High costs of outdoor recreation can keep students away
By Gean Chambers
For many students at the University of Colorado Boulder, outdoor recreation is more than just a weekend getaway. Hiking, biking, skiing and enjoying the Flatirons are critical parts of the Boulder and CU experience.
With lots of mountain trails and parks, outdoor activities can seem to be abundant. Being surrounded by these opportunities doesn’t mean every student has the same ability to participate.
“This place has it all, don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely a camping guy,” said Pearce Alger, an engineering senior at the University of Colorado Boulder. “But everything is just so expensive.”
Skiing and snowboarding are some of the most popular activities in the CU area. An effective way for students to live out these experiences is through an Ikon Pass or an Epic Pass, which are are seasonal passes; skiers pay a one-time fee that provides access to various participating mountains.
Ikon and Epic have raised their prices for passes in the last several years, with both companies having about a 30% price increase from April 2022 to April 2026.
However, skiing is not the only example of high cost for outdoor recreation. Students who participate in rock climbing, biking or even camping are susceptible to expensive prices.
Brian Chambers reaches the top of an indoor rock climbing wall at Colorado Springs City Rock on July 26, 2026. (Photo By Gean Chambers)
“Climbing can look pretty simple from the outside looking in, looking at the price. But when you add up the harness, shoes, whatever, it can be a little pricey,” said Randy Lee, City Rock manager in Colorado Springs.
CU Boulder is aware of how expensive these activities can get. The school provides students with resources that can help ease the financial stress. Through campus recreation and outdoor programs, students can participate in a variety of activities and even trips.
Programs like Outdoor Pressure, Outdoor Gear Rentals and the “You Belong Here” Fund are all CU-run programs that aim to help students financially. They offer more affordable options for students looking to get into outdoor activities.
Students don’t always know these programs exist.
“I had no clue,” said Max Glazer, a marketing graduate student at CU. “I think everyone already assumes that if you go here you have the stuff, but if you don’t have a car or the equipment you can’t just get up and decide to go”
For students like Glazer, the issue isn’t necessarily the lack of interest, it’s the cost.
