News and Information – Page 19

July 12, 2013

10 Questions with Russ Tamm

The Alpine Shop is full of awesome people who help make this place the best it can be! Russ Tamm has been gracing the floor of the Kirkwood location for almost four years and he will soon be leaving us for his home state of Washington! Here’s a quick way to meet him and join us in giving him a warm farewell.

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

(2) Describe what you do at Alpine Shop. (Or at least what you like to tell the people you meet at cocktail parties.)
I do a little bit of everything here! I’m currently working as our training manager, coordinating both vendor and in house clinics on new product and general outfitting. I love hiking, kayaking, and snowboarding. If folks are getting geared up for outdoor adventures, I can usually get them pointed in the right direction. If you need a pack fit, wanna get the lowdown on down sleeping bags (har har) or are trying to figure out the right board or skis for you, I’d love to help out! I’m also one of the Shop’s ACA certified kayaking instructors, so summer time means I get to go play on the water.

(3) Identify where you are from. Provide some background on a favorite thing to do or a place to visit in your hometown.
Seattle, Wash. The mountains and ocean (and coffee!) are the things I love the most about the Pacific Northwest. I always take at least one trip back in the winter to snowboard at Stevens Pass or Crystal Mountain. Kayaking the San Juan Islands is an incredible adventure, definitely worth the trip. I also try to work in a trip to my favorite college hangout, Cafe Solstice in the U-district, for blueberry cream cheese coffee cake and the world’s best straight espresso!

(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?
My parents had me out of the house as much as possible when I was a kid! I loved reading about and practicing survival techniques and native american woodcraft. In high school, I got my Eagle Award and was involved in search and rescue ground team ops with the Civil Air Patrol.

(5) Where is your favorite place to “Get Outside Yourself?” Describe why.
I love paddling the Meramec and Missouri Rivers for quiet beauty and fun with friends. Johnson’s Shut-Ins for easy family camping and cool fun in the summer. Hidden Valley Ski Resort gives us a chance to go skiing and snowboarding right in our back yard. Love to catch midnight sessions after work with a mob from the shop!

I’m probably the most “me” hiking and camping in Olympic National Park, Wash. Wandering mossy damp forests of evergreen, canoeing the glassy waters of Lake Ozette, or hiking the kelp littered coastline to booming breakers and the cries of gulls.

(6) What is an outdoor adventure you want to go on some day? Describe why.
Week-long sea kayaking tour through the San Juan Islands in Washington’s Puget Sound! Beautiful protected inlets, challenging open water, and quaint laid back island communities. The San Juans sit in a triangle between Seattle, Victoria, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Harbour seals, orca whales, and bonfires on the rugged coast make paddling in the Pacific Northwest pure magic.

That or heli snowboarding in Alaska. Maximum gnar.

(7) Name and describe your favorite outdoor gear, product or brand. (If possible, provide link to said products on Alpine Shop’s website.)
Marmot, Arc’teryx, Wilderness Systems, Burton, and Lib Tech are some of my favorite brands at the shop. These guys are pros when it comes to making stuff that works great, and looks cool while doing it! Here are some of my personal favorites:

Marmot Aura 2P Tent. Expertly constructed, great in wind and rain, and still fairly lightweight. Roomy vestibule space and double entry make this tent a no-brainer for 3 season backpacking.

Arc’teryx S220LT Climbing Harness. This harness offers simplicity, light weight, and crazy comfort that belies its minimalist design.

Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145. This versatile kayak has the carrying capacity to take you on touring daytrips and overnighters, for casual paddling or an expedition! Easy to handle and predictable, but will also perform more advanced techniques.

Burton Barracuda Snowboard. Amazing powder and free ride board, with one of the best graphics I’ve seen in a while.

(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 love hearing about and helping folks get ready for awesome adventures! We have a great community of people who love the outdoors here at the Alpine Shop and it’s truly a privilege to be a part of it. Going to work inspires me to learn more every day, and to get myself back out there!

(9) Describe why outdoor activity is so important to you.
Mind, Body, and Spirit. They are one. The outdoors refuel me wholly.
What’s one activity that you enjoy that has nothing to do with the outdoors?
Playing and listening to music! Guitar, banjo, penny whistle. Anything I can make some noise with.
Provide any personal family information you wish to share.

(10) Kids, married, professional hot dog eating champion, etc? What else should people know about you?
I have an amazing wife and two great little girls. We’re learning how to be an outdoorsy team! We also have a pug. He’s pretty lame in the wild. I just completed my Masters of Divinity at Covenant Seminary here in St Louis. I enjoy seeing the outdoors open people’s eyes to bigger things. I’d like to bring those two loves together, inspiring people to find meaning, purpose, and hope in this often crazy world.

June 28, 2013

How Dad’s Are Improving Their Kids’ Lives – Stories in Photos

We asked Alpine Shop customers to send us photos of dads who have introduced their children to the outdoors for our Great Dads and the Great Outdoors photo sweepstakes. We received more than 100 entries into the contest, and more importantly, received more than 100 stories of fathers making an impact on their children’s lives through outdoor activities.

Here are just a few of the types of stories you’ll find if you go through the entries we received:

Alpine Shop Fathers — Meg’s father teaching her selective forestry.

Read about a dad who trained his daughter to maintain the land using selective forestry. She now works for the department of conservation and is making plans for a 2014 Applachian Trail Hike.

Discover a Dad who has brought his family to over 15 national parks and over 50 state parks helping his family create memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

Or even a multi-part entry which featured a father helping his daughter on her first rappel off a cliff.

We received more than 100 stories told that all lead us back to our vision: “Generations Transformed by Discovery Outdoors.”

However, as with any sweepstake or contest, eventually a winner needs to be selected. This year’s winner of a $250 Alpine Shop Shopping Spree was chosen randomly from all the entries. It was posted by Arthur Larson and features Arthur and his father Dave at Philmont Scout Ranch.

Grand Prize winner: Philmont Fun - Climbing Mt. Baldy by Arthur Larson — Grand Prize winner:
Philmont Fun – Climbing Mt. Baldy by Arthur Larson

Here is what Arthur wrote about his father:

In 2011 my father and I made the trip out to Philmont Scout Ranch in NM and Climbed Mt. Baldy. This picture was taken on Father’s Day at the top of the mountain. Winds were blowing hard and it was really cold but it was worth it. In January my father was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). He is only 48 years old. His hope is to be able to go one more time and bring my younger brother. ALS is a disease that attacks your motor neurons and the muscles they control become weak and paralyzed. The ALS St. Louis walk is Saturday, June 29th in Forest Park. Come out and meet my dad! Cheer him on!! His name is Dave Larson.

Three $75 gift cards were also given away to Dennis Maddock, Andrea Kirkpatrick and Cori Kline. Their photos follow below along with the stories they shared with us.

While hiking down the Havasupai water falls, my wife and I spent a lot of time building up the kids confidence to climb the waterfalls, one of which is 200 feet. Some of the falls are short enough and have deep pools so you can jump from the top of the fall to the water below. By the fourth day, one of our daughters, ten at the time, had built up the courage to jump from a 20 foot fall with me. There was a time, several years ago, that while rock climbing, she was afraid to let go of the wall after reaching the top to be lowered, but all of the time we spend building up their strength and confidence in their abilities allowed us to share this moment. By: Dennis Maddock

Every summer our family takes trips to different National Parks around the U.S. The year Ada turned 3 and our boys were old enough to cover some distance on their own, we started taking longer day-hikes. That summer, we went to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Ada’s dad carried her in a backpack carrier on many hikes at the Grand Canyon and up Walter’s Wiggles at Zion (21 switchbacks). It was amazing to watch her delight in her father’s toil. Two summers ago we went to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Ada made her first trip to the top of a mountain-Mt. Pisgah, with a little help from her dad. Last summer we went to Rocky Mountain National Park, and Ada was proud because she was able to keep up on most of the hikes, getting a boost from her dad every now and again. Her crowning glory was making it to the Mount Chapin summit at over 13,000 feet. On a regular basis at home, we enjoy hiking and biking the local trails, as we disconnect from our busy lives. Ada has a tremendous amount of pride in her outdoor endeavors, and she looks up to her dad because he is so important in helping her reach her goals and gain self-confidence. These experiences are shaping her into a person with a real joy for life-excited to see new things, learn about wildlife, and marvel at the natural beauty of our world. Spending time with her dad and accomplishing such remarkable things are memories that will last a lifetime, and hopefully someday, she might pass this love on to children of her own. By: Andrea Kirkpatrick

A.J. and dad trying to catch a whopper. by: Cori Kline — A.J. and dad trying to catch a whopper. By: Cori Kline

You can find the entire list of entries to the 2013 Great Dads and the Great Outdoors Sweepstakes on our facebook page. Thanks to everyone who entered and a big “Thank You” to all the fathers out there who continue to introduce your kids to a love of the great outdoors.

June 24, 2013

Alpine Shop St. Louis’ Choice for Athletic Gear – Again

St Louis Magazine A-List Award — Alpine Shop was named St Louis Magazine’s Reader’s Choice for Athletic Gear for the second time in three years.

For the second time in three years, the readers of St. Louis Magazine have chosen Alpine Shop as their A-List Winner for Athletic Gear. The 2013 A-List Readers’ Choice Winner selection included the following description:

Whether you’re hitting the slopes or just taking a hike, the Alpine Shop is the go-to shopping spot for both the casual adventurer and the daredevil outdoorsman.

That’s pretty close to what we try to be. If you’ve read throughout our blog before, you’ll probably recognize our vision: “Generations Transformed by Discovery Outdoors.” Simply put, we want our customers to experience the outdoors – whether its the first time ever setting foot on a trail or their 1000th time – with the right gear, instruction and information to make it a fun and inspirational experience.

As we celebrate our 40th year in 2013, one of the most rewarding things we’ve experienced this year has been our opportunity to listen to our customers tell stories that we’ve helped make possible. During the next 40 years, we look forward to introducing new generations to the outdoors while continuing to develop the relationships that made our first 40 years so special.

Our thanks again to everyone in St Louis that helped name us the best store for athletic gear!

June 4, 2013

Dads & Grads Gift Ideas 2013

Take Alpine Shop’s advice and give the Dads and Grads in your life some truly perfect adventure related gifts this year. Whether they’re for a Dad who loves the outdoors or a Grad ready to take on the world, here’s some of the best gifts throughout our stores and on-line at alpineshop.com.

(Of course there are always Alpine Shop Gift Cards, too!)

Kuhl Revolvr Jean Pant:
By blending the strength of nylon into a cotton oxford weave, “Uberkuhl” fabric retains the feel of cotton. Uberkuhl bi-component weave allows the cotton to `push and pull` moisture to the nylon for quick evaporation. The result is a lightweight, ergonomicly designed pant that wicks persperation and will dry quickly. Perfect for travel.

Pearl Izumi Quest Jersey:
This classic three-pocket design offers a comfortable semi-form fit, making it perfect for all types of riding.

Smith Sunglasses like the Proof: Combining easy-going wearability with superior Polarized performance, The Proof is designed to be worn every day, all day long. — Smith Sunglasses like the Proof:
Combining easy-going wearability with superior Polarized performance, The Proof is designed to be worn every day, all day long.

Patagonia Half Mass Pack — Patagonia Daypacks like this Half Mass Bag
The Half-Mass holds our busy lives together. Built for bike commuters and sized for a day`s worth of gear, it has padding on the backside and along the contoured base to protect the contents and provide structure. Inside, a padded computer sleeve cradles a 17-inch or smaller laptop safely off the ground. The main compartment features a drop pocket that secures with a hook-and-loop tab, a mesh pocket, a padded electronics pocket, pen sleeves and a secure zippered pocket. The cover flap overlaps the sides of the bag to block rain; its pocket closes with a water-resistant zipper. The external side pocket stows a cell phone, power cords or water bottle. The bag`s no-slip shoulder strap is fully adjustable, and the waist strap stows away. With a topside carrying handle, a reflective panel for visibility at night and a bike-light mount.

Eagle Creek Packing systems — Eagle Creek Luggage and Pack-It Systems:
There’s no better way to lug your belongings across Europe or across the country than with Eagle Creek. Keep everything organized, clean and looking great all while packed into a bag smaller than you ever though possible

Gibbon Slacklines: Great for fitness. Great for balance. Great for fun! Give a gift that the whole family can enjoy. — Gibbon Slacklines:
Great for fitness. Great for balance. Great for fun! Give a gift that the whole family can enjoy.

Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool — Leatherman Skeletool Multi-Tool:
At a mere five ounces, the full-size Leatherman Skeletool has a stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener. The Skeletool is just what you need, and not an ounce more. For the pack you`re bringing in, or the hydration pack you`re peddling, the Skeletool is all function (and none of the fluff) in one good lookin` package.

Princeton Tec Fuel Headlamp:
Technology should be simple. What could be better than a light that weighs only 78g with 70 lumens of brightness and 146 hours of burn time?
A light that also has an asymmetrical single arm bracket that makes directing the light effortless and reliable; a large, easy to find push button switch and a virtually bulletproof, easy access battery door that protects the 3AAAs and its electronics.
Yea.. that’s pretty much it. Simple. Perfect. Fuel.

Olukai Men's Ohana Leather Flip — Ohana – Translation: “family.” An OluKai classic, the `Ohana Leather is an ideal blend of cushion and structure. Features full grain leather, soft nylon toe post webbing and laser-etching

Mountain Hardwear Way2Cool Shortsleeve Shirt — Mountain Hardwear’s Way2Cool Running Collection features Cool.Q™ ZERO: the industry’s first active-cooling technology designed to actually lower the overall temperature of the fabric when you sweat.

May 3, 2013

What’s the Best Boat for You? You Can Paddle Day is Saturday, May 4

We took two of Alpine Shop‘s best paddlers out to Simpson Park in St. Louis County to test their opinions on what is the best light touring kayak for the St Louis area. Mike Morin and Jake Parr – both Shop managers and certified ACA instructors do their best to tell you which boat they prefer and why.

Mike prefers the Jackson Journey due to it’s comfortable seat, ample cargo space and displacement style hull. Jake prefers the Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 because of its speed, it’s hard-chine hull and comfy cockpit.

Which boat is best for you? It could be either kayak, or perhaps a completely different boat. The point is, until you paddle it, you can’t know for sure. That’s why we have events throughout the spring and summer like our You Can Paddle Day on Saturday, May 4, 2013, and our demo days throughout the rest of the season.

You wouldn’t buy a car without driving it. Don’t buy a boat without paddling it first. We’re the only company in the area with such a wide range of boats – whitewater kayaks, touring kayaks, rec kayaks, canoes and even Stand Up Paddle Boards – that offers test paddles to its customers.

Come find out why we’re the best paddle store in the St Louis area.

April 29, 2013

Up to $50 Back with Yakima Product Purchase

Spend $300 or more on any Yakima product from April 27, 2013 through May 27, 2013 and qualify to receive a rebate.

You can take advantage of this deal at any Alpine Shop location or on-line at alpineshop.com. The specifics are below:

Purchase Yakima gear for the following amounts to qualify for a rebate:

$500 purchase (receives a $50 rebate)

$400 purchase (receives a $40 rebate)

$300 purchase (receives a $30 rebate)

More specifics:

Rebates cannot be instantly redeemed at the time of purchase.

Rebates can be completed online at www.yakima.com/promotions or mailed in.

To mail in your rebate, please print and use the official rebate form and mail by May 27, 2013.

Rebates are issued in the form of a Visa debit card.

Rebates will be sent via mail within 6-8 weeks of completion and submission of rebate form and proof of purchase.

April 10, 2013

First Sneak Peek at the Swap Tent in Kirkwood!

Here’s your first opportunity to see behind the tent flaps at our Kirkwood location! Our 20th Annual Spring Swap begins Friday, April 12 at 7 pm; but we’re giving you a first glimpse at what’s already for sale under the big top. Bikes, boats, skis, snowboards, camping gear, footwear and clothing already are filling the tent. (With more to come before Friday!)

One reminder: there is a $5 entrance fee on Friday night in Kirkwood. All other days (Saturday – Monday) are absolutely FREE.

If you have gear or clothing you’d like to enter into the Swap, check-in runs noon – 8 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, April 10-11. There will be no check-in on Friday, April 12.

April 9, 2013

Bike Bargains Begin This Week at Alpine Shop

Spring has finally sprung here in the Midwest. That means the bike shops in our Kirkwood location and in our brand new O’Fallon, Ill., location have kicked into high gear.

Not only does our Spring Swap begin on Friday in Kirkwood and Columbia, Mo., but we also have some big promotions going on from our two main bicycle brands: Specialized and Trek.

Specialized – Only Available for Purchase in Kirkwood

If you’re interested in one of Specialized’s road bikes, take advantage of up to $400 off MSRP on a 2013 Roubaix or Tarmac or up to $500 off a 2013 Ruby as part of Specialized’s Spring Classics Sale Event. This promotion is going on now through Monday, April 22 and features great prices on brand new models – not last year’s clearance models.

You can take a look at some of our current stock of Specialized road bikes online at http://www.alpineshop.com/road-bike

Trek- Only Available for Purchase in O’Fallon, IL

Our newest brand, Trek, is offering two Factory Demos this coming weekend, April 13-14. On Saturday, April 13, join us in Castlewood State Park and ride all the new 2013 models to find out which bike is for you. On Sunday, the demo moves to the Lost Valley Trails in Weldon Springs Wildlife Area (Hamburg, Mo.).

If you find a bike you like this weekend, you can save up to $150 with incentives for Trek Days and Demo Days specials.

April 3, 2013

Wild West Dreamin’

This is the time of year when bright and shiny new hiking items arrive in the store and we all start dreaming of all the amazing places we could traverse. The West has held it’s strong reputation for being purely magnificent and so many of us have had the opportunity to experience it’s beauty! Alpine Shop’s vision ” Generations Transformed by Discovery Outdoors” is upheld by maintaining our adventure-seeking, outdoor loving staff. We wanted to share some of the insider buzz on a few new items our staff can’t stop thinking about, and would be the perfect addition to your upcoming westward adventure. Everyone loves and needs a new hiking boot and the Vasque Breeze 2.0 is the one that will have you jumping up and down with excitement. As if the original Vasque Breeze wasn’t a perfect Gore-Tex item, they reloaded this boot with all of the necessary bells and whistles. The most amazing part of this boot is that it nearly weighs nothing compared to how much support and strength it has. Metal grommets hold the laces along with the fast drying mesh make this boot a long lasting piece in your closet. Between the 100% waterproof of the Gore-Tex, the Vibram sole and rubber toe, and not to mention how lightweight it’s made, this is a hikers dream. Some of the places featured from Top left to bottom right include Moab, UT, Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park, Yosemite Falls, and Mt. Ranier, WA

March 22, 2013

Scenes from O’Fallon’s Grand Opening – March 22

Customers spinning the wheel for prizes at Alpine Shop O'Fallon's Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, March 22. — Customers spinning the wheel for prizes at Alpine Shop O’Fallon’s Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, March 22.

O'Fallon, Illinois Alderman David Cozad address the crowd at Alpine Shop O'Fallon's Grand Opening celebration on Friday, March 22. — O’Fallon, Illinois Alderman David Cozad address the crowd at Alpine Shop O’Fallon’s Grand Opening celebration on Friday, March 22.

Owners Russell "Holly" (fifth from left) and Lisa Hollenbeck cut the ribbon at Alpine Shop O'Fallon's Grand Opening celebration on Friday, March 22. — Owners Russell “Holly” (fifth from left) and Lisa Hollenbeck cut the ribbon at Alpine Shop O’Fallon’s Grand Opening celebration on Friday, March 22.

Owner Lisa Hollenbeck addresses the crowd at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Alpine Shop O'Fallon's Grand Opening celebration on Friday, March 22. — Owner Lisa Hollenbeck addresses the crowd at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Alpine Shop O’Fallon’s Grand Opening celebration on Friday, March 22.