Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance Urges Vermonters to Buy Local, Visit Vermont’s Recreation Communities
Vermont Business Magazine As Vermont honors Earth Day and 55 years of celebrating our natural environment, the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) is releasing their recent Federal Impacts on Vermont Outdoor Businesses Report - a compilation of the current and anticipated effects from sweeping changes at the federal level on Vermont’s outdoor businesses.
Vermont’s $2.1 billion outdoor economy is a highly diversified sector that includes manufacturers, retailers, resorts, trail networks, trail builders, lodges, photographers, and guide services. It includes companies and destinations that attract visitors to recreate and stay in our Green Mountains, and benefits the health and resilience of our State.
As part of several legislative hearings with Vermont House and Senate Committees, and a roundtable with U.S. Senator Peter Welch, VOBA members and other leaders in the outdoor recreation economy sounded the alarm about numerous impacts on their businesses, with a primary concern being soaring costs from trade system fluctuations.
“We source two thirds of our product across far-east Asia - be it Vietnam, China - and in all areas of Europe - and this uncertainty plays everyday with some new level of potential cost - from importing products or sourcing raw materials used in manufacturing. And, how’s that all going to add up and impact the consumer,” explained John Lacy, CEO of Burton Snowboards. “We've seen consumer sentiment shift downward regarding price, now this fear allows consumers to put their wallet back in their pants and not make purchases.”
Other companies reported immediate decreases in tourism from Canada.
“The deteriorating relationship with Canada is a threat to our business as it makes up 50% percent of top line revenue,” stated Steve Wright, General Manager of Jay Peak Resort. “2026 Canadian ski season pass sales are off 80% and Canadian summer and fall reservations have dropped by 40% at this point compared to year over year.”
Todd Warnock, organizer of the Vermont Grant Fondo in Bristol reported “already experiencing a 30% drop in Canadian registrations after a long history of Canadians attending our event.”
Businesses also cited concerns for short- and long-term decreases in outdoor participation due to federal funding cuts and employee layoffs tied to our public lands and waters.
VOBA has identified ways we can support our Vermont businesses by directing:
● Legislators to fund VOBA and service providers to offer business coaching and agility planning;
● Lenders and funders to provide flexible financing options for navigating cash flow and higher costs;
● The state to market local businesses and Vermont's outdoor destinations to tap shifts in consumer behavior;
● Vermonters and visitors to participate in outdoor recreation activities, boosting health and wellbeing; and,
● The state and sector to maintain investments in conservation, recreation, and accessibility as the underpinning of the state's future outdoor economy.
Now, more than ever, local support for Vermont’s outdoor companies and destinations is critical to buoy Vermont’s outdoor legacy. We are asking Vermonters to shop local, visit a brick-and-mortar outdoor retailer, and plan 'staycations.' Buy an Orvis fly rod made in Manchester, or book a trip to Madbush Falls in Waitsfield and enjoy the Green Mountain state this spring and summer.
The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) is a state-wide organization working to strengthen Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy. VOBA’s 150 outdoor businesses provide products and services to Vermonters and visitors and work together on entrepreneurship, career pathways, and sector branding. VOBA supports the natural and recreation resources we depend on and is dedicated to advancing equitable access for all in the workplace and outdoor spaces. www.vermontoutdoorbusinessalliance.org
Montpelier, VT (April 22, 2025) - Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance