2017 will go down as a memorable year for our readers.  This year’s Year in Review saw the changing of the US President – signifying not only a simple change in the country’s political administrative affiliation, but also a barometric shift in longstanding land use policies that hold wide-scale implications all across the West.  We also saw the outdoor industry take note and reposition accordingly, giving rise to a new style of consumer advocacy where private companies boycotted whole states, and the outdoor industry as a whole finally monitized its total footprint on the nation’s Gross Domestic Product – gaining a new and powerful voice along the way.

And Basin and Range Magazine was right there with you.  Together we learned more than ever about what makes the culture of the Western U.S. so unique and special.  From the people who inspire us to push beyond our limits, to the landscapes that humble and heal us, and to the companies that build the gear we use to adventure outside – to endeavor great things.

These are a few of your favorite articles from B&R this past year:

  • Winter 2016/7 In Review:

With California’s Relentless Winter – 5 Resorts Blessed with Blower Snow , we kicked off the year with California submerged in what looked to be an endless epic winter.  We saw snow totals at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows break record after record – 15 feet of new snow in the month of January to be exact.

Relentless Winter: 5 Resorts Blessed With Blower Snow

 

We also dove into the deeper meaning behind John Muir’s meaning behind the famous quote: “The Mountains are Calling, and I Must Go”  with this piece:

Get to Know the Story Behind Muir’s “The Mountains Are Calling” Quote

  • Spring 2017 In Review:

In the early months of Spring, we traveled to New Mexico and visited the legendary Ghost Ranch – 21,000 acres of mystery, legend and cultural touchstone for artists and fans of Georgia O’keeffe.

Discover Ghost Ranch: New Mexico’s Iconic, Hidden Wonder

If you planned on being in Oregon, Idaho or Wyoming for the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse shared some tips to make life a little easier for the big event.

Tips for viewing the Total Solar Eclipse in Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming

  • Summer 2017 In Review:

In June we dared to ask if Colorado might quickly becoming the new epicenter of Bluegrass music in America.

Is Colorado the New Epicenter of Bluegrass?

We also led you across Northern Idaho’s Lake District with another Basin & Range Inside Guide to the West – touring Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint along the way.

B&R Inside Guide to Northern Idaho’s Lake District

  • Fall 2017 in Review:

Starting in September, responding to the Department of Interior’s re-evaluation of several US National Monuments, Basin & Range kicked off a series of articles discovering exactly what Public Lands are, what they signify in the West, and how they came to be.  Keep an eye out for Part 3 – coming soon.

Understanding Public Lands and Why They Matter: Part 1

Understanding Public Lands and Why They Matter: Part 2

  • Winter 2017/8 in Review:

Wrapping up the year, we celebrated the 2017 Great American Beer Festival’s winning brewers all of the Western US States.

The West’s Biggest Winners at 2017 GABF


Looking into 2018

We have exciting things planned for 2018 as we strive ever more to be your most true resource for the modern culture of the Western US.  Keep watch as we cover more of what makes all 13 States of the West so special.  See you this time next year for the 2018 Basin & Range Magazine Year in Review!