MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Alpine Ski Shop
Chris Bunch, Owner
Q1
Tell us about how you got started in snow sports retail. What is the best part of this industry?
A: I started working at Alpine in the mid-’80s while I was still in high school. It was an exciting time to be in a ski shop—Warren Miller films were playing alongside Greg Stump flicks, rear-entry boots were flying off the shelves, and the colors on the ski wall were electric.
The best part of this industry is the community. It’s a relatively small group of like-minded people who share a passion for the sport, and the gear is always evolving, which keeps things fresh and exciting.
Q2
What is the history of Alpine Ski Shop?
A: Alpine was founded by my dad, Eddie Bunch, in 1971. In the late ’60s, he started a ski shop called Ski Chalet, but after he and the owner stopped seeing eye to eye, he decided to strike out on his own.
Alpine was born in a small A-frame building in Tysons Corner, Virginia. My dad and my mom, Isabelle, worked day and night to build the business and make a small ski shop outside of Washington, D.C. successful.
Today, my brother Tyler and I run our two locations, and our mom still stops in from time to time to check on us.
Q3
How was your 2025–26 winter season? In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges for ski shops in 2026–27?
A: This past season went pretty well. Skiing and snowboarding are still going strong, and interest in these two amazing sports remains high. Being located in Northern Virginia, close to Dulles Airport, helps a lot since many of our customers travel all over the country to get their fix.
One of the biggest challenges we continue to face as a small business is large online retailers discounting and dumping product into the market. We’re even seeing this from some of our own vendors. With parts of the West experiencing a lack of snow this season, there’s been an increase in excess inventory being pushed into the market, and we’ve already felt the impact.
Q4
When you consider adding a new product or service, what matters most in your decision?
A: First, we look at whether it’s truly worth it and what it brings to our customers. Does it fill a gap or solve a problem we’re not currently addressing?
I especially like when a product comes along that we didn’t even realize we needed—something that surprises us and ends up being a great addition, like Boot Cap.
Q5
What is the best part of being a member of the National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA)?
A: Being part of NSSRA gives us a stronger voice as independent retailers and helps keep us connected to others in the industry. It’s a great resource for staying informed, sharing ideas, and navigating the challenges we all face together.
