How a Montreal-based brand is redefining the modern après-ski
Text by Sarah-Eve Leduc
In the crowded landscape of modern outerwear, few brands manage to find the elusive sweet spot where technical engineering meets genuine craftsmanship. Yet, in just over a year, Alpenhaus has done exactly that. Born from a desire to merge the structural precision of engineering with the creativity of design, the Montreal-based label has quickly carved out a niche for those who demand performance without sacrificing style.
As the brand celebrated its first anniversary, the trajectory has been nothing short of vertical. From navigating an unstable economy to securing a coveted spot at Nordstrom, Alpenhaus has proven that the world is ready for a new kind of “Haus”, one that feels as at home on the snowy peaks of Zermatt as it does on the bustling streets of Montreal. We caught up with Alan Pivovar, the brand’s Founder and Creative Director, to discuss the philosophy behind the FW25 collection, the importance of sustainable innovation, and how he plans to grow the brand globally in 2026.
Alan, congratulations on Alpenhaus turning one! Can you take us back to the moment you decided to launch the brand?
Thank you. The idea for Alpenhaus came naturally, almost two and a half years ago, around April 2023. I’ve always had this mix of engineering precision and love for design. I wanted to create something that reflected both performance and emotions. The moment we (under Thread Collective support) decided to launch wasn’t the most stable economy, but we knew people were ready for something new. It wasn’t about chasing a market; it was more personal. A wish to build a brand that felt honest, rooted in functionality, and with a soul. It started as a small idea, making products that looked sharp but could really perform, and it just grew from there.
Montreal is a cultural melting pot. How do you think it shapes the creative output of its fashion talent, and how does Alpenhaus reflect that? What influence has being based in Montreal had on the spirit and aesthetic of Alpenhaus?
Montreal has this incredible duality; it’s a city where cultures, languages, and ideas constantly intersect. On a macro level, it feels like a reflection of Europe: the diversity of its people, the contrast between city life and the surrounding mountains, even the welcoming energy you feel here, all of that feeds into Alpenhaus. It’s a place that embraces difference, and that openness is reflected directly in the Haus. Our collections carry that same mix of structure and warmth, precision and ease.
Your FW25 collection leans heavily into the Après Ski aesthetic. What drew you to reinterpret this style for the modern wardrobe?
The FW25 collection isn’t just about Après Ski, it’s about that duality between the city and the mountains. We wanted to reinterpret the spirit of the Alps for real, modern life. The pieces are built for adaptability, meant to move with you and carry you wherever the day may take you. Whether you’re out for a night on the town, spending time outdoors, or enjoying a champagne fondue after a day on the slopes, it’s about the versatility. That’s the Alpenhaus mindset, performance, and elegance that follow you through every moment.
Do you have a favorite piece from FW25 that you think encapsulates the season’s message?
That’s a tough one, it’s like you’re asking me to pick my favorite child! One of my favorite parts of bringing this line to life is how we’ve been able to dig deeper as a brand and bring a new perspective to outerwear as a whole. We introduced our sustainable takes on popular materials such as leather, fur, and sherpa. Those elements have strengthened the Alpenhaus signature; they reflect what we’re all about: conscious design, texture, and timeless function wrapped in confidence.
You’re known for keeping a sharp eye on what’s cool. How do you balance chasing the zeitgeist with staying grounded in your brand’s long-term vision?
Everyone has their own leitmotiv, but I tend not to chase trends. It’s too fragile. To build stability, you have to think stability, and not hop on all wagons. You have to drive yours. For me, it’s about understanding the energy of the moment without losing who we are. Alpenhaus isn’t built on hype; it’s built on purpose: precision, functionality, and emotion. If something aligns with that and still feels fresh, we’ll translate it in our own way. That balance between intuition and discipline is what keeps the Haus relevant, not reactive.
Sustainability and function are key in the outdoor-inspired fashion space. How is Alpenhaus addressing both in its current and future collections?
Alpenhaus is rooted in the outdoors; it’s part of our heritage, so it is essential that our products respect the environment from which we draw inspiration. We can’t prioritize eco-friendly practices and still rely on animal-based materials; it’s not in the brand’s DNA. We’ve also engineered a fully reusable and recyclable mailer bag, a 160-degree shift from how most of the industry ships products nowadays: in layered boxes, wraps, and paper. Compared to standard packaging, it reduces environmental impact by about 29%. We’re not trying to be a porte-parole for sustainability like some brands, we just try to make our single effort translate to a group effort, one day. It goes beyond products, and we have new upcoming initiatives that will continue to build on that foundation.
You’re not only designing but also leading the business. What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned in your dual role as Founder and Creative Director?
I think it’s a big statement to say I’m “leading the business,” haha. I am grateful to be able to build Alpenhaus with the incredible support and trust of Thread Collective, they’re the true leaders here. They surrounded me with the right people, and we’re leading it together. The environment you build around you is everything, whether it’s a movie or a brand, success always comes down to the people.
Congratulations on being now sold at Nordstrom. (A major milestone!) What does that partnership mean for the brand and yourself?
Thank you. It’s a milestone achievement, and not something the team takes lightly. It’s a real symbol for all the hard work the team has put in. Partnering with Nordstrom marks an exciting entrance into the fashion industry and the US market for Alpenhaus. We have to continue the momentum and continue to prove our value over time. The U.S. market is our main growth driver in North America right now, and we’re committed to building a long-term presence there, one rooted in consistency, trust, and quality.
