The European Outdoor Award Expands Its Vision Beyond Products
The European Outdoor Award continues to evolve as one of the outdoor industry’s most important platforms for innovation, sustainability, and forward-thinking storytelling. Integrated into European Outdoor Week, the award celebrates outstanding brands, products, projects, personalities, and experiences shaping the future of the outdoor ecosystem.
This year also marked the launch of the first-ever Community Awards — a new addition designed to spotlight individuals, organisations, films, and initiatives that are creating meaningful impact far beyond product innovation alone.
The 2025 Community Awards were presented across six categories: Start-up, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Project, Nature Conservation Project, Movie, Retailer, Personality.
Unlike the open application-based categories, these awards were curated and selected exclusively by the jury.
★ START-UP – Winner: Sustaero Solutions
Sustaero Solutions was recognised for its groundbreaking S-ONE technology, which enables the fusion of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibres without seams for the first time. The innovative monomaterial combines exceptional tear strength with low weight while remaining fully recyclable and digitally printable — opening new possibilities for high-performance applications ranging from sails and backpacks to technical apparel.
Jury Statement:
For decades, it was considered a technical certainty that the world’s strongest fibres could not be welded — they had to be sewn. Sustaero Solutions has disproved this. S-ONE is not just an incremental update, but a true paradigm shift. Here, sustainability is not just a marketing promise, but is embedded in the material itself: it is monomaterial, recyclable.
★ DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION – PROJECT – Winner: Youth Adventure Trust
For 34 years, the Youth Adventure Trust has supported disadvantaged young people aged 11 to 15 across south-west England through experiential outdoor programmes and personalised one-to-one support. The organisation focuses on building resilience, confidence, and long-term future prospects for vulnerable young people — with all programmes offered entirely free of charge for participants and their families.
Jury Statement:
The Youth Adventure Trust proves that nature belongs to everyone, regardless of background or income. YAT consistently breaks down barriers by providing free programmes, transport services to remote areas and personalised support plans. The organisation creates a safe outdoor space for the region’s most vulnerable young people, triggering a ripple effect that reaches families, schools and entire communities. It is a prime example of inclusion that truly makes a difference.
★ NATURE CONSERVATION PROJECT – Winner: Mountain Wilderness France
Mountain Wilderness France was honoured for its campaign to protect the Girose Glacier in the Écrins Massif in the French Alps. Since 2018, the NGO has actively opposed a controversial cable car development project that threatens the fragile glacier ecosystem while also working alongside citizen collectives to secure stronger legal protection for glacier regions across France.
Jury Statement:
The Girose Glacier is more than just ice and rock; it is a globally significant ecosystem, home to species found nowhere else. Mountain Wilderness France is fighting not only against a construction project, but also for a fundamental shift in how we treat Alpine glaciers. The alliance of 100 scientists and 45,000 citizens demonstrates that consistent resistance and broad mobilisation can bring about real change.
★ MOVIE – Winner: The Future of Climbing
The Future of Climbing explores the transformation of climbing culture at a critical moment for the sport. As climbing gyms continue to grow worldwide and climbing gains increasing visibility through the Olympic Games, the film examines the tensions between rapid commercial growth and the growing pressures facing outdoor climbing areas.
Premiering in Zurich in 2025, the documentary has since been screened at numerous international film festivals and has received more than ten awards.
Jury Statement:
With the rapid growth of climbing gyms and the sport’s inclusion in the Olympic Games, climbing stands at a historic crossroads: the indoor climbing boom is colliding with growing threats to outdoor climbing areas worldwide. ‘The Future of Climbing’ confronts the sport’s most pressing questions with courage and depth – and offers no easy answers.
★ RETAILER – Winner: 2nd Peak Zürich
2nd Peak Zürich was recognised for pioneering a circular approach to outdoor retail in Switzerland. Founded by Isa Schindler, the second-hand outdoor store combines buying, selling, repair, and rental services across two floors and 200 square metres in Zurich, alongside its online platform.
The concept demonstrates how sustainable retail models can extend product lifecycles while simultaneously strengthening community engagement within the outdoor sector.
Jury Statement:
2nd Peak is Switzerland’s first secondhand outdoor shop – founded with the mission of giving high-quality outdoor gear and clothing a second life. Across two floors and 200 square metres in Zurich, plus an online store, founder Isa Schindler offers buying, selling, repair and rental services all under one roof. 2nd Peak demonstrates that sustainable retail in the outdoor sector is not only possible, but economically viable and community-building – a model that sets a benchmark for the entire industry.
★ PERSONALITY – Winner: Kilian Jornet
Kilian Jornet received the Personality Award for another landmark achievement in mountain endurance sports. In 2025, Jornet completed “States of Elevation”, linking all 72 accessible 14,000-foot summits in the contiguous United States in just 31 days using only running and cycling. The project covered 5,145 kilometres and 123,045 metres of elevation gain entirely under his own power.
The project reflected Jornet’s long-standing philosophy of combining elite athletic performance with a deep commitment to the natural world.
Jury Statement:
Kilian Jornet is the most versatile mountain athlete of his generation – and in 2025 once again proved that his creativity and endurance know no limits. With ‘States of Elevation’, he linked all 72 accessible 14,000-foot summits (4,267 m+) in the contiguous United States in 31 days, using only running and cycling – covering 5,145 km and 123,045 metres of elevation gain under his own power. The project is a perfect expression of Jornet’s unique approach: uniting elite performance with a deep commitment to the natural world.
