When Zach and Hannah Vollmer were presented with the opportunity to purchase the Alpine Shop in Sandpoint, they knew they could not pass it up. For the previous two years, Zach had worked as general manager for both Alpine Shop locations, one in Downtown Sandpoint and the other in Schweitzer Village, and already knew the business thoroughly. And besides, working side by side was something the couple had long talked about.
“We have always wanted to work together and own our own business,” says Hannah. “Owning and operating the Alpine Shop not only allows us to do this but also utilizes our strengths. Above all it allows us to be a part of the Sandpoint community, which we love.”
The Alpine Shop has been a staple in Sandpoint for more than 50 years. As new owners, both Zach and Hannah are grateful to previous owners for building such a great foundation upon which they can continue to expand to serve locals and tourists alike. Since purchasing the business at the beginning of summer, Zach and Hannah already have regular customers from Sandpoint and beyond who they now call friends.
With a mission to provide superior customer service, Zach and Hannah look forward to doing all they can to maximize their customers’ experience when it comes to both shopping and embarking on adventure. The couple has more than 20 years combined experience as sales reps, buyers and managers for various outdoor industry companies and also have a passion for outdoor adventure themselves. “Our professional experience and participation in outdoor recreation makes us a great resource for our customers,” says Zach.
When you walk into both of the Alpine Shop locations, you will experience a welcoming atmosphere with staff that is eager to assist you with whatever you need. They provide boot fitting and ski tuning at both locations, so you can be ready for your day on the mountain. If you are looking to rent, they offer rental packages on skis, snowboards, cross-country skis and snow shoes.
“We offer everything from basic to high-performance equipment for rent and for purchase,” says Zach of the products they carry, which include brands such as Salomon, Atomic, Nordica, Blizzard, Volkl and Rossignol.
And with so many brands from which to choose, the Alpine Shop at Schweitzer provides a unique opportunity for customers to demo skis before purchasing them. “It provides our customers a chance to have the experience of trying them out before making the decision to purchase,” Zach says.
At both locations, there is also much to choose from when it comes to clothing, jackets, ski gloves and more. Among the name brands they carry are Arc’teryx, Flylow, Hestra, Picture, Helly Hansen, Smartwool, Descente and Spyder.
And if you think the Alpine Shop is all about winter adventure, think again! As soon as the snow is gone and the air begins to warm up, the shop turns over its inventory to a place where summer adventures await. With paddleboards, kayaks, water skis, wake surfers, tubes and more, you can have all you need for a day on the water.
Stop by and visit and see all the Alpine Shop has to offer. I promise you won’t leave empty handed!
The Alpine Shop
Downtown Sandpoint
213 Church St.
208.263.5157
Schweitzer Village at Schweitzer Mountain Resort
10,000 Schweitzer Mountain Dr.
208.255.1660
Downtown Hours:
Monday - Saturday, 9am - 5pm
Sunday, 10am - 4pm
Schweitzer Hours:
Open one hour before Schweitzer and closed one hour after the mountain closes