The parent company of Outside magazine has recently undergone significant restructuring, leading to the termination of 20 employees across various departments. This move has raised concerns about the future of the publication, both in print and online. CEO Robin Thurston announced the changes via an internal email last Thursday, coinciding with the acquisition of Inntopia, a travel booking software used by major ski resorts. The layoffs have affected key editorial figures, including long-serving staff members, and have left the remaining team with fewer resources. Thurston emphasized the company's intention to refocus on category-specific content creation and expand its digital offerings. Despite these challenges, the company remains committed to maintaining its print circulation and plans to go public within three to four years.

In the wake of the acquisition of Inntopia, the leadership at Outside Inc. decided to reorganize its editorial structure to better align with its new business strategy. According to Thurston, the goal is to enhance user experience by providing more comprehensive guidance beyond just informative articles. For instance, instead of merely listing top ski resorts, the company aims to integrate seamless travel booking services directly into its platform. This shift reflects a broader vision to make Outside a one-stop resource for outdoor enthusiasts. The restructuring involves consolidating expertise in specific categories such as snow sports, cycling, hiking, camping, wellness, mountain biking, triathlon/running, climbing, and food and fitness. By doing so, Outside hopes to deepen audience engagement through video content, mapping tools, and activity feed platforms.

Since acquiring several outdoor publications from Active Interest Media in 2020 and purchasing Outside from Larry Burke in 2021, Thurston’s Pocket Media has been actively reshaping its portfolio. The integration of these acquisitions into the subscription-based Outside+ service has been a central part of this strategy. However, this transformation has not come without challenges. Two previous rounds of layoffs have already taken place, impacting multiple teams. The most recent round has particularly shaken the editorial department, where positions ranging from editors-in-chief to associate editors have been eliminated. Employees who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed dissatisfaction with the severance packages offered, describing them as inadequate. Some are still in negotiations over their terms of departure.

A spokesperson later clarified that Outside will continue to publish in print, dispelling rumors that it would cease physical distribution. The Nov/Dec issue boasted a circulation of 675,000, and the Spring 2025 issue is currently in production, set for release on March 1st. Moreover, the summer issue, due out in late May, will feature a redesigned and reimagined version of the magazine, broadening its scope. Mary-Frances Heck, the current editorial director of lifestyle brands, will take on a new role as General Manager of Outside Media and Business Growth, overseeing all digital and print content. Her extensive background in lifestyle media positions her well to lead this transition. Despite the layoffs, Outside remains dedicated to delivering high-quality content through its robust team of over 60 full-time creators and contributors.