Memories; built into the fabric for years of ski traditions. For it’s the fondest reminiscence of these memories that fuels our passion, the love, and continued itch for more precious memories on the mountain.

As we look closely on the shelves of our family’s bookcases, we pull those dusty archival ski photos down. Look at the memories filled with sepia-toned polaroids and faded black and white images - snapshots in time of classic winter adventures.

Hidden in this archival treasure chest is a winter wardrobe history dating back to the days of rear entry boots, binding safety straps, woolen herringbone pants, denim, pom-pom hats, and boot gaiters. Turning the pages of these albums and reminiscing over these photos links the past to the present, keeping the embers of such memories burning brightly in a virtuous cycle of generational succession. Ensuring that this cycle can continue unabated is a core intention of Alps & Meters’ fourth Mountain Memories product collection.

That’s right… fourth, and we aren’t planning on slowing down!

Since our inception here at Alps & Meters, we have adopted a mission to uphold the classic traditions of alpine sport. And like the long-standing and well-preserved memories of those family ski albums, the intended design of our garments have been focused upon crafting sturdy, classic, and well-made pieces that will last a lifetime.

And by “lifetime” - we truly mean it. But how do we really achieve this full circle?

Let us to explain the full story.

Back in 2021, we connected with sustainability startup Tersus Solutions out of Denver, CO. Not sure as to what we were getting ourselves into, Tersus tucked our brand right under their wing through the new and emerging concept of “sustainability” and “up-cycling” of garments at the time.

Up-cycling of garments means extending the lifecycle of a garment or piece of clothing. In essence, you are adding years onto their pieces life through cut and sew tactics, collaboration, and creative innovation after further examination of what you are working with. We were instantly hooked by the idea as we decided to send them a batch of our worn wear, damaged goods, returns, and end of life product.

A leader within closed-loop textile innovation, Tersus Solutions was founded to accelerate the fashion industry’s transition from a linear pattern of product creation, distribution, and disposal, to one of comprehensive circularity. “Green entrepreneurs” you could call them whose alchemy of environmental passion and scientific pursuits have fused a force of sustainable innovation that is raising environmental consciousness worldwide while solving a real-world problem via a unique suite of “green” capabilities residing at the forefront of outdoor-fashion industry innovation. To correct the weaknesses of product lifecycle management within the global apparel sector.

The breakdown of a Mountain Memories piece consists of the following steps: 1. identify up-cyclable goods based on damages, sizes, styles, etc, 2. inspect & clean goods through Tersus’ patented CO2 machines - so wearable after garment is constructed, 3. create design through combination with another Alps & Meters piece, 4. cut, sew, & create new Mountain Memories garment 5. feed the new garment back into the ecosystem for a second life.

We launched Mountain Memories back in the Spring of 2021 and were floored at the response. Selling out in just hours after launch. Not a piece left within the capsule. Thank’s to you, we’ve been able to continue beating the drum of sustainability of end of life garments within the Alps & Meters product ecosystem. The love for the next collection with fresh and unique mashups excites us every time we know the sewing machines are fired up at Tersus.

Fast forward to now, two years later to the month, we had the opportunity to visit Tersus for a second time. Now at their new and improved warehouse still in Denver. Needless to say we were blown away. Bigger, faster, more hires, collaborating with an extensive list of well respected brands. It’s safe to say the vision has inspired so many. We couldn’t be more proud than to work with such team of execution and drive to make a differance one garment at a time.

Take a look inside Mountain Memories 2023 construction at Tersus.

Shop the latest Mountain Memories capsule:

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Located at the foot of the front range of the Southern Rockies, Tersus and Alps & Meters’ share values and desire to ensure that skiing can be passed to generations for more memories to come.

Let us know your fondest Mountain Memories in the comments below and add to the collection, we’d love to hear!