Alpine Shop — Attraction in Kirkwood

I wanted to only buy a pair of Burton step on boots and I did also mention to the sales person named Eric that I have already got bindings and boards from elsewhere.

I really appreciated Eric’s time to help me trying on, however when I made my decision to buy the pair, he immediately brought to my attention that I also have to buy the step on bindings as this is based on Burton policy. He never brought this up when I told him that I was looking for step on boots from the very beginning and there is no sign in the store indicating that i have to buy step on boots along with bindings. I felt confused but as I was super excited to get the pair at the moment, I bought the binding along with the boots.

But on the way home I realized that he might have over sold me stuffs that I don’t need to get more commission (and the binding is black not white). I also called Burton customer service and they confirmed they never have such a policy that step on boots and binding must be sold together. I felt like I was scammed so I ended up returning the binding but keep the boots.

Today I visted again at Alphine with my own step on bindings (white) and the board. When a gentleman tried to help me install the bindings to the board.Suddenly Eric came out throwing some rude words and stopped him from installing the bindings and asked no one is allowed to serve me even though I did let them know that I would pay for the installation. Then Kyle came to me explained that the store has some stocking issues which is why they have to sell step on boots and bindings together. But I did let him know that this was not what Eric told me that day and I don’t believe as a customer I should be aware of your store problems ??? I suggested that you’d better put a note on the wall saying step on boots must be sold with stepon binding going forward. As a loyal customer of Alpine, I had good experience shopping here but I just feel very disappointed to be...

TL;DR - smaller than REI, but still has everything you're looking for and it seems cozier than you would expect. 10/10 would shop here again.

You know, the folks that work here are nice (shout out to Steven with the sweet van). They're nice and they're experienced with what they're talking about.

You go on and ask about backpacks and two people will help you out, ask you questions about your needs, share the most relevant technical specifications about a few different products they might want to suggest, and then tell you a story about one of their personal vacations using that exact gear or something similar.

As a testimony to how great this place is, I was shopping there during the pandemic and the folks were still super friendly. I'm a bit of a gearhead and I spotted a campervan in the parking lot. I asked the clerk about it and she told me who it belonged to because it was one of the salesman's. The salesman then very cheerfully talked to me all about it and then showed off all of its cool features. He even told me what products he was able to buy from their store and which ones he had to buy elsewhere because they were out of the ordinary for a retail gear shop. I mean, the enthusiasm this guy had really demonstrated how much fun shopping at this place can be.

Steven, if you see this, thanks again mate and...

I wish I could give this a 6/5 stars. My satisfaction with working with the Alpine Shop over the holiday season was out-freaking-standing.

I just finished getting my ski boots custom fitted by Jake in the ski shop and I could not be happier with my experience working with him.

I work myself as a professional guide in Southeast Alaska and recognize and understand the importance of having your gear dialed in - the safety of other individuals is coincided with ensuring you are rocking and rolling at no less than 100%, which includes all of your gear. Jake understands this and poked, probed, and custom molded my boots to my feet to ensure "nothing less than perfection, my dude." - his words. We worked over a period of two weeks to ensure that the fit was dialed in to that level of perfection that Jake requires for his work.

I myself head back up to Alaska this evening and cannot wait to rip with this new set up.

If you are in the greater Saint Louis area, there is no other place you should go, with no other bootfitter you should see, in order to get your ski boots fitted. Jake's work, demeaner, candor and dedication to the craft cannot be understated....