Alpine Shop’s 2020 Get Outside Expo begins Friday, February 28 with a Travel Feature Night, presented by Eagle Creek. With presentations beginning at 6 pm, topics will start with “Beyond Tourist: Shedding the “American” Persona while Traveling Internationally”, and continue at 7 pm with an “Introduction to the Camino de Santiago”- a look at the incredibly popular network of pilgramege routes throughout Spain, France and Portugal.
At 8 pm, Alpine Shop is pleased to welcome back Travel Ambassador Angel Castellanos for his presentation: Ultimate Travel & Packing Tips for Any Adventure.
This highly informative presentation is packed with the most up to date savvy travel tips and inspirational stories from all over the world to help travelers travel smarter, better and cheaper. Angel will deliver the best travel tips on packing smart, safety, de-stressing the airport experience, saving money, sightseeing hacks, traveling with technology and much more!
No matter your level of experience, you are bound to come away with practical current travel tips for any adventure. The packing demonstration included in this talk is one you do not want to miss. Packing in a carry on? After this presentation, packing in any bag will not be a problem! Join us for this insightful and dynamic presentation. Travel smart, well and often!
Angel Castellanos, Travel Ambassador (www.AngelsTravelLounge.com) is a passionate world traveler, travel writer, influencer, content producer and nationally recognized speaker dedicated to helping people travel smart, well and often. Traveling to almost 80 countries on five continents (and counting), Angel travels 12-14 weeks internationally each year and draws on his experience and frequent travels to teach “Smart Travel” and equip travelers with the skills they need to make travel easy and enjoyable. Angel is a multi-media travel personality and travel expert that has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Fox News, CBS, Univision, Frommers Radio, USA Today & Travel & Adventure Show and New York Times Travel Show. Twitter: @angelstravels Instagram: @angels_travels Snapchat: @angeltravels Facebook: @thetravelamabassador
Alpine Shop’s most popular film festival of the year returns this coming March as we celebrate 28 years of hosting the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour here in St. Louis in 2020.
This international traveling festival celebrates the most inspiring action, environmental and adventure films from the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival each year in Banff, Alberta. Each year, we also get a little more inspired to discover something about ourselves through the spirit of adventure.
Join us for two nights of inspiration and adventure on March 25 and 26 at the The Sheldon – in the Grand Center Arts District of St. Louis. Completely different films each night!
If you’re used to the thrilling peaks of Colorado or Utah, it may surprise you to learn that you can find places for winter sports right here in Missouri.
There’s plenty to do here, from sledding down Art Hill to hiking some of the beautiful Missouri trails.
Here are our recommendations for skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, and hiking in our very own Midwestern winter wonderland.
Ski Hidden Valley
Formerly owned by Peak Resorts, Hidden Valley has recently come under the operation of Vail Resorts. Skiers in the Missouri area are excited about this change, because they’ll now have ski passes to their home base, as well as mountain resorts all over the country.
If you’re staying close to home this winter, Hidden Valley is a great spot for both novice and experienced skiers. With 17 trails, 9 lifts, and 65 ski-able acres, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ski or snowboard. There’s no need to worry about a lack of snow here in the heartland; this resort creates its own snow. Lessons for all ages and abilities are available at their Snowsports Academy. Plus, there’s a popular tubing area for non-skiers
Ski Snow Creek
Skiers in the Kansas City area can hone their skills at Snow Creek. This resort features 14 trails and a vertical drop of 300 feet. Like Hidden Valley, it provides snow, whether Mother Nature is cooperating or not. Snow Creek also boasts a spacious lodge with places to eat, drink, or relax by the fire. This resort is located just 40 miles north of Kansas City in Weston, Missouri.
Winter Hiking in Missouri
If you’re not a skier but still want to get out and enjoy what this state has to offer, consider a winter hike. There are plenty of beautiful trails that are open all year long:
Prairie State Park – Hike with the buffalo or check out Drover’s Trail in this beautiful state park located in Mindenmines, Missouri.
Katy Trail – Start in Rocheport, Missouri, for a beautiful trail head that features views of the Missouri River. The towering limestone bluffs are even more stunning when they’re dusted with a light layer of snow.
Klondike Lake – Near Augusta is the Klondike Lake Park, which – while not as mountainous as the Yukon – still boasts some beautiful winter scenery.
Taum Sauk Mountain – With the tallest waterfall in the state of Missouri, the Mina Sauk Trail gives you a chance to see it in its frozen glory in the wintertime.
Crowder State Park – Over 17 miles of trails, some along a frozen lake, make this park in Trenton, Missouri, a must during the winter season.
Ice Skating in Missouri
Ice skating is for everyone, young and old. It’s a great family activity, and many Missourians have made it a winter tradition. There are great skating rinks in Missouri; here are just a few:
Steinberg Skating Rink – The Steinberg in Forest Park is the biggest outdoor skating rink around. Open daily to the public, it’s the most popular winter spot in St. Louis, hands down. Don’t forget your camera. You’ll want to take a few selfies while you’re here.
Centenne Community Ice Center – This brand new spot in Maryland Heights, Missouri, is where the Stanley Cup Champion St. Louis Blues practice! It’s also open to the public, and it offers four NHL-size ice rinks as well as a covered outdoor rink for general public skating.
Burlington Creek – If you’re traveling to Kansas City, put this spot on your list. The outdoor rink at Burlington Creek offers skating lessons and annual events for the kids.
Crown Center Ice Terrace – Those of us who grew up in Kansas City are familiar with this ice skating rink; it features in our winter memories. The Crown Center Ice Terrace has been around for over 50 years, and it’s a great place to go with the family.
Visit Alpine Shop for Warm Winter Gear and More Tips
At Alpine Shop, we have the base layers, ski goggles, winter coats, and cold weather gear you need to make the most of the season. Our staff loves to snowboard and hike, so we’re sure to have more tips for you as well. Stop in for a visit!
February is the month of prime time skiing and snowboarding in Missouri. Fortunately, Alpine Shop has partnered with several quality brands to serve our outdoor adventurers with stylish and durable items all season. One thing to keep in mind is that comfort is key, so dress for your climate.
Below, we’ve listed 10 must have items for winter sports, outside of the obvious ones like boots, skiis, poles, and snowboards. Check them out!
Ski & Snowboard Socks
Smartwool PhD Ski Medium Pattern Sock for Women
The Alpine Shop knows that ski and snowboard socks should be taller than your boots and not overly thick because that can restrict your blood circulation, which will actually make you colder. They should also have padding to protect your shins when they press against your boots. Luckily, we have a mixture of wool and synthetic socks to choose from to protect your feet from the cold, wet February weather.
Find these patterned socks from Smartwool® PhD here.
Helmet
Scout Helmet – Men’s Matte Jade Block
We’re big on safety at the Alpine Shop. A helmet will not only protect you from head injuries, but it will also keep your head and ears dry and warm. For added warmth, wear a form-fitting hat underneath. Helmets can also protect your eyes from especially sunny days. And when you have a clear view, you’re less likely to have accidents.
When it comes to handwear, make sure that the item you choose is designed for snowsports. Regular gloves or mittens won’t give you the protection you need, whereas skiing and snowboarding handwear are more insulated, waterproof, and may have a rubber lining for easy grip.
Smith I/O Mag Xl Goggle – Black/Everyday Green Mirror
High quality goggles are a key piece to this list, as they protect your eyes from wind, snow, and sun glare. Not to mention, goggles increase contrast with snow, which is important because it helps you see bumps and slopes ahead. Make sure your goggles are properly secured so they don’t fall off during high speed winter sports.
For these green and blue gradient goggles by Smith, go here.
Neck Gaiter or Balaclava
Seirus Fleece Balacava
Alpine Shop has several neck gaiter and balaclava options to choose from. Neck gaiters are great to pull up over your nose in cold temperatures, but a balaclava offers even greater coverage. Always keep the bottom of neck gaiters or balaclavas under the collar of your jacket.
Need extra warmth? Wearing a light fleece or wool top under your jacket will add extra insulation on the slopes. Avoid cotton fabrics because they are not only colder, but they also take forever to dry out when wet from snow or sweat. Choose fabric that’s a cross between form-fitting and bulky so you can stay cozy and move around easily.
Ski & Snowboard Jacket
Columbia Autumn Slide Jacket – Women’s
You can’t go skiing or snowboarding without a jacket, right? Luckily, we have a variety to choose from for men, women, and kids. Choose a jacket that is breathable, waterproof or water resistant, insulated, and has convenient pockets. It may also be beneficial to choose one that’s a tad longer than a normal jacket to avoid snow seeping onto your base layer.
For the women’s ski/snowboard jacket above, go here.
Snow Pants
Snow Gun Pant – Men’s Item # 1462951
Columbia Snow Gun Pant – Men’s
The Alpine Shop has a number of color and style variations to choose from when it comes to ski and snowboard pants. Again, they should be waterproof or water resistant, and insulated, as well as have convenient pockets. Add fleece pants underneath for better insulation. The inner powder cuff goes over your boots to prevent snow from getting in. And remember, comfortability is the name of the game.
For these men’s gray snow pants by Columbia, go here.
Warm Baselayer
Smartwool NTS Mid 250 Crew Baselayer – Women’s
The baselayer will wick sweat off your skin and keep you warm. Wool, synthetic, or silk materials are best. Depending on the outside temperature and your comfort level, you may choose between a midweight and lightweight baselayer. Make sure the top and bottom fit properly, so they aren’t sliding around as you walk.
Ski and Snowboard Luggage
Burton Boothaus Bag – Medium
Having the right luggage is essential to contain all of those bulky gear for a trip to the slopes. You will want to make sure it’s durable, waterproof or water resistant, lightweight, and spacious. At Alpine Shop, we have different luggage for each winter sport, which includes ski roller bags, boot bags, and snowboard bags. We also have a general duffel bag, like the one above, for clothes and other accessories.
For this black ski and snowboard boot bag by Burton, go here.
Shop Online or Visit Our Store for More Great Deals this February
If you’re interested in adventure gear or outdoor favorites, shop online or visit Alpine Shop. Our staff will be happy to suggest a few more of our favorites!
