Category: News/Updates

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An Inside Look at 2020’s Hottest Kayaks

The Alpine Shop crew practiced social distancing while bringing some of the hottest boats we already have at the shop out to the water. Take a look at what some of these craft have to offer – especially if you’re a fisherman, you’re looking for a competitive boat for the rapidly expanding world of paddle races, or if you’re looking for a fun boat that you can PEDAL as well as PADDLE.

You can find the first four of these boats on-line right now at alpineshop.com

Perception Crank 10.0 with Pedal Drive

The Crank is the first of a new generation of easy-to-use, fast and fun pedal drive kayaks from Perception Kayaks. Its perfect for lakes, ponds and calm coastal waters. The Crank incorporates a fresh design aesthetic with incredibly comfortable ergonomics for powerful yet easy pedaling while providing ample surfaces for rigging aftermarket accessories including two Solo Mount recesses within easy reach. Featuring a new-and-improved pedal drive, this kayak pedals effortlessly, covers lots of water, and provides the ability to go forward and reverse without removing the drive from the boat. The easy-handling Crank packs a punch and opens up the water to everyone in a fun, stable and manageable package.

Jackson Big Rig HDFD

Introducing the Big Rig HDFD! One of Jackson Kayaks most popular fishing kayaks now gets the upgrades of both its HD predecessors, the Coosa HD and Cuda HD with the addition of Flex Drive pedaling power. The Flex Drive system allows for hands-free fishing, forward and reverse, with unique articulation to adapt to shallow water and obstacles.

Jackson YuPIK

Named for the native Alaskan peoples that coined the word kayak (qayaq), the Jackson YuPIK changes the very definition of versatility. Bow To Stern track systems, rigging solutions and storage pockets molded in along the entirety of the boat allows the modularity for you to rig for your adventure without limitation. Customize your fun with more room! Second seat capabilities and specialized accessories, like our new kennel cot, improves the experience for everyone. Additions like the fully trimmable seat pan, our Strap Down gear track for 360 storage security and the first ever moving standing pad system make the YuPIK the most versatile kayak on the market.

Jackson Bite FD

The top-selling Bite has gotten an upgrade! The open deck and well-designed tackle management features have come together with our latest version of the Flex Drive, the Flex Drive 3D. This nimble ride is quick and responsive, and standing to fish is fun and easy for beginners and experienced anglers alike. The Bite FD tracks well and handles windy days with ease. The new Flex Drive 3D is the product of two years of constant evolution in three key components: power, propulsion and steering. From bow to stern, the Flex Drive 3D delivers unparalleled user versatility, efficiency and convenience on the water. Designed from the water up for maximum performance, intuitive use and ease of maintenance, the Flex Drive 3D empowers anglers, sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts to get closer to the action. The original Bite retails for $799. If you want the Flex Drive, the retail price is $2199.

Wilderness Systems Tempest 175

When you talk about a fast boat, you talk about a length. All things being equal, a longer boat will always be faster than a shorter boat. And when you’re talking about getting into racing, like the MR340 and Alpine Shop’s own Meramec Marathon, a longer boat will always give you an advantage on straight ahead speed and will generally track straight ahead more easily. The Tempest melds a 17 and a half foot total length with a bit of a rocker to help with maneuverability on top of that speed. A great boat for any one looking to take their racing to the next level. Now you won’t find this beautiful 17 and a half foot boat on alpineshop.com yet. If you’re interested, please give us a call at 314-962-7715.

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No Joke! Alpine Shop Purchased 42 Years Ago on April 1, 1978

One of the original signs from Mooers Alpine, Alpine Shop’s predecessor.

In 1973, a local St. Louis climber and Army Map Service employee, Bob Mooers, author of “Finding Your Way in the Outdoors” (still available used at Alibris, 99¢ and up), convinced Chouinard Equipment, a growing climbing brand at the time, to open him as a dealer. So, Mooers started a climbing shop – in a small room upstairs from the home wine-making shop he was moonlighting on the side. It took one month for climbing to outsell wine-making, which was then abandoned in a move to a new, larger space.

Five years later, “Mooers Alpine” was thriving, but Mooers was looking to sell and move to the Northwest.

Russell “Holly”, and Lisa Hollenbeck, co-owners of Alpine Shop, on a recent trip out West.

A 45-year-old customer of his from that exact same area of the country had come to St. Louis to work in the city’s banking and finance industry. A change-in-leadership at the company he worked for had soured Russell “Holly” Hollenbeck on that field though, and he considered himself a “fugitive” from corporate life. While skiing at Snowbird in Utah during the winter of 1977, Hollenbeck broached the subject of purchasing Mooers Alpine with his family. On April 1, 1978, “Mooers Alpine” became “Alpine Shop” with Hollenbeck as the new owner.

42 years later, climbing is still at our core, but over the years we have added gear, clothing, events and clinics for almost every type of outdoor enthusiast, from backpackers, hikers, campers, paddlers, and cyclists, to snowboarders and skiers, at four locations in Missouri and Kansas.

Alpine Shop Kirkwood’s collection of historic climbing gear, cleared from big walls in Yosemite National Park by friend-of-the-Shop Rich Copeland. Copeland died in a fall in Yosemite in 2014 and the outpouring of tributes was truly amazing.

Less than a year ago, at the 2019 Grassroots Outdoor Alliance summer meetings, Alpine Shop was named Retailer of the Year.

Chouinard Equipment morphed into Great Pacific Iron Works which went on to become Black Diamond and Patagonia. Our first supplier remains our largest and one of our most admired.

After 48 years in the business, it is Alpine Shop’s Vision to see Generations Transformed by Discovery Outdoors.

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#SaveYourShop

“We love and need the mountains, trails, rivers and wild places. They nourish our spirit. Our mission is – with true enthusiasm – to bring or renew this love to our customers and to each person who works with us.”

To state the obvious: we are in unprecedented and uncertain times. 

In these times, we look to our company mission: We need the wild places.

The Present of Alpine Shop
We have closed all of our Missouri stores (Kirkwood, Chesterfield and Columbia) through April 22, to match the St. Louis County Stay at Home Order. We are choosing the safety of our staff and customers over any interpretation of “Shelter in Place” orders that would allow us to remain open.

Our small internet sales team remains on the job and a skeleton crew remains to meet all obligations we can, while keeping us ready to reopen when the time comes. 

The problem is that we don’t know when that will be.

The History of Alpine Shop
“We believe our people add value to every transaction, but we don’t expect you to pay more for it” has been our pricing policy since before the internet. We’ve invested in our staff over many years, providing more training and adjusting schedules so they can “do what we sell”.

Over the 47 years we’ve been in business, starting as a climbing shop in a 10 foot by 15 foot second floor room, we’ve had our ups and downs. A large national chain competitor came to town. We prepared by increasing inventory. We lost 17% of our business over two years, but by the third we were back to even and on our way. No one lost their jobs.

Early on, we saw the Great Recession coming. We canceled orders, cut back inventory and battened down the hatches. It was painful. Over a number of years, losses equaled profits. Good people, who deserved raises, could not get them; we didn’t have the money. But, through it all, no one lost a job.

The calamity we’re all living in has now dealt us the heartbreaking task of laying off over 100 friends and colleagues, outfitters and managers alike. They are at home, waiting for the day we can re-open our doors. We have done everything we can to assure they get maximum benefits, and we are maintaining their existing health insurance.

The Future of Alpine Shop and Request for Your Help
An undefined closure is a threat to any small business.  Many stores only have cash reserves to tide them over for a few weeks. We worry that this virus scenario could erase many local small businesses. 

At this most vulnerable time, it is our hope that we now can rely on 47+ years of goodwill and expert service to our communities, and ask that you support our Alpine Shop community in any way you can, and, if possible, that you do it Now.

If you enjoy our free and low cost events, fundraisers and donations to local causes; if your children have learned to love the outdoors through our work with the schools; or if you’re just happy knowing we’re offering these things, we humbly ask for your support. 

An influx of cash now through your purchase of gift cards, of bike maintenance vouchers to be used when we reopen, or simply by shopping with us – all of which can be done at www.alpineshop.com – would make an extraordinary difference.

This extends beyond our stores. Thank you for continuing to support your favorite small shops in our communities, so that they will still be here after this ordeal ends.

With the utmost gratitude…

Lisa and Russell “Holly” Hollenbeck and the entire Alpine Shop Family

#SaveYourShop
#WeNeedTheWildPlaces
#GenerationsTransformedByDiscoveryOutdoors
#WeAreIndieOutdoor
#outdoorspecialtyretail
#grassrootsoutdooralliance

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Alpine Shop’s Top 5 Hiking Boots for Spring

Despite the unceasing stream of bad news, spring is still coming. The rain will stop, the days will brighten, and the world will turn green again. If you’re dreading days of isolation, it may just be time to take a hike. 

At Alpine Shop, we’ve got top-rated hiking boots to get you back to nature this season. The best part? Hiking is the original “social distancing.” 

 Our Top 5 Picks for Hiking this Spring 

  • Salomon Quest 

These boots were voted best for rugged terrain according to Switch Back Travel, and fans call them tough and supportive, yet comfortable. Updated just last year, these shoes were redesigned to provide a more flexible platform for comfort and an improved outsole for grip. We love Salomon Quest because they include technology designed to reduce fatigue. With seam-sealed GORE-TEX membranes, they’ll keep your feet dry, too. We think you’ll find them stable, cushioning, and perfect for your next backpacking trip. 

  • Oboz Sawtooth II 

These are new in stock, and we couldn’t be happier to offer them to our hikers. 

Oboz has a reputation for designing comfortable footwear, and the Sawtooth II model is no exception. Plush on the inside and tough on the outside, these boots are perfect for your next camping trip. We like the breathable mesh paneling and the lighter weight of these shoes, which fit snugly around your ankle. Oboz shoes have an O FIT Insole, a proprietary feature that gives you an unbeatable fit. 

  • Vasque St. Elias GTX 

Our next pick is the updated St. Elias GTX. Don’t let their rather clunky appearance fool you. These shoes are comfortable right out of the box. They’re also flexible and sturdy, which makes them perfect for long distance hikes. Plus, they feature a waterproof leather upper and a GORE-TEX membrane to keep your toes nice and dry. We love these shoes because, while they have a classic boot look, they’re still nice and nimble on the trail. 

  • Merrell Moab 2

If you aren’t familiar with this brand, you soon will be. Some hikers say that Merrell Moab boots set the standard for footwear. What makes the Moab so popular? The reasonable price is one factor. They’re also lightweight and comfy, with a supportive footbed and Vibram traction. With a waterproof membrane and lots of arch support, these hikers will carry you across any terrain. 

  • Keen Targhee III 

This is another product that comes with a reasonable price tag and comfort from the first wear. We call the Keen line iconic because it’s been popular since its inception, known to be reliable for day hiking and weekend camping trips. These shoes offer a waterproof yet breathable membrane and a stable heel. They’re durable and stylish enough to become your go-to favorite this season.  

All of these choices are ready to wear and durable enough to hold up to rough trail conditions and spring rains. They’re perfect for when you can’t take one more moment in the house. Want more recommendations? Contact us at Alpine Shop or visit our online store! 

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Kids Stuck at Home? Outdoor Play Ideas and Products – to Help You Keep Your Sanity!

According to the experts, parents all over the country may need to rethink group play dates, soccer games, and even local playground jungle gyms. Why?

“There is evidence corona viruses can live on plastic and metal for up to nine days,” explains Dr. Asaf Bitton, a primary care physician. “We really want to be mindful about reducing … interpersonal contact and any potential spread.”

Parents may want to opt for outdoor activities that are individual, like biking or hiking. If sports equipment isn’t shared, and kiddos can keep more of a distance from one another, it’s safer during this era of social distancing.  

We know it’s not news that you ever wanted to hear. But we also know that there is plenty you and your kids can do outdoors without increasing the risk of spreading the virus to other families. We can help with our top ten suggestions and products to get you through this quarantine period. 

10 Outdoor Activities for Kids

(1) Biking 

Nothing boosts the spirits more than hopping on a bike and speeding down the trail. It’s an individual sport kids can do, even during a quarantine like the one we’re facing. Families can get into the fun with bike obstacle courses in a yard or park, or bike “car washes” in the backyard if it’s warm enough outside. If you need a new bicycle for your child, or if you need to stock up on helmets or other supplies, we have it all in stock. 

(2) Hiking 

Hiking is another activity that allows your kids to explore nature, relieve stress, and work off some energy, all while keeping a safe distance from other children. We recommend hiking for everyone, actually, as a way to keep active during this time. At the moment, Missouri State Parks and St. Louis County Parks remain open and ready to be explored. 

(3) Outdoor Art and Games 

GSI Outdoors Freestyle Barrell Toss
GSI Outdoors Backpack Boccee

If you aren’t near a park, but need to give your kids some outdoor time, consider giving them some sidewalk chalk and sending them out to the front stoop. We also recommend camping games like disc golf, or this freestyle barrel toss game available at Alpine Shop. We even have Backpack Bocce. 

Games like these are simple to set up and can be a lifesaver for working-at-home parents. 

(4) Become a Wildlife Expert 

Want to make outdoor time educational? Have your kids become neighborhood wildlife experts. Kids can make a list of the animals that live in the neighborhood, or become experts on plants, flowers, birds, and insects they can see around their home. 

At Alpine Shop, we offer resources and books for budding naturalists. 

(5) Outdoor Chores

For fans of old-school-style parenting, you could always put your kiddos to work outside, washing cars, picking up twigs, pulling weeds, or mowing the lawn. If that’s not as successful as you hoped, have them raid the garage for old Amazon boxes and make a cardboard fort out of them. 

(6) Spring Gardening 

Turn those chores into something fun and educational: have your children help you plant a spring garden. With a packet of seeds and our rainy spring weather, you can watch the plants grow until we’re given the all-clear to roam freely again. 

(7) Backyard Camping 

Nemo Stargaze Camp Chair

Plan a picnic or a backyard camping trip! Kids will love setting up the tent and spending time outdoors. With camping chairs and a hammock, your kids will have everything they need to stay out of your hair. You can even teach them important real-world skills, like how to build a campfire, pitch a tent, or keep away from poison ivy. One of our favorite products in our camping line is the Stargaze Camp Chair. 

(8) Treasure Hunts & Obstacle Courses 

If you have the patience to set it up, treasure hunts can be a lot of fun for kids. Depending on how many objects you hide around the house and in the yard, they can last a while, too. Hide 10 or 15 “treasures” and give kids clues to find them. Another option? Set up an outdoor obstacle course for kids – or, if children are old enough, have them create one themselves! 

(9) Easter Egg Hunts 

It may be early for Easter, but Easter Egg Hunts are easy outdoor activities that kids love to do over and over again. Want to make it more educational? Put vocabulary words or math problems in the eggs and make it a part of homeschooling. 

(10) Recess 

Many parents out there are suddenly discovering that they’re required to be teachers, too. The good news is that even home-schoolers need recess. Get those kids outside with a jumping rope or a yoga video and make sure they’re getting fresh air and exercise during the day. Ask your kids what their favorite recess games are. Together, you can come up with a list of outdoor activities and games. Setting a schedule for learning is great, but you and your kids all need breaks and playtime. 

Visit Alpine Shop Online for Outdoor Supplies and Games 

At Alpine Shop, we’re experts at getting back to nature and spending time outdoors. Visit us online for a range of products. From camping tents to hiking boots, we’ve got you covered this spring. 

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Now More than Ever.

Now more than ever… we need to find opportunities to cope with the stress surrounding us.

Now more than ever… Alpine Shop’s mission statement rings true: “We love and need the mountains, trails, rivers and wild places. They nourish our spirit.”

We don’t know how long this crisis will last, but while we’re able to, we believe we need to “nourish our spirits” by taking a walk through our local parks, by hiking our beloved trails, by exploring the scenic rivers and lakes around us, or by rolling our bikes down the next path.

Now more than ever… we need to re-discover a favorite footpath, re-introduce our children to the wonders of the forest floor, and remind ourselves of the power of simply getting outside.

Now more than ever… take care of your family and friends. Take care of your neighbors in need. But also, take care of yourself. Nourish your spirit in any way that you can.

Because, now more than ever…we need the mountains, trails, rivers and wild places. They can nourish us all.

Where we go from here – Updated 4/3/20:

All Alpine Shop locations in Missouri are temporarily closed.

However, our Kirkwood store’s Bike Shop remains open on a limited basis to accept bike service customers. Please call the store at 314-962-7715 for full details. We will post additional updates when we are able to reopen.

In the meantime, our webstore remains fully operational for any of your outdoor needs. The Pathfinder (Manhattan, Kan.) remain open, but are operating on shortened hours. For more information on all of our stores’ current schedules, you can find it here.

Please note: Out of abundance of caution for both guests and team members, effective immediately, all returns and exchanges will be suspended until April 22. We are also extending the return date on any receipts by at least three weeks.

Alpine Shop’s and The Pathfinder’s Outfitters are passionate about the outdoors and are dedicated to continuing to help make your adventures as enjoyable and safe as possible. We’ve already posted about what we’re doing in our stores to keep them clean and sanitized, as well as what events we have had to cancel, here. We will continue to update that information as it becomes available.

All in-store clinics are cancelled through May 10, in accordance with the latest CDC guidelines. In the meantime, we will be posting on-line videos of our clinics and programs to make sure you can continue to get the information you need. Please visit our events site at: alpineshopevents.com for more information.

Stay Safe. Stay Healthy.

Please understand, we are not advocating for anyone to take a road trip across the country to visit national parks. Instead, we are urging people to discover – or rediscover – the parks, forests, and other wild places near your homes. Below, you can find a list of options for getting outside (near our shop locations) that we know are either open (or closed) to continue to explore during this pandemic crisis. We will update this list as we get more information.

We would like to point out that even through the state of Illinois is under a stay-at-home order (March 20), “outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, running and biking are all allowed, (as long as) social distancing requirements (are) followed.” Evidently the Illinois government agrees with our take on things.

What to do:

Open:

  • Select Missouri State Parks (programs & events are cancelled, parks remain open). Certain parks, including Castlewood State Park in St. Louis are closed as of Thursday, April 2.
  • Kansas State Parks (some parks are closed. See below)
  • Illinois Local Parks – During the stay-at-home order put in place on 3/20 by Illinois Governor Pritzker, while playgrounds are closed, the order does specifically allow for “outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, running and biking (while) social distancing requirements (are) followed.”

Closed:

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COVID-19 Store Update – March 23, 2020

In accordance with the St. Louis County Stay at Home Order, Alpine Shop Kirkwood has temporarily closed its doors beginning Monday, March 23 as the nation, and our neighborhoods, continue to fight the spread of coronavirus.

Alpine Shop Columbia (Mo.) and our Manhattan, Kan., location – The Pathfinder – will remain open for the time being under the same regional and national guidelines and laws that we have followed since this pandemic began. Alpine Shop’s web store – www.alpineshop.com – will continue to serve as a way for our customers to browse our products and support a local business, as well.

Alpine Shop’s co-owners, Russell “Holly” and Lisa Hollenbeck, appreciate all the support the community has shown not only over the past few weeks, but also has provided over the past 47 years.

The Kirkwood location becomes the second Alpine Shop location to temporarily close during the coronavirus pandemic. The Chesterfield, Mo., store, closed earlier in March. As soon as the threat is over, all Alpine Shop locations will re-open as quickly as possible.

About Alpine Shop:

What began in 1973 as a small climbing shop in Webster Groves, Missouri, has grown into an award-winning outdoor retailer, serving almost every type of outdoor enthusiast from backpackers, hikers, campers, paddlers, and cyclists, to trail runners, travelers, snowboarders, and skiers. With four stores across Missouri and Kansas, Alpine Shop has upheld it’s vision to see “Generations Transformed by Discovery Outdoors” by helping to clean and maintain our rivers, parks and trails while introducing more than 17,000 people to the outdoors through instructional programs, competitions or events in the past five years.

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Complete Guide to Staying Dry for Spring

Are you waiting eagerly for spring like we are? Rain or shine, nothing’s going to stop us from hitting the trail this season. However, since we do tend to get spring showers and thunderstorms, it’s worth it to take a look at waterproof – and waterproofing – gear at Alpine Shop. Keep reading for our recommendations and a few tips to keep yourself cozy and dry, no matter what kind of weather you face. 

Top 5 Waterproof Jackets at Alpine Shop 

If you’re in the market for a new waterproof jacket, we can help with our list of the Top 5 here at Alpine Shop. 

#1 – Patagonia Stretch Rainshadow Jacket 

This top-notch product from Patagonia is lightweight and packable, but it offers some of the best protection available with a 2.5-layer stretch nylon shell. Don’t take our word for it. This outside reviewer lists the Rainshadow Jacket in their top 10, commenting that the product “will keep you dry in everything from drizzle to light snowfall.” We like it because it has a ton of cool features and because, like many of Patagonia’s products, it’s made from 100% recycled material. Plus, this jacket is currently 30% off! 

#2 – Patagonia Torrentshell 

Our second product on the list is also from Patagonia: the trusted and reasonably priced Torrentshell. Coolhikinggear.com calls this popular product “a functional and no nonsense rain jacket” perfect for when “you need performance and protection from the elements when you’re out on the hills.” This one is another 2.5 layer jacket treated with Patagonia’s Deluge DWR finish to give it a high waterproof rating. For unpretentious protection, it can’t be beat. 

#3 – Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket 

Marmot took its bestselling PreCip and boosted performance and sustainability to create this eco-friendly jacket. At $100, it’s well worth the investment. We like it because it’s sturdy, durable, and PFC-free. While some reviewers have found it to be a little clammy at times, we think that if you pair this jacket with the correct wicking base layers, you stay cool and dry. We’re big fans of this versatile wardrobe staple. 

#4 – North Face Venture 2

The Venture 2 for Women has been updated with new fabric and a sleek style. Its breathable DryVent 2.5-layer membrane keeps you warm and dry, even in the worst stormy weather. REI names this jacket the “best all-around multisport,” perfect for any adventure. We love its breathability and its adjustable hood. 

#5 – Columbia Watertight II 

With a sale price of less than $60, this is a solid choice for hikers on a budget. The Watertight II offers zippered hand pockets, wrist cinchers, and an adjustable hood in addition to its ultralight shell. 

Waterproofing Tips and Terms to Know 

When you go shopping for rainy weather gear, it’s helpful to know the difference between waterproof and water-resistant, among other terms. 

When we use the term waterproof, we mean that the product is completely impermeable to water. Water resistant, on the other hand, means that the product can resist water to a great degree, but not entirely. 

While most light rain jackets and inexpensive windbreakers are water-resistant, they aren’t entirely waterproof. They’ll keep you dry in a drizzle, but they’re useless in a heavy downpour. To be deemed fully waterproof, jackets need either a built-in barrier like Gore-Tex and/or an outer coating like DWR (durable water repellent) and fully taped seams. 

Washing and Protecting Your Gear 

Some people think that they can protect their waterproof gear by not washing it; actually, the opposite is true. Here’s why. 

To be effective, a waterproof jacket needs a couple of things: a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that will bead water and keep it out and clean layers that allow air to pass through. To keep those layers clean, and to keep your jacket doing what it’s supposed to, it’s important to wash the product regularly. When you do, be sure to check the label for specific instructions. Generally, we recommend washing the jacket in warm water, rinsing it well, and hanging it to dry. 

If you notice that your once-reliable jacket isn’t beading up water the way it used to, you may need to reapply DWR. This will help you keep your jacket for another few seasons. To reapply DWR, all you need is a spray-on product. At Alpine Shop, we offer the Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On, which works very well. 

We also carry a dual washing/waterproofing product by Nikwax, if you prefer. If you have questions about your jacket’s performance, don’t hesitate to give us a call. One of our staff members will be happy to help! 

Visit Alpine Shop for Waterproof Gear and More 

In addition to waterproof jackets and DWR sprays, we have top-of-the-line hiking boots, cozy socks, and everything else you might need for springtime sports. Visit our shop or explore online for the best waterproof gear in the area. Or find all of our men’s and women’s rain jackets here.

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Introducing Curbside Service at Alpine Shop & The Pathfinder

We understand that during this pandemic, many people are looking for ways to support local businesses without necessarily walking through them.

Beginning today, March 18, 2020, our locations in Kirkwood and Columbia, Missouri, as well as The Pathfinder in Manhattan, Kansas, will begin offering Curbside Service for any customer interested in using it at no additional cost.

Here’s how it works:

  1. If you will be picking up your purchases from our Kirkwood location, we encourage you to browse on-line at alpineshop.com to determine what you would like to buy.

    If you are shopping at our Columbia location, please see an up to date inventory of many of our products here    .

    If you are shopping at our Pathfinder location in Manhattan, Kan., please see the latest inventory on many of our products here.
  2. Once you’ve determined which products you would like to purchase, call the store you would like to pick up from. Here are their numbers:

    Kirkwood: 314-962-7715
    Columbia: 573-817-2955
    The Pathfinder: 785-539-5639

    An outfitter will take your order over the phone, verify your purchase and take your payment. We will pack up your order and let you know by phone when it is ready to be picked up.
  3. When you arrive for curbside service, call the store again and let them know you are waiting outside.
  4. We’ll bring your bags to your car!

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Program Announced for 2020 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Full program details for both nights added below!

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!

Tickets are available here!

March 25 Program

  • The Flip – 3 minutes – Fun, BASE jumping show opener.
  • Camel Finds Water – 8 minutes – A creatively made buddy/road trip/surf film.
  • The Motivator – 5 minutes – A middle-aged mother shares her passion for outdoor activity with her adult son.
  • Life of Pie – 12 minutes – Up-beat film jammed with great mountain biking, delicious pizza and an inclusive message.
  • Spectre Expedition – Mission Antarctica – 36 minutes – Classic adventure/journey film to the world’s most remote mountain.
  • INTERMISSION
  • The Imaginary Line – 11 minutes – An American/Mexican team bridge the Rio Grand Canyon by highline in a symbolic gesture of friendship.
  • Siblings – 3 minutes – Cheerful shout-out to the life-long joys of cycling.
  • The Long River Home – 20 minutes – Moving story of three American veterans taking on Grand Canyon’s Colorado River by kayak.
  • Lhotse – 23 minutes – Two American ski mountaineers attempt to be the first team to ski the treacherous Lhotse Couloir.
  • Hors Piste – 6 minutes – Hilarious animated send-up of macho mountain rescue professionals.
  • Total film time = 127 minutes

March 26 Program

  • Surfer Dan – 8 minutes – A cold-water surfer braves the icy waters of Lake Superior in this funny opening film.
  • Safe Haven – 8 minutes – A climbing gym in inner-city Memphis serves as a safe and encouraging community gathering place.
  • Circle of the Sun – 5 minutes – Norway’s Lofoten Islands shine in this poetic short film featuring Austrian free skier Lene Stoffel.
  • Into the Canyon – 45 minutes – Two journalists barely survive a 750 mile hike through Grand Canyon. This year’s strongest long film.
  • INTERMISSION
  • Charge – 5 minutes – Four freeskiers plow through deep British Columbian powder in this exciting POV ski short.
  • Gone Tomorrow – Kentucky Ice Climbing – 20 minutes – Irreverent take on ice climbing In Kentucky, (uncut and bleeped versions available).
  • The Ladakh Project – 13 minutes – A young Frenchwoman tackles a massive Himalayan river by kayak… solo.
  • Reel Rock 13: Up to Speed – 21 minutes – A funny and fast-paced primer on the new Olympic sport of speed climbing.
  • Danny Daycare – 4 minutes – This year’s best closing film. Leaves the whole audience laughing and smiling on their way out.
  • Total film time = 129 minutes

Tickets are available here!

* Please note: Films may be changed at any time.

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