Help: High Country News' Digital Edition

Q. What is the High Country News digital edition?

The digital edition is an exact replica of the print edition and is only available to current HCN print or digital paid subscribers. It contains all the content, including articles and advertising, in vivid color, laid out exactly as they are in the print magazine. Our digital edition(s) are in PDF format and require Acrobat Reader, free downloadable software. With a digital edition, you can access back issues, access hot links in real-time for more features or to access advertiser promotions, and more.

  • Turn pages: Use your scroll bar or "up and down" arrows.
  • Zoom in/out: Click the + or - icon.
  • Print: Select the print option in the navigation bar and indicate which pages to print.

Q. Do I need special software or plug-ins to view my digital magazine?

You will need  Acrobat Reader, free downloadable software, to view the digital edition of each magazine.

Q. I understand that a digital edition is included in my subscription to High Country News. How do I access these digital features?

Simply visit hcn.org and sign in using your user name and password. From the “Browse Issues” page at hcn.org/issues or any current issue page, you will find the “digital edition” link. This link will take you directly to your digital edition.

Q. How will I know when my digital edition is ready?

You will receive an email notice of each new issue as it becomes available for as long as your subscription remains in good standing. These notifications will come directly from [email protected] You will be directed to hcn.org/issues and must sign in using your user name and password to access the digital edition.

Q. How do I sign in to activate my Digital Subscription?

As a NEW SUBSCRIBER (or new to the website), create a user name and password at hcn.org/join_form. You will need your subscriber ID (found on the mailing label of your print magazine) and zip code to verify your subscription status. A sample label is below. This will activate your subscription so that you can access the premium content on hcn.org and the digital edition.

Q. How do I access my digital edition(s)?

If you are a CURRENT SUBSCRIBER and have already created your username and password on hcn.org, you will receive notifications by email when a new issue is ready and a link to hcn.org/issues. Sign in using your user name and password and click on the digital edition link.

Q. How can I access a back issue of a magazine?

If you are a current subscriber and have signed in to hcn.org using your username and password, you can access current and past issues from the hcn.org/issues page which lists all available digital issues as well as the website's archive of past online issues.

Q. How do I change the email address so that I don’t miss my new issue notifications?

If you are logged-in, go to MyProfile, under Personal Information go to the e-mail filed. Remove your old email address and type in your new email address. Press enter, tab or next on your device. The site will request you to confirm the new email address. If you should have questions please contact customer service at 800-905-1155 or via email at [email protected] to change your email address.

Q. What if I don't have an email address?

You must have an email address to receive the new issue notifications. However, you can still access the latest digital edition simply by going to hcn.org after the first of each month, sign-in using your user name and password and go to www.hcn.org/issues to find the latest issue.

Q. How can I get access to the digital edition if I am not a current subscriber?

The digital edition is a feature available only to current subscribers. Click here to see a sample digital edition and subscribe at www.hcn.org/subscribe.

Q. I am not getting my email notifications. What do I do?

These emails might be flagged as junk/spam, be sure to check your Junk Mail folder. If you don't find them there, call 800-905-1155 or email [email protected], M-F, 9-4 MST.

Q. I’m not in the United States, is the digital edition still available?

Yes, the digital edition is a great alternative for foreign subscribers. Instead of paying the extra postage for the print magazine, you can subscribe to the digital edition and save.

Q. I’m already a print subscriber; can I convert to only receive the digital edition?

You can convert your current subscription over at your next renewal cycle. Simply call 800-905-1155 or email [email protected], M-F, 9-4 MST.

Q. Can I switch back from digital to a Full Subscription?

You can also switch from digital back to print using the same methods as above. (Note: the price is a little bit higher for a Full Subscription.)

Q. Who do I contact with additional questions regarding my subscription?

Call 800-905-1155 or email [email protected], M-F, 9-4 MST.

Q. When do I get my first digital issue?

A new or current Digital Subscription will begin with the next available issue cycle.

Still need help? Contact HCN at or call 800-905-1155. 

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