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2019/2020 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour Returns to St. Louis this March

Don’t miss two nights of inspiring adventure: Tickets are available now!

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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Alpine Shop’s Top 10 2019 Unique Holiday Gifts

We take pride in offering the best brands in adventure gear, along with fashionable clothing and unique gifts your friends and family will love. From paddlers to cyclists, pros to novices, we offer practical gear for every skill level. We also stock sweaters, scarves, and socks for those who prefer sipping hot chocolate by the fire. We considered our featured items and top sellers as we put together this list of our top ten holiday gifts. If you haven’t visited Alpine Shop this season, now is the perfect time to check off every item on your list! 

1. The Chimayo Fringed Jacquard Throw by Pendleton 

You can’t go wrong with a Pendleton. These blankets have been symbols of respect and friendship for over 100 years. Now, you can give the gift of warmth and iconic style when you present your loved one with a Pendleton blanket. This wool throw is vivid and warm, and it’s perfect for any lover of Boho or Southwest style. 

2. The Ever-Useful Hydro Flask   

You mean you don’t have one yet? 

You may not be a VSCO girl, but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from a Hydro Flask. Why are they so popular? It may be because their double wall vacuum insulation keeps liquids icy cold for up to 24 hours, or steaming hot for up to 12 hours. Trust us: you’ll be amazed at how functional these little water bottles really are. Plus, Hydro Flask products are all BPA-free, recyclable, and backed by a lifetime warranty. 

We also have Hydro Flask wine tumblers for the girl who just likes to rosé all day. 

3. The DoubleNest Hammock 

Our DoubleNest Hammock is on sale! Once you take this customer and staff favorite camping, you’ll never want to leave the house without it. Light, soft, and strong, these hammocks pack small and set up quickly, perfect for whenever you want to kick back. The hiker or camper in your life will love it. 

4. The Yeti Cooler 

Admit it. You’ve always wanted a Yeti cooler. Now’s your chance to go big and surprise the camper or sports fan in your life with this Tundra 45. It’s perfect for shorter trips, with lots of room inside but compact enough to be carried by one person. The lid and base are indestructible, and the insulation will keep your drinks – or the catch of the day – cold for days. A Yeti is guaranteed to be the last cooler you’ll ever need to purchase.    

5. Urban Cycling Guide 

Is someone on your list curious about joining the cycling community? Help them get started with this guide: Urban Cycling. In this helpful manual, author and urban-cycler Madi Carlson gives accessible and appealing guidance for even the most hesitant bicyclist. Help your loved one make a New Year’s resolution they’ll truly love sticking with.  

6. Phone Tote/Camping Accessories

Give your paddler or adventurer something he or she can really use: a waterproof tote! With this handy accessory, campers can store small valuables and text, talk, and surf on their device without having to worry about rain, sand, or other debris. This Gecko product is simply a must for paddlers and hikers. Another handy must-have? Pair your drybag with this headlamp.  

7. Backpack Games

Keep the kids busy on that long trip to grandma’s, or on your next family camping trip! All of our backpack games are currently on sale, so whether you prefer a game of chess at the campsite or disk golf at the park, we’ve got you covered. 

8. All-In-One Headwear

These headwear products by Buff are hugely popular. Some of the folks in our shop swear by them. Use them to keep your hair back or stay cool on a strenuous hike, there are a dozen ways to wear them, and they dry quickly while giving you great sun protection.   

9. Camelbak Water Pack 

Anyone who owns a Camelbak knows how essential these packs can be on a long hike! Models like this one are currently on sale. Lightweight and versatile, this pack holds 1.5 liters of water with extra room for snacks and layers. Don’t let this great deal pass you by!

10. An Arcteryx Jacket 

The final item on our list is a staff favorite. We all have one version or other of the Arcteryx jacket, and we can recommend any one you like! For warmth, stretch, durability, and ruggedness, there’s nothing better. Give one to the one you love most this holiday!  

Shop Online or Visit Our Store for More Great Deals this Holiday 

It was hard to pick just ten! If you’re interested in adventure gear or outdoor favorites, shop online or visit Alpine Shop. Our staff will be happy to suggest a few more of our favorites! 

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Third Largest Amateur Adventure Race in U.S. Takes Place in STL Tomorrow.

For the 14th year, the Osprey Packs Castlewood 8-Hour Adventure Race will explore southwest St. Louis county on Saturday, December 7. This sold out event will feature more than 300 people representing 100 different teams in seven different categories of teams tackling a mix of trekking, mountain biking and paddling.

Held on the first Saturday of December every year, the 8-Hour is a multi-sport, off-road, team event with no marked course. Teams must use a map and compass to navigate their way through a series of checkpoints on foot, bikes and canoes to reach the finish line. Teams anticipate covering 5-10 miles of paddling, 15-20 miles of biking and 5-10 miles on foot.

Racers paddle the Meramec River on the 2018 Osprey Packs Castlewood 8-Hour Race.

Teams will find out today, Friday, December 6, where they will start and finish. Part of the excitement with an adventure race like this is that the entire course changes each year and participants will only find out what they’re expected to tackle – including start times – when they pick up their packets at Alpine Shop Kirkwood today.

An event that appeals to both expert adventure racers and beginners alike, the Osprey Packs Castlewood 8-Hour Adventure Race is the largest adventure race in Missouri and the third-largest in America. Since purchasing the event from Bonk Hard Racing in 2015, Alpine Shop has grown the event from 175 participants to 300 annually.

The top contenders for 2019 include:

4-Person Coed Division: The entire 2018 podium returns for 2019!
Alpine Shop (winningest team in race’s history, division runner-up in 2018),
40 Down (division champs in 2018),
Off The Front (division 3rd place in 2018)

4-Person Male:
Bittersweet Kitchen (division champs in 2018)

2-Person Co-Ed: The entire 2018 podium returns for 2019!
Gary Busey’s Teeth (division 3rd place in 2018),
Tiny Trail Ninjas (division champs in 2018, former owners of Bonk Hard Racing),
In Our Element (married couple, division runner-up in 2018)

2-Person Male:
Toporadicals,
Skeletal Pursuit (overall champs 2018),
Young & Shifty + Old & Nifty (rookie division champs 2018)

Teams of interest:
Team HAHA (team is 2 married couples who are neighbors, all first-time adventure racers)
Legion of Mild Inconvenience (friends and co-workers at Boeing)
Meat Science (captain is local butcher Chris Bolyard)
Don’t Check My Camelback (Kuat Racks founder Luke Kuschmeader and friends)
Happy Campers (Christine has been a volunteer for 2 years, recently engaged to teammate John)
& EIGHT FAMILY TEAMS!!!

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The North Face Customer Appreciation Day

Join us this Saturday, December 7, at all Alpine Shop and The Pathfinder locations as we celebrate The North Face Customer Appreciation Day from 10 am until 5 pm. All stores will have beer, wine, soft drinks and water available for all customers, compliments of The North Face.

Love all things The North Face? (And really, who doesn’t?) You’ll want to be in the store on this day. We’ll have TNF branded wine glasses and Sili-pints on-hand for you to choose from with any TNF purchase of any price. If you spend more than a $150 on TNF product, you could also choose a TNF fanny pack for your gift with purchase. Offer good while supplies last.

Plus, we also have three TNF packs we’ll be giving away. You could win either a Heritage Duffel, Heritage Tote Pack or Heritage Lumbar Pack. No purchase is necessary. Just sign up (one entry per person, please) at the Customer Appreciation table

The Photo booth should be a blast!

Our Kirkwood location will also have a The North Face photo booth on hand to have fun with along side our local vendor rep (and former Alpine Shop manager) Peter Carleton.

We also have to thank The North Face for their involvement with the 2019 Off-Road Racing League. After this Saturday’s Castlewood 8-Hour Adventure Race, TNF will be giving away a complete campsite set-up to one lucky participant from last year’s series of races. If you’re interested in having some fun with us in 2020, check out www.offroadracingleague.com for information on next year’s events!

See you this Saturday, December 7, 2019 for The North Face Customer Appreciation Day!

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Give Back on Giving Tuesday

Over the past decade, Alpine Shop has raised over $100,000 for local area organizations thanks to the generosity of our loyal customers and the help of many of our vendors.

This Giving Tuesday, we ask for you to consider helping to support some of these organizations one more time in 2019.

There are a number of options to consider, including Missouri Stream Team, which is the one Missouri-based organization that is being supported by Patagonia during their Black Friday Gift of Giving Donation Match on Patagonia Works. (Missouri Stream Team is a state-wide organization whose director happens to live in Shelbina, Mo. That’s why the organization doesn’t show up around St. Louis.) In Kansas, The Land Institute in Salina, Kan., is the closest organization to our shop in Manhattan, Kan.

Patagonia will match all donations made through Patagonia Action Works between now and December 31, 2019 (to a maximum of $10,000,000) to specific organizations throughout the country. In Missouri, Missouri Stream Team, an organization Alpine Shop has worked with for years, is the main beneficiary. In Kansas, The Land Institute based in Salina, Kan., is the main beneficiary.

To donate, and to make sure the organizations receive the matching donation from Patagonia, please visit Patagonia Action Works before December 31 to make your pledge.

If you’re interested in supporting some of the other wonderful organizations that we work with throughout the year, below you’ll find a list, along with links to their websites.

Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation

Disabled Athelete Sports Association (DASA)

Gateway Disabled Ski Program

Gateway Off-Road Cyclists

Great Rivers Greenway

Missouri River Relief

Missouri Whitewater Association

One Warm Coat

Open Space Council

Ozark Trail Association

Sierra Club

Saint Louis BicycleWorks

Stray Rescue of Saint Louis

Team River Runner – St. Louis

Trailnet

Wildlife Rescue Center

World Bird Sanctuary

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2019 Customer Appreciation Weekends Start Now!

Every Friday through Sunday throughout the 2019 holiday season, all Alpine Shop locations (including The Pathfinder in Manhattan, Kan.) celebrate “Customer Appreciation Weekends.”

Holiday Cheer
Drinks and snacks… courtesy of all Alpine Shop locations this holiday season.

If you’re new to this, let us answer the question:  “Just what exactly does a “Customer Appreciation Weekend” entail?”

It means FREE beer, wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks and water. It also means FREE snacks. While you’re shopping. FREE drinks and snacks. While you shop. During the holiday weekends.

Clear enough?

Not everyone likes heading out on their weekends to shop this time of year. And then there are those that love to shop this time of year. But one thing we’re pretty sure of: Everyone loves FREE drinks and snacks while they’re shopping.

We’re just trying to make it easier – and more enjoyable – for everyone.

It’s just our way of saying “Thanks” for continuing to support local businesses and continuing to shop with us at Alpine Shop and The Pathfinder

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This Black Friday Calls for Black Coffee with KÜHL

This Black Friday, wake up to a KÜHL morning with a FREE KÜHL mug to go along with some fresh brewed coffee thanks to KÜHL.

Grab one on Friday, November 29, at Alpine Shop Kirkwood and Columbia – quantities are limited!

Our KÜHL representaive, Brad Dailey, will be on hand with a limited number of KUHL mugs to give away at our Kirkwood location on Friday, November 29, 2019. We’ll also have mugs available at our Columbia store, as well.

First come, first served, and first caffeinated!

Our Kirkwood store will open at 10 am on Friday. See you then!

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Women’s Ski & Board Night Returns!

Hey, Ladies! Alpine Shop invites you to join us on Friday, November 15 at our Kirkwood location to help us kick off the 2019-20 slopes season with over $2500 in prizes to give away to attendees. It doesn’t matter if you ski or board, we’ve got something for every woman looking to head to the mountain.

We’re hosting a party with this-night-only-specials, complimentary wine, chocolates, snacks, a fashion show and a chance to win over $2500 in prizes – including gear and apparel from Burton, Smartwool, Obermeyer, Hestra gloves, Smith goggles or helmets, Hidden Valley lift tickets and more. And best of all? It’s completely free to attend!

We’ll also helping to kick off Hidden Valley Ski Resort’s “Women’s Wednesdays” group ski program and will have representatives of the event on hand to give you more information.

Event Schedule:
6 pm: Event Begins! Drinks, Snacks & Drawing Entry forms are all available.

6:15 pm: Complimentary Custom Fit Appointments Available. While you’re here, get sized for your next pair of boots or for the perfect outfit.

6:45 – 7:30 pm: Alpine Shop Roving Fashion Show.

7 pm: Hidden Valley Ski Resort Instructor will introduce the Hidden Valley Women’s program for 2019 with a brief presentation and Q&A session

8 pm: Prize Drawings! Custom fits continue.

9 pm Time to go home!

It’s the 2019 Women’s Ski & Board Night and it’s only at Alpine Shop Kirkwood on November 15, 2019!

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Donate a Coat, Take $25 Off Your Next Purchase

Since we held our first coat drive back in 2006, Alpine Shop customers have donated over 16,000 coats to help keep our communities warm. This year, we’re asking for your help, once again, in bringing in at least a thousand more as Alpine Shop kicks off its 14th annual One Warm Coat Drive on Friday, November 15, 2019 at all Alpine Shop locations in Missouri and at The Pathfinder in Manhattan, Kansas.

One Warm Coat logo

How It Works

From Friday, Nov. 15 through Wednesday, Nov. 27, we’ll accept clean, gently-used coats, jackets and sweaters at each and every Alpine Shop location.

• Just for bringing in a garment, we’ll give you a $25 off coupon for your next full-price purchase of $125 or more at any Alpine Shop store. (Some exclusions apply. See a sales associate for details.)

• Plus, we’re also giving away four $250 Alpine Shop Gift Cards – one for each of our stores. For each and every coat or sweater you donate, you get one entry into that drawing. Here’s the deal, though… we only draw the gift cards when we reach our goal of 1000 total coats donated across all of our stores. And each Alpine Shop location must collect at least 100 coats to be eligible to give away a gift card. So, help your local Alpine Shop out!

NOTE: Alpine Shop will only give away one coupon to each customer during the coat drive no matter how many different coats you donate. However, each item donated will still earn one entry into the gift card drawing.

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 the greater St. Louis are, including: Webster-Rock Hill Ministries and the St. Patrick Center. In Columbia, all coats will go to the Rainbow House. At The Pathfinder in Manhattan, Kan., all coats will be donated to FIT Closet and Clothing Exchange.

In November of 2018, Alpine Shop customers brought in nearly 1300 coats in just over 10 days.

Last year, we managed to beat our goal once again. We hope you can help us do the same in 2019!

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.

About Alpine Shop

What began in 1973 as a small climbing shop in Webster Groves, Missouri, now serves almost every type of outdoor enthusiast from backpackers, hikers, campers, paddlers, and cyclists, to snowboarders, skiers and adventure racers. With four family-owned locations across Missouri and Kansas, Alpine Shop was named the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance National Retailer of the Year in 2019.

After 45 years in business, it is Alpine Shop’s vision to see Generations Transformed by Discovery Outdoors.

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Donate a Coat, Take $25 Off Your Next Purchase

Since our parent company, Alpine Shop, held its first coat drive back in 2006, Pathfinder and Alpine Shop customers have donated over 16,000 coats to help keep our communities warm. This year, we’re asking for your help, once again, in bringing in at least a thousand more as The Pathfinder kicks off the 2019 One Warm Coat Drive on Friday, November 15, 2019 along with our family of Alpine Shop locations in Missouri.

One Warm Coat logo

How It Works

From Friday, Nov. 15 through Wednesday, Nov. 27, we’ll accept clean, gently-used coats, jackets and sweaters at the Pathfinder and each and every Alpine Shop location.

• Just for bringing in a garment, we’ll give you a $25 off coupon for your next full-price purchase of $125 or more at The Pathfinder and any Alpine Shop store. (Some exclusions apply. See a sales associate for details.)

• Plus, we’re also giving away a $250 Gift Card to our store – along with three more, one for each of location. For each and every coat or sweater you donate, you get one entry into that drawing. Here’s the deal, though… we only draw the gift cards when we reach our goal of 1000 total coats donated across all of our stores. And we must collect at least 100 coats to be eligible to give away a gift card. So, help us out!

NOTE: The Pathfinder will only give away one coupon to each customer during the coat drive no matter how many different coats you donate. However, each item donated will still earn one entry into the gift card drawing.

How to Donate

We’ve tried to make donating simple. Just bring your clean, gently used coats, jackets and sweaters to our store. Bring your coats inside and check them in with one of our outfitters to make sure you receive your coupon and get entered into the drawing. Then, we – along with some help from One Warm Coat – will take care of the rest.

At The Pathfinder in Manhattan, Kan., all coats will be donated to FIT Closet and Clothing Exchange. In the greater St. Louis area, donated coats will be split among organizations including: Webster-Rock Hill Ministries and the St. Patrick Center. In Columbia, all coats will go to the Rainbow House.

In November of 2018, Alpine Shop customers brought in nearly 1300 coats in just over 10 days.

Last year, we managed to beat our goal once again. We hope you can help us do the same in 2019!

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.

The Pathfinder

Since 1975, The Pathfinder has specialized in gear and clothing for bicycling, backpacking, paddling, climbing, traveling, fly fishing and other outdoor activities in and around Manhattan, Kansas. Our distinctive green awning can be found at 304 Poyntz, just west of the Manhattan Town Center mall.

About Alpine Shop

What began in 1973 as a small climbing shop in Webster Groves, Missouri, now serves almost every type of outdoor enthusiast from backpackers, hikers, campers, paddlers, and cyclists, to snowboarders, skiers and adventure racers. With four family-owned locations across Missouri and Kansas, Alpine Shop was named the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance National Retailer of the Year in 2019.

After 45 years in business, it is Alpine Shop’s vision to see Generations Transformed by Discovery Outdoors.

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