical gain) off Long Island that gives you a feeling of seclusion. It heats up as the weather gets warm, so if you are looking for a challenge, this could be it. The currently [Self-Supported] FKt was completed by Robert Aguanno & Andrew Shen in 6h 44m 50s
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