Steripen Freedom Water Purifier: Clean Water Anywhere, Anytime

Steripen, Hydro-Photon Inc,  is a US company located on the coast of Maine. An innovator in water filtration for the modern family and traveller, they have been featured in Backpacker Magazine and Newsweek, as well as on the Today Show. For 13 years they have been testing and improving their line of UV water filters, to much success.

Steripen filters have been given the Gold Seal from the Water Quality Association, an international not-for-profit  organization that  represents the water treatment industry. These filters utilizes ultraviolet technology to kill viruses, bacteria and protozoa quickly and effectively.

We are featuring the Steripen Freedom Filter today. Its compact size and ability to be charged by a solar charger, a/c adapter or with you computer, makes it one of the best choices for the everyday adventurer! This filter would be a welcome addition to any backpacking trip or to be stowed away in a family emergency preparedness store. You can never have enough clean, safe water and with the Steripen Freedom Filter, that water is just a minute away!

10 Things We Love This Week Oct 26th – Nov 2nd

We’re back with another fun list of whats going on this week around town! Halloween is right around the corner and Autumn has decided to show up this year. Exciting!

 

Mizzou Tigers Homecoming  Game against the Kentucky Wildcats – Sat Oct 27th 11am

Watch the Mizzou Tigers take on the Kentucky Wildcats for the 101st celebration of Homecoming!

Saint Louis Symphony presents The Wizard of Oz – Fri and Sat Oct 26th & 27th at 7pm and Sun Oct 28th at 8pm

Watch The Wizard of Oz on the big screen while the SLSO plays the memorable soundtrack. Come in costume for Halloween fun, a contest will be held one hour prior to each performance!

Schlafly Hoptober Fest – Sat Oct 27th noon -4pm

Schlafy provides the hops, flown in fresh from Washington State, and spreads the love to other local breweries to see what concoctions they come up. Tickets are $25 online and $30 at the door.

Transportation Museum – The Whistle Stop Presidential Travel

Located on Barrett Station Road this hidden gem is a perfect place to spend a beautiful fall day! This exhibit runs through Inauguration Day 2013.

MDA Lock Up – Chesterfield

Our Store Manager, Meghan, is going “behind bars” to help in the fight against muscle disease. She is joining other community leaders in the St. Louis area to help raise critical funds for MDA, and she need your help to reach her bail! Help donate to create awareness for people with Muscular Dystrophy in the Saint Louis Area.

Local Harvest Grocery – Kirkwood

The new location of Local Harvest is 6000 sq ft of bountiful produce, humanely produced meats plus an alcohol selection thats a sight to see. Check out the cafe for lunch time specials that make choosing healthy food a joy!

Patagonia Fall Colors Collection – Polyvore

Patagonia Fall Collection

Costumed storytellers will be telling tall tales in the dark and creaky buildings at Jefferson Barracks Park! Fun for the whole family, advanced registration is appreciated.

Elyn Saks – TED talk on Schizophrenia

Saks opens up about her personal experience as a schizophrenic and how we treat mental illness as society.

19th Winter Swap Success Even Against Cardinals

Running an event like Alpine Shop’s Winter Swap involves coordinating hundreds of people over thousands of hours of planning and execution. What we can’t control, though, are those lovable little birds-on-bat, St Louis’ own baseball Cardinals. For the second time in a year, our home town’s favorite boys of summer have thrown an unexpected – but absolutely welcomed – monkey wrench into our plans.

When David Freese homered in the 11th inning to send the 2011 World Series to a game 7, our Women’s Ski and Snowboard Weekend kickoff party (the second weekend of our 18th Swap event) had to be cancelled after we had more than three quarters of our registered attendees cancel on us following the most exciting playoff game in major league baseball history. And, all of this happened just before midnight on a Thursday night. With Jeannie Thoren – our keynote speaker – scheduled to fly in the next morning from Chicago, we had to make the call based on what we know about St Louis. You see, St Louis in October belongs to the Cardinals. We had no chance. And let me tell you, our store was deserted- as was every other retail outlet in the Lou –  on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011. Thankfully, Jeannie was able to change her flight plans for free and we didn’t waste anyone’s time as the Cardinals won their 10th World Series Championship that night.

19th Annual Winter Swap
The tent fills quickly with customers as the 19th Annual Winter Swap begins at Alpine Shop Kirkwood.

Fast forward 358 days from there to Friday, Oct. 19 and the start of our 19th Annual Swap. This time we’re faced with Game 5 of the National League Championship Series – a clinch game for the Cardinals. But after all the hours we put into a Swap, there was no chance for us to cancel this event. Thankfully, we found St Louis still loves Swap no matter what else is going on. After helping us get things started with a rousing rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” (video to come), more than 400 people have walked through our doors just an hour into this year’s event. At $5 a person to enter, that means we have already raised over $2000 to donate to the Disabled Athletes Sports Association – the organization long-time benefactor Gateway Disabled Ski Program became a part of last year.

So, our thanks to St Louis and to everyone who has come out with us tonight to make our 19th Annual Winter Swap kick-off so successful.

10 Things We Love This Week Oct 11th – Oct 19th 2012

Fall has officially arrived here Missouri! We’re celebrating the current cold snap by highlighting some of the best ways to get out with your family and friends in this gorgeous weather.

Autism Speaks Walk/5K Run  Saturday Oct 13th – Autism Spectrum Disorder affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys in our country. This organization raises awareness and advocacy for children and families affected by this disorder. Donate or participate in the event this weekend and learn about what is being done about Autism here in Saint Louis.

Burton Learn to Ride Program – Burton Snowboards is dedicated to bringing the sport of snowboarding to all manner of folks. If you have a desire to learn the ins and outs of snowboarding, travel to one of their fine programs at varies resorts here in the Midwest!

Missouri Botanical Garden Butterfly HouseOwls and Orchids Oct 1st – Oct 30th – Check out the Butterfly House’s collection of 1000 Owl Butterflies and beautiful blooming orchids this month! There are extended hours to accomodate visitors in the evenings on Tuesdays this month.

Burton Women’s CollectionThe White Collection Boomsticks in Bright White Cherry Blossom is casual alternative to traditional outerwear, while the Baker Down Jacket radiates heat from its 750 fill power down. Layer either of these with Player Flannel or the Starr Vest and you have an outfit that will take from lunch downtown to heading out on the slope!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farmer’s Markets Eat Fresh, Eat Local – Looking for a new place to get your fall bounty? Schlafly’s Farmer’s Market is open until the end of October, while Columbia’s Farmer’s Market is open at different locations throughout the year.

Burton 13  – Standing Sideways presents a look at some of the premier riders in exotic locations, doing what they do best! Shreddin’ it. The film is available for download on iTunes or for order here.

Burton Men’s Collection – Get your hands on the Poacher Jacket for the best quality for the best price, lots of details on this piece. Pair it with The White Collection Prizefighter Pant to complete your highly technical, highly stylish outfit. Want to take your style off the slope? Pick up a Brighton Flannel, a Stowe Sweater and a pair of Mid Fit Denim pants. Can’t go wrong with stripes and plaids guys!

Mizzou Tigers host the Alabama Crimson Tide Sat Oct 13th 2:30pm Kickoff – What can we say? We love SEC football. Its a gold rush game, so let your colors fly!

Fall Colors Kayak Adventure – Sun Oct 14th 8am Kirkwood Alpine Shop* – Join us our experienced paddlers as they guide you on a tour of some of Missouri’s most beautiful areas to see the leaves change while out on the river, specifically the Big River near Washington State Park. *If you are unable to meet at the shop at 8am, please call Kirkwood and speak to Ken Stanhope or Rich Orr for detailed directions to the put in.*

Burton Snowboards – So many boards to choose from! Highlighted today are the Custom Flying V and the Lipstick. The Custom Flying V is the one board answer to getting out on all terrains. The Lipstick gives you full speed stability while not sacrificing the catch-free feeling you’d experience with a rocker. Looking to tote these boards around? Grab a Board Sack!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrating the Cold Snap!

After a long hot summer, its finally time for us to show off our vendors that will keep you warm and toasty through the fall and winter here in St. Louis.

This week we are showing our love for Seirus Innovations. It all began with two guys, Mike Carey and Joe Edwards, out to create the best experience for outdoor enthusiasts just like themselves.  Now they create and manufacture hundreds of different snowsport accessories that are a great value for the quality of design and material. Some of our favorites are the Cat Tracks and the Wizard Sound Touch Gloves. Cat Tracks hook onto your boots and give you traction for walking in ice or sleet conditions and help lengthen the life of your boot soles. The Wizard Sound Touch Gloves allow you to operate your smartphone or tablet while wearing your gloves!

Seirus also sponsors a ski team and a snow team. Below is a video featuring Aidan Sheahan and his view on the sport of skiing. Technicality + Style = Fun!

Alpine Shop stocks a wide variety of Seirus’ Snowsports line. We trust that the consistency and craftsmanship of Seirus will win you over and last you for years to come.

Annual Coat Drive Begins Monday, October 22nd

Alpine Shop's One Warm Coat Drive
Coats and sweaters line Alpine Shop’s conference room during the 2010 One Warm Coat Drive.

Over the last four years, Alpine Shop customers have donated over 5300 coats to help those in need in our St Louis and Columbia communities during the winter. We’re asking for your help once again this year as Alpine Shop kicks off it’s seventh annual One Warm Coat Drive.

How It Works

Starting Monday, October 22, we’ll accept clean, gently-used coats and sweaters at each and every Alpine Shop location.

  • Donate ONE coat, jacket or sweater and you’ll receive a coupon for 15% off any one clothing item.
  • Donate TWO coats, the coupon will be worth 20% off.
  • Donate THREE items and we’ll give you a coupon worth 25% off any one clothing item in our stores.

And it gets better… If we reach our goal of 1500 coats donated by Sunday, November 18, we’ll give away $150 gift cards to four lucky donors. You’ll receive one entry into the drawing for each and every item you donate.

NOTE: Alpine Shop will only give away one coupon to each customer during the coat drive no matter how many different times you donate. However, each item donated will still earn one entry into the gift card drawing. So, if you donate nine items, you’ll receive one 25% off coupon and nine entries into the drawing. If you came back the next day with three more items to donate, you’d receive three more entries into the drawing, but no additional coupon.

The 2012 One Warm Coat Drive will run from Monday, Oct. 22 through Sunday, November 18.

How to Donate

Alpine Shop has made donating simple. Just bring your clean, gently used coats, jackets and sweaters to any Alpine Shop location. Bring your coats inside the store and check them in with one of the store’s outfitters to make sure you receive your coupon and get entered into the drawing. Then, Alpine Shop and One Warm Coat take care of the rest. Donated coats will be split among organizations in St. Louis, including: Sunshine Ministries, St. Patrick Center, Coats for Kids and Edgewood Children’s Center.

Donate Unsold Swap Coats, as Well

For the first time ever, we’re also giving Swap participants the opportunity to join in the giving, as well. If a coat or jacket you enter into this year’s Winter Swap (October 19–21) doesn’t sell, you can choose to donate those goods into the One Warm Coat Drive and receive your coupon! When you pick up your swap credit and unsold items following the Swap, simply tell the friendly Alpine Shop outfitter working with you that you want to participate in the One Warm Coat Drive and they’ll take care of it for you.

Help Make a Difference

Here’s a little bit of what your donations have meant to the St. Patrick Center in St Louis.

Thanks again for thinking of SPC for your One Warm Coat Drive. The 300 coats we received were distributed immediately. Case Managers were able to support their clients and families as were people in the community in need. All of the coats were distributed within 2 days of receiving. It was especially gratifying with the quality (gently used) coats that clients received.

Thanks again to you and your customers for your support of our clients and community.

Regards,
Gene Smith
St. Patrick Center

About One Warm Coat

One Warm Coat is a national non-profit organization that supports and encourages coat drives. It helps individuals, groups, companies and organizations across the country collect coats and deliver them to local agencies that distribute the coats free to people in need. More than one million coats have been provided to those in need at no cost since its inception in 1992.

10 Things We Love This Week Oct 4th- Oct 11th 2012

Its Thursday Alpiners and we have another list ready for you!

1) Oakley in Hollywood! (And on Jake Gyllenhaal…)

Oakley Sunglasses are featured in the new hit film ‘End of Watch’ that opened last week. The film illustrates the protection that real life officers and first responders find in Oakley eyewear. Click through for the full story and trailer!

 

 

2) Guys, you cannot go wrong with a high quality flannel shirt and technical vest. These two are from Mountain Hardwear. From the first date to the first overnight camping trip, this combo will keep you looking sharp.

(Mountain Tech VestHaydon Flannel)

The basics for any male Alpiner about town.

3) Steve Jobs’ Commencement Speech – Stanford University June 12, 2005

“If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.”

4) This Lole dress is coziness to the 10th degree. Snuggle in, grab some hot cocoa and a good book.

Lolewmnoutfit

(Call Me Dress Lole, Halle Flip Bag Osgood Marley, Avesso Flat from Merrell)

5) St. Charles County Parks Mountain Bike Day – Sat Oct 6th 10am-2pm Broemmelsiek Park St. Charles County

Are you an avid mountain biker with kids? Take this opportunity for family time on the trail at this event put on by GORC and St. Charles County Parks.

6) Fall Family Hay Rides and Bluegrass Concert – Creve Coeur Park Oct 5th and 6th – $10 per person

Bluegrass music, a hay ride AND hot chocolate around a fire! What could be a better way to celebrate the fall season with your family? Head out to Creve Coeur Park and enjoy an evening together.

7) Rain and cooler weather are actually in the forecast!

1964 Premium T

Cheyanne Boot

Ellesmere Boot

 

 

Come in and find your toes’ happy place in our Ugg and Sorel collections!

Bailey Button TripleMaylin BootDakota Slipper

8) Fall Colors-Missouri Conservation Dept – Updates from Sept 20th to Mid November

photo credit: David Stonner

Driving Tours around Missouri to picturesque areas where vibrant colors abound!

9) Over the Edge Saint Louis  – Fri Oct 5th – Four Seasons Hotel at Lumiere Place

Watch as brave souls who have raised money for the Special Olympics, get the chance to rappel down the Four Seasons Hotel downtown. Talk about adventure!

10) National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Think Pink!

 

 

 

 

Tuning Those Skis Yet, Bro?

The Alpine Shop ski shop is now open and ready for business!

So why is it important to tune your skis and/or board before your season begins?

Well, last year you rocked it hard, you got out there and did difficult runs – pushed the limits of your gear. Your ski or board base and bottom of the edges wear down, and the beveled edge becomes dull and burred from hitting rocks or other debris. When your edges and base wear down, it becomes a road block for your enjoyment of the sport. Our ski shop manager Jake Parr can correct these issues with an expert tune up. Check out our service packages:

Custom Tune ($59.95) – “Want the best experience on your gear at all times? This tune makes skis and boards as close to new as possible.”

-Stone Grinding Restructuring

-Base Beveling/Flattening

-Base and Side Edge Beveling/Sharpening

-Ptex or Epoxy Repair

-Race/Hot Wax or Race Polish

Basic Tune ($39.95) – “Save some cash! We’ll still flatten, clean up & polish the base and make those edges sharp, sharp, sharp.”

-Base Beveling/Flattening

-Base and Side Edge Beveling/Sharpening

-Machine Wax and Race Polish

Sharpen and Wax ($24.95) – “Just a quick clean up here. This tune does not fix or repair anything on the base.”

-Machine Sharpened Edges

-Machine Wax and Race Polish

You can see how bringing your skis in prior to traveling for your ski vacation will help you skip resort ski shop prices on tune ups. And you’ll be able to hit the slopes immediately upon arriving at your destination. Bonus!

Wondering where to travel here in the neighborhood for some ski and boarding action?

There is Hidden Valley, of course, located in Wildwood, MO. (Remember they can’t blow snow until we sustain some winter-like temperatures!) If going east tickles your fancy, visiting Chestnut Mountain Resort is a great choice! This year round resorts offers many activities including skiing and snowboarding. Lastly, check out Sundown Mountain Resort. Dubuque, Iowa is where you can find the highest lift in the Midwest, talk about spectacular views!

We’re happy to welcome the snow season here at Alpine Shop! Look for more updates as we get continue to meet St. Louis’ needs when it comes to snowsports.

Find the Best Adventures Near You with Alpine Shop & RootsRated

Outdoor guide site RootsRated is set to launch in partnership with Grassroots Outdoor Alliance retailer Alpine Shop this week to provide locals and visitors to the St. Louis area with a highly usable guide for discovering local experts’ favorite places for outdoor recreation.

RootsRated is, simply put, an outdoor travel guide. Ever find yourself traveling to a city, wondering where you can rock climb or trail run when you get there? Are you new to your area, or looking to try a new sport? With RootsRated, the best local outdoor experiences are at your fingertips.

This is “expertly-curated” information, which means our local experts have selected their favorite spots for you. You won’t have to wade through dozens of options before making a choice; the 5 or 10 best local spots are right there, so you can pick one and get out there. If you need a piece of gear before heading out, you’ll be able to connect with Grassroots Outdoor Alliance retailers in that region — the same experts who’ve provided the content.

Here’s what Alpine Shop Marketing Director Todd Oswald had to say about the project:

“We’re already a hub of local knowledge for trails, paddling routes, and crags in the St Louis and Columbia regions. RootsRated will give us an innovative way to become the digital hub as well. We’re looking forward to giving our customers another resource to help them get outside themselves.”

RootsRated is going to empower adventurous people to find the most memorable experiences; this platform is the perfect resource for those in search of authentic local knowledge. Find your favorite local places to go and things to do with www.rootsrated.com.