Blown-In is a semi-regular look at the latest ski, bike and outdoor industry news, featuring a collection of press releases, new products, and interesting stuff circulating on the interweb.
This edition of Blown-In features the end of Niner bikes, El Niño predictions, Beartooth Basin summer skiing and updated recreation liability laws in Oregon.
Niner Bikes “Pausing” Operations
News of Niner Bikes closing has been circulating online for a few days, and today, Bicycle Retailer released the following statement from Niner’s parent company, United Wheels:
“United Wheels is pausing operations for Niner while it evaluates and realigns the brand’s strategic direction. This decision reflects a broader review of how United Wheels allocates focus and resources across its portfolio of brands. We are taking disciplined, responsible steps to manage through it. Our priority is to support our dealers and riders while handling this transition in a professional and thoughtful way. This includes maintaining continuity where it matters most—service, warranty, and relationships—while aligning our operations to the realities of the market. As such, Niner’s customer service, warranty support, and parts availability will remain active throughout this period. We have deep respect for what Niner represents to the cycling community and to the dealers, reps and riders who have supported the brand. We are committed to keeping our partners and customers informed as our evaluation progresses, and will share additional information as it becomes available.”
Founded in 2005 and built around the rise of the 29-inch wheeled mountain bike, Niner was also early to the gravel bike scene. From the RIP 9 to the RLT 9, Niner will be missed by core riders across North America.
Winter 2026-27 Update – El Niño Predictions
It’s way too early to be talking winter forecasts. But according to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, El Niño conditions are building rapidly and are favored to persist into winter 2027.
What does El Niño mean for snow and skiing? It depends on where you live. Generally, El Niño favors above-average snowfall in the Sierra and Southern Rockies, while increasing the probability of below-average snowfall in the PNW and Northern Rockies.
Looking for a deep dive into ENSO and El Niño? Check out the latest detailed summary by the NOAA Climate Prediction Center.
Beartooth Basin Summer Skiing
Located above Red Lodge, Montana, on the Beartooth Highway, the Beartooth Basin ski area is gearing up for summer operations. According to their website: “Opening day is projected to be around May 25th (+ or – 2 days).”
Day tickets are $50, and a season pass runs $395. Get your summer turns in and celebrate the “Spirit of Skiing” at Beartooth Basin this summer.
Oregon Recreation Liability Law Update
After years of rising insurance costs stemming from a 2014 lawsuit that called the enforceability of ski area liability waivers into question, Oregon lawmakers have passed legislation to restore a degree of legal protection for ski resorts and recreation outfitters in the state.
Senate Bill 1517B passed the Oregon House of Representatives and State Senate in March. The bill now awaits the signature of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek.
If signed, the measure will allow recreation businesses to require waivers that release liability for what is called ordinary negligence. The bill is meant to help stabilize a recent liability insurance crisis threatening ski resorts and outfitters across the state.
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