Draft:Mountain Weekly News

Mountain Weekly News is an independent digital publisher of news, outdoor gear reviews, photos, and environmental journalism based in Jackson, Wyoming. Founded in 2008 by Mike Hardaker, the site began as a one-person operation and has grown to feature reviews and articles from over 40 contributors.

History
Hardaker founded a precursor to Mountain Weekly News in 2004, focusing on technology, entertainment, business, political, and travel features.

In 2008, the site shifted its focus to the outdoor niche with gear tests and reviews, photos, opinion pieces on environmental topics, and a goal to get more people engaging with the outdoors.

"What I’ve appreciated most about working with Mike and the Mountain Weekly News crew is the genuine interest in products that function and perform. It’s authentic and honest – and it shows. The team loves gear – loves being outside and the passion is real," says Matt Patti, Global Category Manager at Vans "Off The Wall" Snow.

Since then, Mountain Weekly News has grown in readership, reaching over 60,000 monthly visitors, and establishing partnerships with well-known outdoor brands and organizations including Patagonia, Vans, and Snowsports Industries America.

2015 also saw the addition of the Everything Snowboarding & More podcast to the brand's offerings.

Reviews
One of the core values of Mountain Weekly News is that every review is backed by hands-on testing of the gear being reported on. Contributors take new gear to ski resorts, into the backcountry, to the wilds of Wyoming, and beyond. Hardaker's testing trips have become a defining feature of the site:

"Mountain Weekly News provides in-depth, honest and truly field tested gear reviews. I always appreciate the level of care and thoughtfulness that goes into their reviews. I look forward to connecting with Mike and crew each season to hear about their latest testing and upcoming trips," says Corey Simpson, Communications Manager at Patagonia.

While the site focuses on reviewing splitboarding gear, camping equipment, and e-bikes, contributors regularly also review items from other categories, including the following:


 * Outdoor clothing
 * Protective equipment
 * Sunglasses
 * Automotive accessories
 * Fitness watches
 * Skis and snowboards
 * Other areas of interest

Other topics
In addition to product reviews, Hardaker and Mountain Weekly News have been outspoken about issues facing the outdoors and independent media industries.

In 2017, Hardaker was featured in Snowsports Industries America's panel on industry growth, featuring experts from top outdoor brands like Burton, Free Skier, and the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education.

Hardaker has also been vocal about the difficulties facing independent media and small affiliate marketers, especially after Google's 2024 Helpful Content Update.