Skiing’s Sartorial Legacy: Refined & Original Clothing for Alpine Sport
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Alpine sportswear was born in the snow-capped mountains and crisp winter air of Europe’s earliest ski destinations, where skiing itself evolved from a mode of transport into a beloved winter pastime. Rooted in necessity and refined through the cultural currents of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the garments worn by early skiers were as functional as they were fashionable—a seamless blend of protection, tradition, and elegance. From the moment skis shifted from utilitarian tools to recreational instruments, so too began the evolution of a unique wardrobe that symbolized a new way of life on the mountains.
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In pioneering resorts such as St. Moritz, Chamonix, and Zermatt, the ethos of alpine living was on full display—not only in the exhilaration of the slopes but in the careful attention paid to what skiers wore. The alpine sportswear of this era combined classic high-street fashions with rugged materials, woven with the same care and craftsmanship found in traditional European tailoring. Woolen knickers, cable-knit sweaters, and tailored outer layers reflected both the elegance of the city and the pragmatism demanded by winter sport. These garments, often hand-made or crafted by artisans, became both heirlooms and icons, cherished by generations of skiers who returned year after year to these storied slopes.
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In other newly frequented destinations such as Sun Valley, Courchevel, and Park City, skiing grew to be not just an activity but a culture—one in which style and substance were intertwined. Early alpine wear was defined by the thoughtful integration of time-tested materials like tweed, boiled wool, and cashmere, combined with design elements born from necessity: storm flaps to block the wind, leather accents for reinforcement, and snug fits that allowed freedom of movement on the slopes. These details reflected a standard of craftsmanship rarely seen today, where garments were meant to endure both the weather and the passage of time.
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The evolution of alpine sportswear mirrors the evolution of the sport itself—a journey from the early expeditions of explorers and alpinists to the Golden Age of skiing, where adventurers sought out the thrill of high peaks and untouched snow. Alongside these pioneers, traditional alpine sportswear became a reflection of their values: endurance, elegance, and authenticity. As skiing spread to further to North America, post WWII mountains in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming USA then joined the ranks of their European counterparts, the garments worn remained an enduring symbol of a lifestyle defined by adventure, sophistication, and timeless taste.
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Today, Alps & Meters pays homage to this tradition, drawing inspiration from the original garments worn by skiers of decades past. The Alps & Meters Originals Collection is a modern-day expression of these alpine values—classic, tailored, and technical. With designs steeped in the nostalgia of alpine sport’s earliest days, each unique piece is crafted with the same old-world care and attention to detail that defined the wardrobe of skiing’s founders.
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In every stitch, the Originals Collection reflects a reverence for the past, preserving the heritage of alpine sportswear while offering a renewed commitment to quality and form. These garments are not just clothes— they are the continuation of a legacy, woven with memories of snow-covered slopes and mountain escapes, passed from one generation to the next. They embody the romance of alpine sport’s history and the unwavering belief that some things—like well-made garments and cherished winter traditions—are meant to endure.
With every jacket, sweater, and trouser in the Originals line, Alps & Meters’ mission is to champion the spirit of skiing’s origins. In a world that often moves too quickly, it is hoped that the brand’s commitment to timeless craftsmanship is a reminder that the finest things in life—whether a well-tailored alpine coat or a perfect run through fresh powder—are worth preserving.
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