Category: News and Information

This week we are going to our store in Columbia, MO to tell you a little bit about our Assistant Manager, Liza Babington! Being a well-rounded outdoor enthusiast she has brought her passion and knowledge for outdoor activities to our company for over three years. She has been known to rock climb and horse back-ride from time to time, but that’s only naming two!  She has broadened her education within our outdoor industry by traveling to conferences and training seminars for Ames Adventure Outdoors and SuperFeet. If you are ever in the area or moving there for school she can help you with pretty much everything in the store!

Email
lbabington@alpineshop.com

Date You Started at Alpine Shop
05/07/2010

(1) Which Alpine Shop location do you normally work at?
Columbia

(2) Describe what you do at Alpine Shop. (Or at least what you like to tell the people you meet at cocktail parties.)
Assistant Manager, I am in charge of scheduling and I assist in managing and training  the floor staff. I also work as an outfitter on the sales floor who engages with customers and keeps the back-of-house operations running smoothly.

(3) Identify where you are from. Provide some background on a favorite thing to do or a place to visit in your hometown.
Ladue, St. Louis, MO. My favorite place in St. Louis is the ‘woods’ behind my parents house.

(4) What are some of the current outdoor sports/activities you enjoy? What got you started (or how did you get started) doing outdoor activities?
I have always enjoyed the outdoors and enjoy horseback riding, rock climbing, slack-lining, mountain biking, hiking and camping to name a few.

(5) Where is your favorite place to “Get Outside Yourself?” Describe why.
Anywhere I can get away from the noise of the city.

(6) What is an outdoor adventure you want to go on some day? Describe why.
I’d love to travel the world with my friends.

(7) Name and describe your favorite outdoor gear, product or brand. (If possible, provide link to said products on Alpine Shop’s website.)
My favorite gear is climbing gear. My favorite brands tie between Petzl , Marmot and Arc’teryx.

(8) What’s your favorite thing about Alpine Shop? (The people you work with. The customers. Being around cool stuff. Seeing the latest gear. A certain department. Other. You tell us.)
I most enjoy the amazing team I get to be a part of everytime I go to work.

(9) Describe why outdoor activity is so important to you.
Being outside keeps me in touch with me!

(10) What’s one activity that you enjoy that has nothing to do with the outdoors?
Sewing and playing the piano.

The beginning of the school year is right at our door steps and for some of us, we may have missed the opportunity earlier in the summer to do the shopping around. Whether it’s a new laptop, clothes, or backpack; we’re always scrambling to find the best product out there! Depending on what you are looking for; such as, versatility, durability, or how cool it looks there are tons of choices out there in the market. One way you can minimize your search is knowing certain brands can guarantee the quality and will outlast the competitors. Backpacks are getting pretty nifty, which only furthers the vastness of the selection, but there are a couple that we thought you should know the ins and outs about! Osprey and Patagonia, both known for having the utmost quality within the outdoor retail market both have their hands in creative backpack design. Designed with the outdoor based student in mind, these packs can withstand whatever you put them through. Not to mention, most of these brands have gender specific packs to ensure the most comfortable fit for both men and women.

Ladies if you are looking for something a bit more feminine, then the Osprey Flap Jill Bag is the perfect choice for you! Not only does this bag have a cute flower pattern, it comes in 4 vibrant colors and has three different color interchangeable straps for a multitude of possibilities. No matter if you plan on using this pack for school, work, outdoor adventures or everyday activities, all of your belongings can be easily and securely stored. It has a large front zippered pouch where smaller and more frequently accessed items can be organized leaving a spacious main pouch for larger items. The reflectors on the outside of this backpack make biking, hiking, or walking to the bus stop safer. Ladies of all ages can enjoy the functionality, durability, and finesse of this quality pack.

Then there is the 28 Liter Patagonia Refugio pack which is designed with everyone in mind. The outside of this pack is equipped with padded air flow straps making carrying around text books easier on your back and shoulders. The best part of this pack is the emergency whistle that is attached to one of the shoulder straps. This safety feature comes in handy in a number if situations such as walking around campus, walking into a dark parking garage, or walking home from the bus stop. Inside this pack is three compartments including a padded laptop sleeve and lined storage for protecting other electronics. This pack was made with not only your active life in mind, but your safety as well. Both of these and many more are available in-store and online www.alpineshop.com

We are back at it again! This week it’s all about Kirkwood Store Manager, Peter Carleton! He’s our in-house curator for employee get-togethers, barbecuer, and the list just keeps going. Any given day you can find Peter at our Kirkwood store either managing the floor, leading a bike ride, or even waxing a pair of skis. He’s got an exciting next few months ahead of him seeing as he is getting hitched this fall! He’s been part of the team since 2007 and we want to thank Peter for his years of being one awesome Alpiner!

Name: Peter “Pete” Carleton

(1) Describe what you do at Alpine Shop. (Or at least what you like to tell the people you meet at cocktail parties.)

I am the Store Manager of our Kirkwood Location. I also lead bike rides, assist with kayak trips, repair the occasional flat tire, wax some skis and boards, and I have been known to barbecue on Sundays from time to time.

(2) Identify where you are from. Provide some background on a favorite thing to do or a place to visit in your hometown.

St. Louis, Missouri has always been my basecamp, but I lived in Iowa and Connecticut for brief stints before my latest return to the St. Louis area nearly seven years ago. In St. Louis nothing beats a few beers at the Cardinals game. The Iowa State Fair is an event that no Iowan (is that how you say it?) misses, and New York City is the highlight of every visit to my parents’ Connecticut home.

(3) What are some of the current outdoor sports/activities you enjoy? What got you started (or how did you get started) doing outdoor activities? 

I grew up camping and floating with my father, uncle Mike, and three little brothers. I then joined the Cub Scouts, later joined the Boy Scouts, and eventually earned Eagle Scout rank. Through all of those experiences I really learned to appreciate the many rivers and forests our great country has to offer. My favorite activity that I learned early on is paddling a canoe. There is nothing more relaxing and satisfying as multi-day canoe trip with friends and family.

(4) Where is your favorite place to “Get Outside Yourself?” Describe why.

My absolute favorite place to “Get Outside Myself’ is paddling the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Over the past few years I have not had as many chances to get down there, so my more recent alternative is Onandoga Cave State Park (where my camping career started). It is just far enough to get away from St. Louis for a long weekend, but close enough to head down there for a last-minute overnight trip. Onandoga is also a great place for “River TV”.

(5) What is an outdoor adventure you want to go on some day? Describe why.

I  would really like to get back to The Boundary Waters. I was fortunate enough to spend a week canoeing with my father and brother up there when I was younger, and would love to get back up there with them. That trip was the greatest outdoor adventure I have ever been on. If you two are reading this I am serious, let’s go!

(6) Name and describe your favorite outdoor gear, product or brand. 

Wenonah – Argosy Canoe

Marmot – Limelight 2 Tent

Mountain Hardwear – Mega Lamina 20 Sleeping Bag

Osprey – Atmos 65 Pack

Osprey – Porter 46 Luggage

(7) What’s your favorite thing about Alpine Shop? 

My favorite thing about Alpine Shop is that every time I come to work I get to talk with the most passionate Outdoors people in the world. Between our customers, outfitters, managers, back-office staff, and athletes you will never meet a more diverse group of people that all have an intense passion for the outdoors.

(8) Describe why outdoor activity is so important to you.

Being outside is probably the most important activity I can share with others. If every person got outside for just a little bit each day the world would be a better place.

(9) What’s one activity that you enjoy that has nothing to do with the outdoors?

When I am not working at Alpine Shop or getting outdoors; I am spending time working on my new home in South St. Louis. When I can get away from that, I enjoy tinkering on my vintage Moped.

(10) Kids, married, professional hot dog eating champion, etc? What else should people know about you?

I got engaged last summer while traveling through Italy, and we are getting married in September.

I am the oldest of four, and we have recently stretched the Carleton empire to all four corners of the United States.

I have a crazy dog at home named “Tater-Tot”.

Myles Arbeeny can simply be considered an Alpine Shop classic. Having been on the floor, management, and a certified Paddle instructor, he has filled many roles for the company. Most recently he was chosen to manage our newest store, which opened in O’Fallon, Ill. He continues to teach and encourage people about the outdoors, truly sending our vision east of the Mississippi River! Here’s a little more on the cool guy we like to call “Mylarsky”!

(1) Nickname – If you go by one / prefer one / wish you had one
Mylo or Mylarsky

(2) Describe what you do at Alpine Shop. (Or at least what you like to tell the people you meet at cocktail parties.)
I can honestly say, without exaggerating, that I do it all! I manage the Alpine Shop in O’Fallon, Ill., which means that I have become a guru in all the outdoor sports we specialize in. I would be happy to act as your Sherpa through the store and not only have you pick out your gear; but teach you why it’s the right gear for each particular adventure.

(3) Identify where you are from. Provide some background on a favorite thing to do or a place to visit in your hometown.
Born in Las Vegas, grew up in St Louis, but really grew up in Alaska. Best places around St Louis are Jackson Falls, Ill., the Eleven Point River, Elephant Rocks State Park, and the Meramec River. Nothing beats the Chilkoot trail in Alaska though.

(4) What are some of the current outdoor sports/activites you enjoy? What got you started (or how did you get started) doing outdoor activities?
Started enjoying the outdoors in the Boy Scouts. Now I love it all: hiking, backpacking, cycling etc. My favorites truly are paddling and climbing.

(5) Where is your favorite place to “Get Outside Yourself?” Describe why.
The Alpine Shop. More adrenaline is used running that shop than rafting the Tayia in Alaska

(6) What is an outdoor adventure you want to go on some day? Describe why.
Top of the bucket list is rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. It’s the ultimate rafting expedition in the states.

(7) Name and describe your favorite outdoor gear, product or brand. (If possible, provide link to said products on Alpine Shop’s website.)
Chaco Z2 Unaweep, all Arc’teryx (the Fision AR in particular) and Werner paddles. All for the same reason: the care and effort that went into every part of the design gives you a better fit and more comfortable feel so you can keep going further.

(8) What’s your favorite thing about Alpine Shop? (The people you work with. The customers.)
The awesome gear that I can’t help but geek out over and all the long friendships I’ve gained with customers and coworkers

(9) Describe why outdoor activity is so important to you.
The outdoors are the only way I can deeply relax and refocus at the end of the workday.

(10) Kids, married, professional hot dog eating champion, etc? What else should people know about you?

I’ve got a crazy border collie named Bennett after the first lake I ever paddled outside the scouts:  Lake Bennett in the Yukon Territory .

Meghan “Mae Mae Fazio” Izaguirre is the wonderful store manager of our Chesterfield Alpine Shop. Her experience out on the slopes and need for adventure has landed her an important role in the Alpine Shop’s family circle. Starting in our Chesterfield location almost seven years ago she has continued to be a great representation of the customer service we strive to uphold everyday. Here’s a quick way for you to meet one of our very best!

(1) Nickname – If you go by one / prefer one / wish you had one

Mae Mae

I was born in Los Angeles, Calif. Raised in St Louis, Mo. Adventured/lived in Salt Lake City, Utah &  Islamorada, Fla., and am currently back in St Louis (obviously) I enjoy the outdoors. I love the snow.

Hiking, snowboarding, rock climbing, kayaking.  Working at Alpine for the past few years has definitely broadened my love for the outdoors.

In St Louis: Castlewood State Park, Hidden Valley Ski Resort, Forest Park, Current River, Jack’s Fork and Upper Limits Climbing Gym. Just because we live in the Midwest, doesn’t mean we don’t have beautiful places to Get Outside. Outside of St Louis, I enjoy snowboarding at Brighton Resort in Salt Lake City and Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Ore., as well as deep sea fishing in Islamorada, Fla!

(6) What is an outdoor adventure you want to go on some day? Describe why.

I got married to my fabulous husband in April of this year at Chandler Hill Vineyard… We just bought a house, and move in 2 days! No kiddos yet, still have a lot of adventure & travel left in these bones of mine…

Brennan “BV” Van Matre has been the store manager at our Columbia, MO store for five years, he is the backbone to one of our great stores and brings a delightful element of outdoor culture to our company everyday. A true outdoors-man who loves an extensive array of activities from kayaking, mountain biking, ice climbing… just to name a few!

(1) Nickname – If you go by one / prefer one / wish you had one

“BV”

(2) Describe what you do at Alpine Shop. (Or at least what you like to tell the people you meet at cocktail parties.)

I have been the store manager of Alpine Shop Columbia for 5 years now. I have enjoyed developing the kayak instruction, hiking trips, backpack adventures here in our Columbia location. It is a great community and very fitting for the outdoor culture.

(3) Identify where you are from. Provide some background on a favorite thing to do or a place to visit in your hometown.

Mexico, Mo.: A little town in central Missouri, blossomed on the brick industry, filled with good folks and a strong sense of community.

(4) What are some of the current outdoor sports/activities you enjoy? What got you started (or how did you get started) doing outdoor activities?

I really enjoy kayaking slow river and whitewater, mountain biking, skiing, backpacking, hiking, did I mention all things outdoors? I have always loved being outdoors. I spent several years living out west and I grew personally and spiritually with nature. I lived in the Rockies, the western desert, Alaska, spent time in all states surrounding and appreciated every moment.

(5) Where is your favorite place to “Get Outside Yourself?” Describe why.

I really like the water. And I really like the mountains. I must say the Pacific Northwest is the place that all of that comes together easily for me. The contrast of waves, rocky coast, and mountains that climb right out of the surf. That is the macro view. Locally, I find myself in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Finger Lakes State Park or Mark Twain National Forest. I can hike, bike, kayak and disappear for a while.

(6) What is an outdoor adventure you want to go on some day? Describe why.

I would love to see what the world looks like atop of Mt. Rainier. I am very interested in mountaineering, love the Pacific Northwest, and would love to accomplish this summit. It is on my short list right now. I have seen many tops in the Rockies and I can’t begin to describe the feeling. It is deep.

(7) Name and describe your favorite outdoor gear, product or brand. (If possible, provide link to said products on Alpine Shop’s website.)

I have several pieces of gear I really use and appreciate. First, a fantastic rain shell. If I could have one piece of apparel, it may be a GoreTex shell. I own a Marmot Minimalist and have trusted it for years. I am a fan of Salomon footwear for trail running and honestly, everyday comfort. My backpack gear is very Marmot and Osprey.

(8) What’s your favorite thing about Alpine Shop? (The people you work with. The customers. Being around cool stuff. Seeing the latest gear. A certain department. Other. You tell us.)

I can say working in the outdoor industry is a real luxury. It is the leisure time for most and I see the excited, nervous state in the trip planning stage. To play a part in that activity or adventure is really cool to share on a personal level. But best when they come back through the door to share the experience with me. Alpine Shop is a great place to live out the day-to-day involvement. Columbia is a very cool place with a lot of great folks who enjoy the great outdoors.

(9) Describe why outdoor activity is so important to you.

I appreciate the little moments where nature sings its song. Leaves rustle, birds sing, water runs, and I can hear everything and nothing at all. I feel connected and humble while in the outdoors.

(10) Kids, married, professional hot dog eating champion, etc? What else should people know about you?

I have an incredible wife and son. I couldn’t ask for more when it comes to my family. I live life by the moment and take nothing for granted.