ST. LOUIS:  This November, Alpine Shop, the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (Grassroots), a buying group of nearly 40 independent specialty retailers with 80 plus stores across the United States, and Marmot Mountain LLC, a leading outdoor clothing, apparel and equipment manufacturer, will be working closely together to raise up to $10,000 for the Conservation Alliance, one of the outdoor industry’s most esteemed environmental conservation organizations. Promoted through Grassroots retailers during the month of November, $10 from the sale of any Marmot products—$99.00 or more—will go directly to the Conservation Alliance.

“Alpine Shop’s Mission states ‘We love and need the mountains, trails, rivers and wild places. They nourish our spirit.’ The Conservation Alliance is dedicated to precisely these areas and this is a great opportunity for us to help support them, ” says Todd Oswald, Marketing Director for Alpine Shop.

Since its creation in 1989, the Conservation Alliance has been heralded for its preservation of wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate and has played a key role in protecting rivers, trails, wild lands and climbing areas. “We’re extremely proud of Conservation Alliance’s important work and want to do our part to help them succeed with their conservation efforts. While all of the Grassroots retail members support similar local organizations in their own communities, the Conservation Alliance is the only national organizations we all choose to support,” explains Roanne Miller, Grassroots President.

Tom Fritz, Marmot’s Vice President of Marketing explains, “Last year we ran this promotion with Grassroots to raise money from the sale of our PreCip™ products.  This year we’re opening up the promotion to all Marmot product purchases to ensure that we hit our fundraising goal for the Conservation Alliance.” Marmot became a member of the Conservation Alliance in 2011 and remains committed to helping the vital non-profit reach its goals. 

“This co-promotion is a great example of outdoor industry cooperation and environmental stewardship,” adds Miller. “We want customers to take advantage of this terrific opportunity to support their local retailer while also investing in the Conservation Alliance,” she adds.

About Alpine Shop: 

Alpine Shop began life in 1973 as a small climbing shop. Today, through its three locations in Kirkwood, Chesterfield and Columbia, Mo., it serves almost every type of outdoor enthusiast—be they backpackers, campers, cyclists, hikers, paddlers, skiers, snowboarders or climbers—with a friendly and knowledgeable staff, cutting edge products and a wide variety of how-to clinics for all activity levels.

About Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (Grassroots):

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance unites independent outdoor retailers as a strong voice to protect and promote the experience of outdoor enthusiasts across the United States. To learn more about Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, visit our website at www.grassrootsoutdoors.com

About Marmot Mountain, LLC:

Marmot is an award-winning, globally distributed brand of high-performance, technical clothing, apparel and equipment. Since 1974, Marmot products have been worn by climbers, skiers, mountaineers and adventurers world-wide. Marmot works with professional mountain guides, world-class athletes and expeditions—pushing the limits of product innovation and technology—pioneering what is possible in the most extreme environments on earth. For more information about Marmot please visit www.marmot.com

About the Conservation Alliance:

The Conservation Alliance is an organization of outdoor businesses whose collective contributions support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate. Alliance funds have played a key role in protecting rivers, trails, wild lands and climbing areas.

Membership in the Alliance is open to companies representing all aspects of the outdoor industry, including manufacturers, retailers, publishers, mills and sales representatives. The result is a diverse group of businesses whose livelihood depends on protecting our natural environment.

Since its inception in 1989, the Alliance has contributed more than $8.3 million to grassroots environmental groups. Alliance funding has helped save over 49.5 million acres of wild lands; 27 dams have either been stopped or removed; and the group helped preserve access to more than 17,000 miles of waterways and several climbing areas.

For complete information on the Conservation Alliance, see www.conservationalliance.com.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, to live them.” – John F. Kennedy 

American Red Cross – Disaster Relief efforts for Superstorm Sandy

Our thoughts and prayers are with all people who are suffering as a result of this natural disaster. We encourage everyone who is able to donate money and blood to the Red Cross effort so others may find relief.

Living History Hayrides at Fort Bellefontaine Park – Sat Nov 3 and Sun Nov 4th

Enjoy gorgeous weather this weekend on a hayride through Fort Bellefontaine Park!  You’ll also learn about the exciting history of early America. $7 per person, advanced registration is required.

Wildlife Rescue Exhibit – currently displayed at The Saint Louis Science Center

This exhibit introduces kids to the efforts being made all around the world to preserve wildlife. An interactive exhibit, it will keep youngsters enthralled and hopefully inspire a passion for conservation in the future generation. Free programs in addition to the paid exhibit!

Icebreaker Fall 2012 Collection – Merino wool is a staple for baselayers this winter. We have a style and fit right for you!

One Warm Coat Drive – All Alpine Shop locations –  Now through November 18th

Join us in giving back this November by donating your gently used outerwear to our 7th One Warm Coat drive. This drive benefits several local agencies, including Sunshine Ministries, Saint Patrick Center and Edgewood Children’s Center. Help us beat last year’s total of 1500 coats!

Alpine Shop Friends and Family Event – All Alpine Shop locations! – Sunday Nov 4th

20% off all day long, in store and online! We’re giving back to our customers, with a day of appreciation. Come in the shop for awesome service and selection and stay for a fun FREE reception. Food, drinks and some social time with like minded folks! Be sure to use our online codes for online purchases as well!

Cranksgiving – Presented by Saint Louis Bike Works – Sunday Nov 4th 9am

This charity ride and food drive has become an integral part of the Saint Louis cycling community. Join Bworks and donate to  Food Outreach!

A Winter Running Collection featuring Merino – Smartwool, Salomon, and The North Face

Saint Louis Carousel at Faust Park – This piece of Saint Louis history has been providing entertainment for children of all ages since the 1920’s. No children to take? Well this could be a fun first date or a girls day out photo op! 

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!

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

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.

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 House – Owls 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 Collection – The 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!

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.

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.

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 Vest, Haydon Flannel)

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.

(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 Triple, Maylin Boot, Dakota Slipper

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

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!