Alpinism is typically associated with the Alps or with any other equally important mountain ranges.  It entails the climbing and scaling of a taller mountain, but also includes the less radical version of mountaineering known as hiking and then skiing as well.

There is an entire lifestyle which goes hand in hand with this term and it is not all of the can- do variety.  There is a fashion experience which also uses this lingo and involves more than just the dirndl.  In fact, in common usage it excludes summer Alpine fashion as would typically be worn in Switzerland or Bavaria and looks to the winter months solely.  Printed reindeers and snowflakes are common, as are furs and thick knits. As the look can be kitsch, some are fans, while others are not. Unfortunately, this style is not all that common in the ski resort areas these days with the exception of perhaps more monied ski communities. I think it deserves a resurgence. Don’t you?

“For me, personally, skiing holds everything. I used to race cars, but skiing is a step beyond that. It removes the machinery and puts you one step closer to the elements. And it’s a complete physical expression of freedom.”
–Robert Redford

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