Alps & Meters took to the frozen Lake St. Moritz with The Rake, kicking things off with a Friday night cocktail hour at the world-famous Badrutt’s Palace hotel following the action of day one.
It truly was the ultimate see-and-be-seen event, complete with world-class polo talent, unlimited champagne and caviar and an après scene that rivals anywhere in the world, and our cameras were there to capture the spectacle.
]]>For anyone not familiar with life in the Alps, the idea of ponies charging about upon a frozen lake some 1,822m above sea level, mounted by players swinging mallets in rapid arcs of competitive intent, might seem rather preposterous. Throw into the mix an Azerbaijani dancing troupe and you could be forgiven for thinking the -20 degree air had prompted your brain to take leave of its cognitive duties. But your eyes, and those of 18,000 other spectators, would not be deceiving you. What you are witnessing is the Snow Polo World Cup, first played in St. Moritz in 1985, and on the last weekend of January ever after. This year's tournament was blessed with glorious alpine sunshine for all but the final game between Badrutt's Palace and Maserati, the former coming out on top, with Melissa Ganzi, Badrutt’s Team Captain, making history as the first female player to win the tournament.
Alps & Meters took to the frozen Lake St. Moritz with The Rake, kicking things off with a Friday night cocktail hour at the world-famous Badrutt’s Palace hotel following the action of day one.
]]>Despite hosting two Winter Olympic Games, multiple Alpine World Championships, and countless World Cup races, St. Moritz is a resort perhaps more famous for its scene than its skiing.
But that’s the reputation you get when the jet set’s been flocking to your town for nearly a century. From Charlie Chaplin to Audrey Hepburn to Brigitte Bardot, Hollywood has always been at home in this posh Swiss ski resort set high up in the broad, sunny Engadine Valley. Titans of industry with a flair for fashion and a penchant for a good time have made this their winter retreat, too, most notably — over the years — the late Gianni Agnelli and Gunter Sachs.
]]>Alps & Meters Alpinist Robert Cocuzzo spent years following in free-skiing legend Doug Coombs's tracks. Skiing where he skied, interviewing his friends and family members, and learning more about the man who left such a profound mark on adventure skiers around the world. Robert's biography of Coombs/adventure journal releases next year. We caught up with him recently to learn more about his project...
]]>Coombs was a fixture of the skiing community in Jackson Hole, and when Cocuzzo moved to Wyoming after college, he discovered that Doug, one of his idols, had grown up minutes from him, and the two had learned to ski on the very same trails at tiny Nashoba Valley.
In 2006, while skiing in a couloir in La Grave, Coombs fell while trying to rescue friend Chad VanderHam. He was killed on the scene. Chad died later of injuries sustained in the fall.
Robert, now a freelance writer and editor of N Magazine, spent years following Doug's tracks. Skiing where he skied, interviewing his friends and family members, and learning more about the man who left such a profound mark on adventure skiers around the world. Robert's biography of Coombs/adventure journal releases next year. We caught up with him recently to learn more about his project.
Alps & Meters: Who are you and what do you do?
Robert Cocuzzo: My name is Robert Cocuzzo. I am a writer and magazine editor splitting my time between the mountains of New Hampshire and the island of Nantucket. My latest project is a forthcoming book about the late adventure skier Doug Coombs. The book is being published by Mountaineers Books and should be available this time next year.
Photo: Joshua Simpson
Alps & Meters: Tell us more about your book? How did this project find you?
RC: I grew up watching Doug Coombs in ski movies, but his story didn’t really find me until I moved to Jackson Hole after college. Only then did I discover that Coombs had actually grown up ten miles away from me in Massachusetts. Better yet, he grew up skiing the same tiny molehill where I learned to ski. Discovering that blew me away. I thought, “How did Coombs go from sliding down the pebbled pavement of his driveway in Massachusetts to becoming arguably the greatest big mountain skier to ever live?” Three years ago, I set out to answer that question.
Alps & Meters: You spent quite a bit of time following in Doug's tracks and talking to his friends and family while working on this book...Who was the most intriguing storyteller?
RC: Coombs himself was a legendary storyteller, so reading transcripts of interviews with him was always entertaining. As far as the many people I spoke with around the world, the most important conversations I had were with his wife Emily. She was able to help me understand the man behind the legend.
Alps & Meters: What surprised you most about the process of writing this story?
RC: That the most intense experiences in researching the life of Doug Coombs wasn't skiing no-fall zones, but rather meeting the many people he had impacted throughout his life.
Photo: Joshua Simpson
Alps & Meters: Where did you write your book? Have you found any particular place that helps the words to flow more easily?
RC: I wrote this book all over the world, from a tiny chalet nestled in the French Alps, to my apartment on Nantucket, and many coffee shops sprinkled in between. That being said, my most productive writing periods took place in the home I recently bought in Jackson, New Hampshire at the foot of Mount Washington along the Ellis River. It's a five-minute drive to the Tuckerman Ravine Trailhead where Coombs cut his teeth as a kid, so there was some magic energy in the air. I could write for hours without ever leaving my chair.
"The journey officially began on January 12, 2012 in Jackson Hole. After logging my first interview for my book, I turned to my journal and wrote, 'I envision this being a long project--but it has begun.' Three years later, after thousands of miles of travel, hundreds of interviews, and countless hours of staring at a glowing screen with all-consuming dread--the manuscript is finally done and off to the publisher. There's still lots of editing to do, but the words are on the page and now they will see the light of day."
Words by Robert. Photo by Joshua Simpson
Alps & Meters: What does a typical day in your life look like?
RC: I wake up at 5 am, load up the french press and start writing shortly thereafter. If I break from that routine, I am a miserable person for the rest of the day. Around 10 am I report for duty at my day job as the editor of N Magazine, a lifestyle publication on Nantucket. Around 2 pm I head out for exercise- cycling, running, hiking, skiing, depending on the season and where I am. I thrive on travel and being on the road, but the ritual of getting up and writing will always be at the core of keeping me balanced and creatively content.
Alps & Meters: Who or what inspires you?
RC: I'm fortunate to have many inspiring people in my life, whether it be my parents, cousins, co-workers or friends. I'm surrounded by people who get after it in their own unique ways, and that re-affirms my conviction to stick to my own compass and trust my gut. My professional heroes are National Geographic photographer Jimmy Chin and bestselling author Sebastian Junger, both of whom I've been fortunate to interview.
Alps & Meters: Fondest memory of time well spent in the mountains?
RC: I have many fond memories in the mountains, but despite all the big descents around the world, I think I'll most cherish the ski runs I made with my parents last winter in New Hampshire. Riding up the chairlift with them, I remember feeling truly grateful to be able to share something that I love with them- even if they were wearing matching one-piece ski suits from the eighties.
Alps & Meters: Where and how did you learn to ski?
RC: I learned to ski on a 240-foot hill west of Boston called Nashoba Valley. Every Wednesday, my mom dropped me off at the local ice rink with a pair of her old ski boots and some second-hand K2's my dad bought me, and I'd jump onto a school bus headed to Nashoba. When we pulled up to the hill, the bus driver opened the door and we were set free to explore the mountain as we saw fit. I haven't looked back since.
Alps & Meters: How would you describe your personal style?
RC: War journalist on vacation.
Alps & Meters: Favorite way to spend time outside in the off-season?
RC: I don't really have an off-season. I'm a four-season enthusiast. Skiing in the winter. Cycling in the spring. Hiking in the fall, and any number of activities in the summer.
Photo: Joshua Simpson
Alps & Meters: What's next for you?
RC: There's still a lot to be done with the Coombs book, from final editing to marketing, all of which I am excited to undertake. That being said, my radar is always pinging with new ideas and I look forward to meeting the next muse who will guide my journey as a writer.
Alps & Meters: It's been a long week...You need to get outdoors, quickly. Where are you headed?
RC: It really depends on where I am at that moment. If I'm in Jackson, New Hampshire, I'll pop out my back door and walk down to the Ellis River where I can fly fish for brookies. If I'm on Nantucket, I'll jump on my mountain bike and head for the single-track in the State Forest. If I'm in Boston, I love riding my fixed-gear through traffic at rush hour.
Alps & Meters: Après-ski cocktail of choice?
RC: When I was living in La Grave, France while researching my book, I got a taste for vinchaud, essentially warm red wine. Of course, nothing beats a cold beer.
]]>Tad Cooke was a junior at The University of Vermont when the idea to rehabilitate a derelict coal plant on the shores of Lake Champlain, backed by the Adirondacks, popped into his mind. He and his roommate Erick Crockenberg tried to think of any reason why they shouldn't look into the matter. A few weeks later, and they had emailed the Mayor, asking for the blueprints of the existing structure...
]]>Tad Cooke was a junior at The University of Vermont when the idea to rehabilitate a derelict coal plant on the shores of Lake Champlain, backed by the Adirondacks, popped into his mind. He and his roommate Erick Crockenberg tried to think of any reason why they shouldn't look into the matter. A few weeks later, and they had emailed the Mayor, asking for the blueprints of the existing structure...
Fast forward a few years, and Erick and Tad are graduating. They've re-conceived the building, called the Moran Plant, as a community space. It's energy net-zero, and it features a performing arts venue, a restaurant, community gardens, and a brewery. Tad and Erick's plan has been endorsed by the Mayor, and the city is voting on whether or not to approve the project for 6.3 Million in tax-increment financing. It passes...New Moran is happening.
You'd think amid all this, that Tad might have turned into the kind of person who spends most of his time meeting with architects, or taking fundraising meetings. Yes, he does those things, but he also makes time to flyfish, ski the backcountry, and photograph all around his home state on adventures with friends. If you could go back to your mid 20's, you might wish that you had had it all as figured out as Tad appears to. We caught up with him this week to learn more about his passion for the mountains.
Alps & Meters: Who are you and what do you do?
Tad Cooke: My name is Tad Cooke, I'm a 9th generation Vermonter and I co-lead the redevelopment of an abandoned coal plant on the waterfront in Burlington, Vermont.
The interior of the Moran Plant. Photo: Dan Cardon
Alps & Meters: What is it about Moran that originally appealed to you? Why this project?
TC: At first it was shameless curiosity- curiosity about an abandoned building, about why the building had been abandoned, and about what it could be. It was the 4th of July, and between three of my best friends, we were looking down at the building from the hillside Battery Park in Burlington. There were gin & tonics involved and someone said, "How hard can it be?".
Three years later, it's about creating the best possible lemonade from something a lot of people have considered a bag of very sour lemons. Burlington has a tremendous waterfront, and the Moran Plant is a 65,000 square foot, 90 foot tall derelict former coal plant right in the middle of the northern shoreline- the last keystone in an otherwise world-class public space. If we're successful in rallying the community around reinventing Moran, we'll create a new cultural landmark, the largest redeveloped net-zero building in the world, and a vibrant combination of community and commerce that everyone involved can be proud of.
The Historic Moran Plant, built in 1952
Plans for the New Moran include an indoor farmer's market, co-working space, brewery, and more...
Alps & Meters: What does a typical day in your life look like? Your ideal day?
TC: A typical day involves a quart of coffee (the local roaster Brio Coffee Works is a house favorite), appeasing five opinionated urban chickens, biking to a team meeting at our studio in Burlington's South End arts district, a few calls, a meeting or two with more coffee, and too much time at the computer.
A good day tosses in a trip to the local YMCA, some time on the waterfront (swimming, biking, or both) and enough spare time to keep the garden going, make a fresh dinner, or catch up with friends at the mostly-old-guys-with-sad-faces watering hole.
All that said, my ideal day starts well before sunrise, with a friend or small crew, fishing, paddling, or skiing. By 8 or 9 am, I'm back in Burlington with just enough time to change, grab some snacks, and get to the first meeting of the day. If it's summertime, I can stop south of Burlington in Vergennes for the best baked goods and coffee you've ever had, but in the winter, there's no breakfast in the state that compares to a third, fourth or fifth powder lap in the backcountry.
Tad snapped this photo at the Lake Mansfield Trout Club in Stowe, VT
Alps & Meters: Who or what inspires you?
TC: I can humbly say I have the privilege of working with inspiring people every day; it's one of the reasons I believe so strongly in Moran, in Burlington, and in Vermont. I'm always particularly inspired by the quiet leaders, the people who make connections, invite collaboration and creatively pool resources in favor of some shared common good. I think the more you get involved in a community, the more you uncover these small connecting threads. Follow those threads back, and there are a few people working selflessly to make good things happen.
Alps & Meters: Fondest memory of time well spent in the mountains?
TC: My first serious western backcountry trip was in Rogers Pass, just east of Revelstoke, British Columbia. We ended up at the top of a long valley with a panoramic view after a half day of hiking; somewhere through my second PB&J I realized it was completely silent outside of my chewing. I set my skis next to each other and spent a few minutes laying down on them, surrounded on all sides by the mountains, a bluebird sky and utter quiet. I get fired up just thinking about it.
Hiking for turns in the Tordrillo Range, AK
But seriously, what time isn't well spent in the mountains? Whether it's a turn, a run, or a half second when the sun hits your face over a ridge, that moment is perfect in itself.
Alps & Meters: Tell us more about your AK trip last winter! Looked incredible...
TC: Hah, yeah. It was the perfect confluence of people, timing and dumb luck. My childhood buddy Caleb had an offer from his college roommate's dad to fly a crew out for glacier skiing outside of Anchorage. Needless to say, my Moran co-founder Erick and I jumped at the chance. We roped in our friend Katy, bid bittersweet farewells to our ski videographer roommate (who also happens to be Katy's boyfriend) and took off for most of two weeks.
After a 1 am arrival in Anchorage, we crashed with another college friend of Caleb's, woke up for sunrise and set out for a few hot laps of Anchorage to find fuel, air canisters, CO2, bacon, kielbasa, frozen vegetables, hot sauce, a sat phone, and equally exciting/disturbing quantities of boxed wine and nutella.
The deHavilland Beaver is a 6 passenger plane produced from 1947-1967 and it's one of the most beautiful machines I have ever seen. We had the deeply satisfying experience of filling it to the gills with our supplies, our gear and ourselves. After some mild concern, I sequestered the last piece of luggage (a large bottle of whiskey) in my chest pocket and we took off.
The deHavilland Beaver
The next eight days brought the full spectrum of Alaska glacier skiing. Bluebird arrival, two days of steady but skiable storm conditions, two days of absolute inside-of-a-pingpong-ball whiteout, and finally three days of drop-dead bluebird skies with 46" of fresh, cold, consolidated Alaskan powder.
Tad (left) and crew
Tordrillo Range, AK
I read seven books, ate five pounds of trail mix solo, played cards for a record nine hours, hiked over 15,000 vertical feet, shot four rolls of film, shared myself, and skied the best steep skiing of my life. I'm already planning next year's trip.
Steep and deep in the Tordrillo Range, AK
Alps & Meters: Where and how did you learn to ski?
TC: Smuggler's Notch and Mad River Glen, starting at age two. When it was really cold my dad would bribe me with a half stick of Dentyne cinnamon gum. It worked every time, and I did a lot of pizza/french fry down icy mogul trails.
My dad also introduced me to the backcountry in middle school via 190 cm tele skis with three pin binding and leather boots. I skidded around a lot on those straight skis before figuring it out, but fell in love with the process.
Alps & Meters: How would you describe your personal style?
TC: I like simple, durable things and I look for gear that's equally capable on the mountain, on a fundraising visit or in my wood shop.
Alps & Meters: At Alps & Meters, we have a philosophy of #designedbytradition, creating timeless and classic pieces that both remember and respect the traditions of our sport, while elevating the product with contemporary technologies for gear that wears beautifully and lasts quite some time. We'd hate for folks to forget the rich history of alpine sport, and that goes for the outerwear that has come and gone before us as well.
We see you doing very admirable preservation work with Moran, while also bringing the building into the 21st century with renewable energy and multi-purpose community space. What are you most excited about to keep around from Moran's first life, in its newest incarnation?
TC: Moran was one of the first power plants in the country to match its architecture to its function, so I'm excited to keep the big structural elements while figuring out how to use them in a contemporary, but equally functional setting.
Inside Moran, 2015. Photo: Dan Cardon
Alps & Meters: Favorite way to spend time outside in the off-season?
TC: A pretty girl introduced me to fly fishing this spring- I can't recommend it enough.
Alps & Meters: Outside of your 9-5, what's your passion craft?
TC: Oh man. I spend a lot of time with an old Nikon 35mm camera in my hand, so that's probably the top choice. My pickled banana peppers also get really solid reviews. The key is fresh Hungarian peppers when they're just turning yellow. (A&M Note- Tad took all of these photos. Consider us impressed...)
Tad and Erick's green van in the Green Mountains
Alps & Meters: It's been a long week...You need to get outdoors, quickly. Where are you headed?
I got into jack-jumping last winter in a big way. At the end of a long week, nothing beats risking your life riding seated on one ski down the nearest medium sized snow bank.
Alps & Meters: Après-ski cocktail of choice?
TC: I won't say I've had coffee and a Pabst after a sunrise hike, but if I had...
Follow along with Tad on instagram and be sure to check out www.moranplant.org
]]>When we stumbled onto Northern Lights Optic on Instagram, we were immediately drawn to the brand's aesthetic. Designed in the mountains of British Columbia, this luxury eye-wear brand channels the spirit of early alpine explorers, and is inspired by the glacier goggles of Sir Edmund Hilary, Jim Whittaker, and others.Northern Lights' eyewear has been re-engineered using the highest quality materials in heritage silhouettes.
Outfitted with leather sides to block glare while mountaineering or traveling on glaciers, their style is a modern interpretation on a classic. With gorgeous imagery, a product that hearkens back to the glacier goggles of yore, and a kind, entrepreneurial founder, we very much enjoyed getting to know Northern Lights and are thrilled to offer NLO Glacier Goggles for sale on Alps & Meters.com.
Great design transcends its medium. When we stumbled onto Alpine Modern Quarterly, we were reminded of this fact. Design can change our relationship with a certain object or place. It has the power to evoke nostalgia, cheer, or wistfulness. The folks at Alpine Modern have curated a quarterly publication that focuses on just that...
]]>Great design transcends its medium. When we stumbled onto Alpine Modern Quarterly, we were reminded of this fact. Design can change our relationship with a certain object or place. It has the power to evoke nostalgia, cheer, or wistfulness. The folks at Alpine Modern have curated a quarterly publication that focuses on just that...Well-designed places, spaces, and products with a relation to, or point of origin in the mountains.
After our first chat with Founder Lon McGowan and Editor Sandra Henderson, we felt as though we were reconnecting with old friends. The pair seemed to have an understanding of exactly what it is we're trying to create with Alps & Meters. They appreciate goods crafted with integrity, and designed with both function and beauty in mind.
We quickly asked permission to distribute Alpine Modern, and were thrilled when their team agreed. We are excited to join a great list of Stockists, and to present Alpine Modern's Issue 04 to you on Alps & Meters.com.
Alpine Modern is more than just a publication...Check out their stunning new coffee shop in Boulder, their line of waxed canvas weekender and day pack bags, and their tastefully curated shop. Issue 04 is free of advertisements and features 132 pages of beautifully rich content.
Purchase Alpine Modern Magazine here.
]]>
A new craft distillery in Vail pays homage to the alpinists of the 10th Mountain Division.
]]>On Location in Warren, Vermont. Photo: Shem Roose
Recruits were selected by the National Ski Patrol, and to ready for deployment, trained at Camp Hale in Colorado's Rocky Mountains to prepare for the strenuous climbing, skiing, and hiking that awaited them abroad. After returning from deployment, more than a few veterans of the 10th settled in the Rockies, where they set out to found Vail, Aspen, and many other resorts and ski schools across the country.
Soldiers train at Camp Hale, Colorado
The 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company, founded by a descendant of an original 10th Soldier opened not far from Camp Hale in 2014. Having met over an après beer in the late 90's, partners Christian Avignon and Ryan Thompson, both Vail locals and ski enthusiasts, aimed to create a distillery that honored the men of the 10th and created craft spirits using local ingredients.
Avignon's late grandfather, a skier named Fred Vetter moved from his home in upstate New York to join the division in 1943, and later was deployed to the Italian Appenines to serve as a field medic. Fred's skis hang above the bar at the distillery's tasting room in Vail Village.
Christian Avignon and Ryan Thompson
In their own words, "The 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company is an extension of the mountain lifestyle, bringing together the old with the new. Generation after generation, men and women alike, all share this same passion, enjoying it for a day, a weekend, a lifetime, or somewhere in between. No matter how long it’s embraced the combination of friends, mountains, memories and spirits, bring people together like no other.
To encourage these relationships, to embrace the mountain lifestyle and to honor the 10th Mountain soldiers who inspired our way of life, we created a tribute spirit company in Vail, Colorado. Not only is it a tribute to the 10th Mountain soldier, but it is also a tribute to those that enjoy the mountain lifestyle, living it fully, every day."
The pair are set apart by their use of Colorado grains and potatoes, but Ryan and Christian also take an innovative approach to aging and maturing their spirits, as well. "After we barrel them, we drive them from Denver to Leadville, which is a 5,000-foot change in elevation. In summer, we’ll go over the higher passes, like Independence. This changes the pressurization in the barrels, and opens the pores in the oak, which allows for more transfer and complexity of flavor" says Ryan.
Their tasting room serves flights of their whiskey, bourbon, moonshine, and cordial, as well as a few cocktails daily. "Ryan and I believe that the mountains bring out the fun in people, create lifelong memories, and spirits and après culture are a part of that. Part of our mission is to educate people about the 10th Mountain Division. Our tasting room has a lot of artifacts, including my grandfather’s original skis over the bar. We want people to understand that the 10th is why we’re all here (in Vail) today” says Christian.
We are thrilled to be partnering with 10th Mountain Whiskey Co. on an event or two this winter. If you happen to find yourself in the neighborhood, swing by their tasting room at 286 Bridge Street in Vail Village.
]]>Justin from Pioneer Goods Co. is the kind of guy that you want to be when you grow up. He's striking, rugged, kind, and handy. He scours flea markets for treasures, and breathes life into vintage pieces with a fresh coat of paint and a little love. He drives a pick-up truck, and treats those who walk into his shop like old friends. In short, Justin is the coolest guy we know.
]]>Justin from Pioneer Goods Co. is the kind of guy that you want to be when you grow up. He's striking, rugged, kind, and handy. He scours flea markets for treasures, and breathes life into vintage pieces with a fresh coat of paint and a little love. He drives a pick-up truck, and treats those who walk into his shop like old friends. In short, Justin is the coolest guy we know...
When we needed props (and a model) for our recent photo shoot, we headed to his beautiful vintage shop in Boston's charming South End. Luck was in our favor...we found both. Walking through the doors of Pioneer Goods is like stepping into someone's father's mountain cabin, filled with vintage photos, trunks, and camp supplies. Nostalgia overwhelms, and suddenly you're picturing yourself, curled up in a vintage Hudson Bay Point Blanket, sipping whiskey by a roaring fire. If anything were ever #designedbytradition, this is the place.
Justin modeled Alps & Meters' Second Collection for our friend Dave Bradley at our shoot a few weeks back, and we caught up with him to ask about his shop.
Alps & Meters: At Alps & Meters, the philosophy of designing products based on historical reference pieces is literally woven into the fabric of our brand. We update classic silhouettes with contemporary technologies and modern materials as a way of remembering the history and legacy of timeless alpine style. What does #designedbytradition mean to you in your work at Pioneer Goods?
When I think of tradition, I think of customs that are passed down from generation to generation. I know I wouldn't be doing what I do if I weren't taught by my mom and grandfather. We were always a family of "do-it-yourselfers" and while my grandfather designed and even worked with the crew that built his home on Martha's Vineyard, my mom would always find old houses that we would fix up and restore to their original greatness. There's a reason we say "They don't make 'em like they used to."
Alps & Meters: Who inspires you?
Anyone who forges their own path...Some of my favorites are Foster Huntington, a kid who left a job at Ralph Lauren in Manhattan to travel the country, take pictures, and live in a treehouse and Oregon. Evan and Oliver Haslegrave, two Brooklyn brothers who began as handymen and now design some of the sickest restaurants in New York. Kenyan Lewis, who sadly passed away last year, was probably my biggest influence. I met him by chance at Brimfield when I was just starting out, and I've aspired to be as good as he was ever since.
Foster Huntington's Cinder Cone Treehouse
Alps & Meters: Favorite vintage item of all time? What's the story behind it?
When you buy furniture at auction or estate sale, they often empty the contents out of respect to the former owner and also the new buyer. When I opened Pioneer, we found this amazing green dresser with an attached mirror at auction. For whatever reason, the drawers had never been emptied and were packed to the gills. My wife and I started combing over what was inside and were amazed at what we found. In it, were the contents of a woman's entire life. Her notebooks from Duke University, cancelled checks for her wedding dress maker and wedding singer, loads of pictures taken over the course of her life, and much, much more. It was so amazing, yet almost intrusive. When I sold the piece to a girl that lives a few doors down on Tremont Street, I remember thinking about how the former owner looked into that mirror and took clothes from those drawers every day to get ready, for years and years, and how a new young woman would carry on and do the same. It's really kind of amazing to think about. Sometimes stuff is so much more than just stuff.
Alps & Meters: Where'd you learn how to ski? Favorite ski destination?
I learned to ski at a little hill called Nashoba Valley in Westford, MA. My parents would drive my brother and I out there every Friday night when we were little and enrolled us in their ski school. They only have 17 trails, but at 7 years old, it felt as big as Mt. Everest. It was the perfect place to learn.
My favorite place in the Northeast is actually Loon Mountain. It's two hours flat from Boston, and their terrain park is fantastic. It's not the biggest or the best mountain in New England, but it's definitely my favorite. My favorite place in the world, though, is Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Alps & Meters: Favorite place to source vintage goods for the shop?
I don't want to give up too many secrets, but auctions are usually my favorite place to source. I'll also always remind people that in New England, there's good stuff nearly everywhere. While I routinely hit auctions and flea markets, I've also found great stuff at Goodwill stores and yard sales. It's not so much about where you look, but knowing what you're looking for.
Alps & Meters: PGC is located in Boston’s charming South End…full of amazing shops and restaurants. What are your favorite neighborhood haunts?
My favorite shops are Olives & Grace, Sault New England, Follain, Niche, and Farm and Fable. You could do a round of shopping and quite literally find everything you need in life at those stores. The best restaurant in the South End is Coppa and that's that. I've eaten there a hundred times, and every single time I go I try something that is one of the best things I've ever tasted.
Alps & Meters: Best powder day memory?
When I was a kid, my friends and our families would all spend February vacation up at Gunstock Mountain in New Hampshire. When I was about 14 or 15 we woke up to about two feet of fresh snow. While this is normal out West, it's like hitting the lottery in the Northeast. We were old enough to be pretty good skiers, but young enough to be really crazy and stupid. With this new cushion of powder, we were hitting jumps so hard, going bigger than ever, and landing tricks we either couldn't master or didn't have the guts to try in the past. It was awesome.
Alps & Meters: Favorite après ski cocktail…
While my après-ski routine has relaxed a bit in recent years, the answer is always a Manhattan.
]]>Greg's sense of adventure is strong, and as a result, he has chosen to help others pursue alpine experiences through his business, Expedition Broker. Headquartered in Haines, Expedition Broker is a boutique luxury travel agency, relying on local knowledge to help clients find the best heli-skiing, cat skiing, and alpine touring adventures with luxury accommodations. We hooked up with Greg after his recent float trip down the Denali River to pick his brain about his life in the mountains.
Alps & Meters: Who are you and what do you do?
I'm Greg Schlacter, Owner/Founder of Expedition Broker, an adventure travel agency specializing in heli and backcountry skiing, charter yachts and remote flyfishing destinations within Alaska and beyond. EB provides first hand, local knowledge and personal service while planning the perfect adventure for clients. In my spare time I operate a fly fishing guiding service on local waters in Southeast Alaska as well as in the Arctic.
Alps & Meters: What brought you to Alakaska originally? What keeps you there?
I can recall poring over maps of Alaska trying to decide where I was eventually going to live as far back as 2nd grade. The state looked so massive, with so many mountains and rivers and wild places, even in two dimensions. About a decade ago I met a girl, fell in love, and we were both ready for a new adventure in life, so I introduced her to my childhood dream. We've both fallen for Alaska harder than I think either of us could have imagined. The mountains, rivers and wild places are like nowhere else on earth.
Alps & Meters: Your business specializes in opening up the best experiences to guests who might not know where to look when booking a help trip or a remote fly fishing excursion. Do you test the expeditions out yourself? That must be rough...
I make an effort to visit each of our operators not only for quality control, but to be able to provide clients with the options that are best for them and their unique interests. That said, I know nearly all of our operators and their guides personally, which puts me in a strong position for selecting the ideal trip for clients. While I love visiting with our operators, I get an even bigger kick out of how stoked clients are when they return from their trips!
Alps & Meters: What does a typical day in your life look like? Your ideal day?
A good portion of my day is spent answering emails, trip planning and expanding our destination offerings. I'm blessed to have an incredible assistant who takes care of all our travel logistics for clients and generally keeps the ship afloat. I try to stay fit and ready for any trip with early morning circuit training and afternoon trail runs. The perfect days are an early morning on the river fly fishing or lapping powder with friends in the backcountry, while still getting back to the office by noon. That's the best part about Haines. You can literally run 3-4 hot laps out of a ski-plane in the AM and be back in the office by the afternoon.
Photo Credit: Andy Hedden
Alps & Meters: Who or what inspires you?
Those who find a way to make a living doing what they love.
Alps & Meters: Fondest memory of time well spent in the mountains?
I have a hard time looking back and finding a memory from the mountains I'm not fond of! But any time I'm surrounded by good friends having meaningful conversations while enjoying the backcountry would be tops for me.
Alps & Meters: Apres-ski cocktail of choice?
I'm really fired up right now about Haines' own Port Chilkoot Distillery's small batch bourbon that was just released last month. They're serving it over glacier ice right now, so that's kind of a big deal. Haines Brewing Company's Imperial Stout "Black Fang" also helps me forget my bad turns and makes every fish bigger.
Alps & Meters: Favorite photo from your time in AK?
Action Shot- This was my first time skiing with Drake Olson of Fly Drake. He's overlooking all of Glacier Bay National Park with Fairweather in the distance at over 15,000 feet. We're only about 15 minutes from town, but in such big country accessed by his ski plane.
Non Action Shot- Morning commute with Pelly dog four years ago when it snowed over 30 feet in one winter in Haines.
Alps & Meters: Best snow conditions, ever. Go!
The first day SEABA started catskiing in Haines in 2007. It was So deep and we were so fired up to have this new option for access in town.
Alps & Meters: Of all of your travels, which place is calling you back?
Western Arctic Alaska. Huge fish, zero people for hundreds of miles, breathtaking mountains, rivers and scenery, tens of thousands of caribou, musk ox, wolves, bears, wolverines, moose. It is just so wild.
Alps & Meters: How would you describe your personal style?
I'd have to say that had evolved (or devolved) since moving to rural Alaska. I focus on function, fit and durability. We have a saying here, "There is no bad weather, just bad gear." This place can surely put gear to the test!
Alps & Meters: What do you appreciate most about Alps & Meters?
There is a special place in my hear for the rugged durability of natural materials. After hearing Lou's story of the vintage ski sweater that inspired the brand, I'm in!
He sent us down the trails we probably weren't ready for, and bought us a hot cocoa when we complained of frost bitten toes. He stood freezing at the bottom of the course and watched us win (and sometimes lose) races...taught us how to après in style. He made sure we never missed first chair on Christmas Day.
]]>Let's face it, we owe him one. For Team Alps & Meters, our dads played a critical role in shaping us into the skiers we are today. To thank him, we've rounded up of our favorite #designedbytradition Father's Day gifts. Show him some love with a great gift this year.
Ursa Major Stellar Shave Set with Black Walnut Razor-
Get Dad to ditch his razor for a Black Walnut version that's hand carved in Vermont. The set includes shave cream and face balm to make sure that your old man smells more like a pine forest than, well, an old man.
Northern Lights Optic Glacier Goggles-
Designed in the mountains of British Columbia, the luxury eye-wear brand channels the spirit of early alpine explorers. Their signature mountaineering glasses, inspired by the glacier goggles of Sir Edmund Hilary, Jim Whittaker, and others have been re-engineered using the highest quality materials in heritage silhouettes.
Alpine Modern Overnight Travel Bag-
When the folks behind Alpine Modern Magazine told us that they were creating a line of waxed canvas duffles, we couldn't wait to get our hands on them. These carryall staples are handmade in the USA and will only get better with age.
Alps & Meters Classic Pom Hat-
Designed as a protective performance essential, our Classic Pom Hat celebrates the simplicity and purity of alpine sport. Summer nights can still get chilly, especially in the mountains. This lambswool hat is coated with Teflon for water resistance and features a waterproof stowaway pocket. Use code FATHERSDAY20 at checkout for 20% off Classic Pom Hats.
Nothing keeps your drink colder than a copper mug. Whip up a batch of moscow mules (recipe below) and grab a seat outside for some quality dad time.
Squeeze lime juice into mug and toss in spent shell. Fill mug with crushed ice, add vodka, then ginger beer and stir.
We're BIG Chris Burkard fans at Alps & Meters. Transport dad to Iceland or Alberta with a print from this master of adventure photography.
]]>Whitney and Matt are true alpinists. Having lived in the mountains of Vermont for most of their lives, the pair hike, ski and sled together in the winters, and paddle the frigid rapids of the Mad River in the off season. After years spent working in action sports and construction, respectively, Matt and Whit joined forces to re-purpose scraps from their artisan woodworking and design-build business into handmade skateboards unlike anything else you've seen.
“I think you can pretty much define Vermont and Vermont ingenuity just through looking at these. I mean, it’s taking what you have and what’s available to you, and making it work. If you don’t have that as a Vermonter, you’re just not a Vermonter.”- Whitney Phillips
Warren Pieces from Karman Line Films on Vimeo.
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Mixing maple mojitos with one of Vermont's newest craft distilleries.
]]>When Bostonian John Egan purchased a home in Warren, Vermont in 2011, his wife suggested that they plant a vineyard on the land. A local overheard their conversation and suggested a crop more indigenous to Vermont, and more suited to surviving the harsh weather...apples. John, a Calvados afficionado, was intrigued, and the couple purchased a German still to install in the barn on their property. Since that day, Mad River Distillers has created over half a dozen craft spirits, including their signature apple brandy, "Malvados".
As craftsmen ourselves, we appreciate when folks are passionate about their trade, and are driven by a set of enduring values. We also believe that most things taste better when made in small batches, and Mad River Distillers' rums and whiskies are no exception. MRD produces first-class liquors in the mountains of Vermont with local, organic fruits and grains and fresh alpine spring water.
Back in December MRD made the trek to Boston to serve their booze at our launch event, and we were thrilled to work together on a slew of winter cocktails. They served a lot of drinks that night, but their Maple Rum received especially high marks. The snow has since melted, and the sun feels like it might stick around for awhile, so we figured we'd lighten it up with their version of a Maple Mojito. Drink this on the porch after a spring hike, or après-ski for closing weekend here on the east coast.
Place ice in shaker and add the rum, mint, lime juice, and sugar. Shake well and serve on ice in a high ball glass. Top off with a splash of club soda. Garnish with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint.
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We caught up with Videographer/Photographer Corey Hendrickson after an amazing powder day at Sugarbush...
]]>Alps & Meters: Tell us a bit about your history in the mountains. Where did you grow up skiing and riding?
Corey Hendrickson: My parents had me on skis at a young age, but it didn’t really start to stick until I was 11 or 12. Some of my favorite early ski memories are from exploring the woods around Walden Pond on x-c gear. I remember clearly the rush of flying through the woods without any real control or ability to turn. I grew up downhill skiing at Sugarbush.
A&M: With so many days logged shooting in the mountains, and trips to every corner of the globe, what’s your best memory of time well spent? Best conditions? Where?
CH: Definitely lots to see still for me, but I feel lucky (in many ways) to have spent a winter in Chamonix. That first trip up the Aiguille du Midi blew me away. However there is something special and perhaps a lot more unique about getting lucky with a good powder day in Vermont.
A&M: What keeps you busy in the summers in Vermont?
CH: Mountain biking is my favorite sport, and the trail systems have been improving and expanding so much the past few years in Vermont. I'm also a beginner gardener… and there’s always “work”- can’t just wait for the phone to ring.
A&M: What pushes you to shoot longer and ride harder when you’re tired and your pack is feeling heavy?
CH: Ha. Well… nothing beats getting back to the studio and knowing that you got the shot. I have been told by a friend that too often I say, “That was perfect, one more time.” But I always feel there is a way to improve… cleaner composition, different angle, etc. It’s a struggle sometimes because it can be hard to recreate something unique or spontaneous…but photography as a job demands it. A much different scenario than when I go out and shoot for myself, just gathering up moments and not looking back. One other thing I have learned is knowing what I’ll need, that knowledge can make a pack much, much lighter.
A&M: Do you have a “morning of shoot” ritual or habit? I’d imagine there are a lot of early mornings in your field…
CH: French roast coffee, just a bit of milk, and big cup.
A&M: What’s it like to see your daughter growing up in the mountains?
CH: I am so excited to teach my daughter how to ski. I can’t wait… she needs to learn how to walk, but soon! Next year I think we’ll be able to get out on skis. I hope she never does what I’ve done though… I shudder to think about certain things. My fear of avalanches has only increased over time. There’s no guarantees and I have a difficult time with the saying, “they died doing what they love”. I just don’t buy it. So… mixed bag with this question. Maybe she’ll grow up and get hooked on nordic. That’d be fine with me!
A&M: Any characters that stand out from your travels?
CH: I met one of my best friends while living in a hostel in France. I was living there with another buddy, and finally we realized we should all be hanging out. It was a fun time-lots of skiing and lots of really cheap wine. We have kept in touch and are both dads now.
A&M: What drew you the Green Mountains originally? What keeps you there?
CH: My parents introduced me to Vermont when I was young. Initially we’d go hiking - then I got hooked on mountain biking and skiing. What keeps me here now is the landscape and people. There is a generation of old timers that are fading fast from our world right now. I take every opportunity I have to talk with them and hear their stories. Those folks were just so rugged - I don’t think people are made like that anymore.
Corey, thanks for catching some absolutely stunning footage from a great few days on the mountain! You can check out more of Corey's (moving and still) work here.
]]>We quickly felt an ease to Shem that we both were drawn to. It was clear that this wasn't his first rodeo, and he was excited to help us capture some beautiful photography using the Green Mountains as our backdrop. We recently wrapped that shoot, and caught up with Shem afterwards to ask him a few questions about his craft, his life in the mountains, and his artistic inspirations.
Alps & Meters: Tell us a bit about your history in the mountains.
Shem Roose: I grew up snowboarding in Southern Vermont. I had never been on a chairlift until my friend and his Dad took me to Magic Mountain. It was a difficult first day, but I was hooked. After Magic shut down, my friends and I started riding at Bromley. Some of my fondest memories are from those days there.
A&M: Any specific motivations that got you into photography?SR:Throughout High School, I was dabbling in photography and documenting my friends skateboarding and snowboarding. In my Senior year I took a photography class and felt inspired by my teacher Mr. Podell. After High School, I shot as much as possible and realized I wanted to be a photographer.
A&M: With so many days logged shooting in the mountains, and trips to every corner of the globe, what’s your best memory of time well spent? Best conditions? Where? SR:There are so many great trips and memories from my time as the Photo Editor and Photographer for Transworld Snowboarding Magazine. I feel so fortunate to have traveled to the countries I’ve been to. I owe a great deal to Jon Foster (former Transworld Photo Editor and Editor in Chief) for giving me the opportunity to work with him. I went to Japan a few years ago with Huffman Studio to film a series titled Snow Craft, about handmade and alternative shapes for riding powder. The terrain, the country, the people and, of course the snow, are burned in my brain. My goal is to go back there in 2016.
A&M: What keeps you busy in the summers in Vermont? SR: I’m usually shooting a variety of personal and commercial jobs. When I’m not working I like to hike with my dog, ride my old Bianchi on dirt roads, and spend time swimming with my family at this beautiful little spot on the Huntington River.
A&M: Out of all of the shots that you’ve taken over the course of your career, does one stand out? SR: I guess there are a few that stand out. One in particular is a photo of my friend diving into the Dorset quarry. It’s a vertical, black and white photo that I shot in 1996. I appreciate the composition and his poise in the air. It looks like he’s going to belly flop, but he’s actually going into a dive. It’s a great moment of a good friend that our crew of friends hold close to us.
A&M: What pushes you to shoot longer and ride harder when you’re tired and your pack is feeling heavy?A&M: Do you have a “morning of shoot” ritual or habit? I’d imagine there are a lot of early mornings in your field…
A&M: What’s it like to see your kids growing up in the mountains? SR: Ha! I think they appreciate it. My wife and I usually have to drag them to our local little ski hill (Bolton Valley), but once they get there they have a good time (as long as it’s not frigid and windy). I just hope they appreciate and participate in being active in the outdoors when they’re older.
A&M: What drew you the Green Mountains originally? What keeps you there?
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Check out more of Shem's beautiful work here, and be sure to follow along on instagram as well...
BIG thanks to Shem for making our first winter action shoot a success!
]]>We had a blast shooting in the Green Mountains with Parlor Skis, Photographer Shem Roose, and Videographer Corey Hendrickson in early March. Flip through to read the whole story and see behind the scenes shots from our trip.
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Include "Bundle Up" in your order notes at checkout, with your preferred color for each accessory.
]]>Include "Bundle Up" in your order notes at checkout, with your preferred color for each accessory.
]]>Meet Joel and Maggie Bear- Alps & Meters Photo Ambassadors
]]>As you know, Alps & Meters is excited to express our appreciation for winter sport by developing rich relationships with the world’s best alpine photographers. These individuals represent many of the values of the Alps & Meters brand; a sense of adventure, an admiration for nostalgic mountain memories and a passionate dedication to their craft. In this new photographer portrait, we’d like to introduce you to two new friends of Alps & Meters, husband and wife team Joel and Maggie Bear.
Joel and Maggie are adventure and lifestyle photographers based out of Temecula, California. As visual storytellers, these artists have a deep desire to showcase the adventure of life and its achievements in nature, craftsmanship, and people. Joel andMaggie believe wholeheartedly that everyone has a unique personal story to tell and they aspire to reveal these personal narratives through handsome photographs that push the limits but pull on our emotions. Whether from the picturesque Northwest Coast of Portland, or the uncharted mysteries of Iceland, Joel and Maggie possess a style that portrays rich mountain moments, the joys of friendship, the roar of adventure, and a passion for life. Traveling together as a team, these artists have a deep respect for the people and culture they come upon and are dedicated to telling these stories in manner that draws out the visual beauty of each encounter.
At Alps & Meters we believe that photographers like Joel and Maggie have the ability to transport us all to the exciting destinations they capture through their collective lens. In this sense, the Alps, White Mountains, Dolomites, Green Mountains, Cascades, Andes, and other snow filled destinations are never far away.
Joel and Maggie’s work may be viewed at www.JoelBearStudios.com and @joelbear on instagram. Joel and Maggie recently returned from a trip to St. Mary's Glacier with Alps & Meters Photo Ambassador Hunter Lawrence. We're excited to share with you what they found...Stay tuned!
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Join us on Thursday, 12/4 as we present Alps & Meters and showcase the new NRO Sport location!
]]>Based out of North Vancouver, British Columbia, our friend Jordan Manley is senior photographer for Bike and POWDER magazines and as producer/director of the A Skier’s Journey web series, he has traveled from the arctic to Antarctica.
]]>Hello Friends,
We are excited to report that our website will go-live next week! In addition to displaying our unique, “Forged Performance” products, the design of alpsandmeters.com will reflect our brand values, first class sensibility for quality and durability, and will evoke our appreciation for beautiful, nostalgic, and transportational mountain imagery. Many partners have been involved in the development of the site and we are most thankful for their help & participation.
One particular friend we have met along our creative journey is world-renowned outdoor adventure photographer and filmmaker, Jordan Manley, whose selected photographs will appear within various vignettes of alpsandmeters.com. Based out of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Jordan is senior photographer for Bike and POWDER magazines and as producer/director of the A Skier’s Journey web series, he has traveled from the arctic to Antarctica. Anyone who has followed Jordan’s work will understand that the imagery he captures vividly reflects his passion; moving through the mountain and ocean landscapes while exploring the natural and social world through photography, motion picture, and sport. As Jordan expressed recently, “To me, skiing is a particularly unique and rewarding relationship with nature. And in my work I’ve tried to probe and expose that relationship/love affair. I see it as my task to tell stories about mountain and maritime landscapes and the people who live and work within them.”
Jordan is a photographer whose perspective is greatly appreciated by the Alps & Meters Team. His art is a wonderful visual medium of story-telling about winter adventures and each photograph possesses qualities that express the magic, simplicity, and romance that make the world of alpine sport so appealing to us all. You can follow Jordan on Instagram @jordanmanleyphoto and view the full body of his work at jordanmanley.com.
Like your skis or board, Alps & Meters “Forged Performance” products will also benefit from care and attention to ensure maximum longevity when it comes to protection, durability, and maintenance of your garment's original aesthetic values.
]]>As we all know, ahead of any new winter season, it important to tune your gear for optimal performance. For many, this means adjusting the settings of our bindings and sharpening our edges. Like your skis or board, Alps & Meters “Forged Performance” products will also benefit from care and attention to ensure maximum longevity when it comes to protection, durability, and maintenance of your garment's original aesthetic values.
Within our first alpine sport product collection, the classic, full grain water repellent leather panels of the Men’s Shawl Collar Jacket represent areas that, if treated with consistent care, will last a lifetime of adventures while providing classic protection from the elements. Like your favorite pair of leather boots, belt, or bag, at Alps & Meters we recommend conducting a care session for your jacket 2-4 times a year. Our expert friends at Chamberlain’s Leather Milk offer excellent leather care products. As with any tune up, your choice of technician, their knowledge, and values are key to ensure the delivery of first class quality. Chamberlain’s Leather Milk is a company that appreciates the texture, smell, feel, and presentation of rich leather and seeks to offer a unique set of formulas to nurture those qualities throughout the life of a product. In short, Chamberlain knows A LOT about leather and we hope that you’ll consider their expert knowledge when seeking a “Forged Performance” pre-season tune up in the future.
To find out more about Chamberlain’s Leather Milk and to buy, visit www.leathermilk.com.
Our brand is excited to partner with a select group of alpine photographers whose worldwide adventures, skiing acumen, and artistic sensibilities blend together to capture and distill a unique view of alpine sport full of vivid color, light, and texture. Through this particular correspondence, we'd like to introduce you all to Hunter Lawrence, an exciting, young photographer and friend of the Alps & Meters brand.
]]>Hello friends,
For many of us as the weather cools and the seasons change we begin to think about not only the coming winter, but winters past. Perhaps some of us even flip through an old album of ski pictures...old polaroids or a flick through our iPhoto or Facebook archives. In an effort to express the simplicity and joy of alpine sport, Alps & Meters hopes to use the power of such images to tell a constant thread of stories about the people, places, and experiences that create powerful mountain memories. To ensure that the fabric of these stories is woven in a rich and romantic manner, our brand is excited to partner with a select group of alpine photographers whose worldwide adventures, skiing acumen, and artistic sensibilities blend together to capture and distill a unique view of alpine sport full of vivid color, light, and texture. Through this particular correspondence, we'd like to introduce you all to Hunter Lawrence, an exciting, young photographer and friend of the Alps & Meters brand.
Hunter Lawrence is a visual storyteller using both motion and stills to make sense of this world he loves to explore. Using a variety of artistic mediums, his end goal in every project is to capture the people and story in an authentic and creative way. Hunter and his wife Sarah currently live in Denver, Colorado but will be moving to Iceland in February to work on their first published photo book documenting stories across the North Atlantic. We are excited to share Hunter's work with you and encourage you to follow him on Instagram @hunter_lawrence where his personal work and frequent pictures of his dog, Aspen, will transport you to the world he loves to explore.
As the first snow starts to fall, we could not be more excited to prime Alps & Meters for launch. We thank you for continuing to follow our journey and read our stories. Winter is coming!
Team Alps & Meters
Over the course of the past month we have welcomed the opportunity to introduce ourselves to friends, family, partners and customers. In the midst of these introductions we remain eager to share the unique story behind our brand and our intent to create a new and novel, first class expression of performance outerwear. One particular aspect of our new venture is the origin of the name Alps & Meters.
Since inception, it has been our hope to build our brand on a unique set of values for which we are most passionate and that reflect our appreciation of authentic alpine sport. Thus, we aimed to create a brand with a persona that reflects the timeless, nostalgic, and rich experiences that many of us have enjoyed during the winter season. For any skier, rider, or hiker the word “Alps” brings to mind an array of images that echo the atmosphere and memories we hope to distill throughout every touch point of our brand. The first word of our name is meant to transport you to mountain ranges, snow filled slopes, evergreen tree lines, cable cars, and warm après celebrations.
To further evoke the rich tone of our brand, and to emphasize the identity of the company as Tailors of Alpine Sport, the word “Meters” was chosen for its powerful double meaning. The primary meaning clearly refers to the mountains, their height, and majesty. However, the second, and symbolic association of the word is connected to that of a tailored meter; the unit of measure and vintage yellow tape of centimeters, used by garment tailors to produce apparel of exceptional fit and craftsmanship.
We very much like the ring of “Alps & Meters” which describes both the classic mountain setting we most appreciate as well as the first class, “Forged Performance” products we carefully design. We hope that you are fond of our brand name as well and that this brief origin story helps to further our developing member relationship.
Team Alps & Meters
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Stay tuned as we share more about our products, inspirations, and collaborations as we ready for launch in November '14!
Team Alps & Meters