Alpina Celebrates Its Anniversary With a New Edition of the 5W1NG and an Innovative Protector

Alpina was founded in 1980 as an UVEX subsidiary in Derching near Augsburg. The aim was to combine new technologies with current fashion to create a new category of sports products. The initial focus was on state-of-the-art ski and sports glasses. The brand already celebrated considerable success in the eighties: Alpina's first own product was the Turbo ski goggles. The first collection comprised seven ski goggles and three sports glasses. In 1983, the Swing was presented and became the best-selling sports glasses of the eighties. 1987 the lifestyle icon M1 is sold for the first time. In the same year Alpina achieves a market share of 40 per cent in Germany. Following this success the brand opened subsidiaries in Austria and Switzerland.

At the beginning of the 90s, ski and cycle helmets were added to the range, making Alpina a year-round brand. In 1993 Alpina invented Quattroflex technology, the first contrast enhancement in spectacle lenses on the market. A few years later another innovation followed with a first size-adjustable system for helmets. In 2004 Alpina became market leader in Germany. This story of Alpina’s success began with eight employees, three of whom were sales representatives. Today around 100 people work for the brand, which is based in Sulzemoos, Bavaria.

New, provocative and innovative at the same time - these attributes are needed to develop iconic products. Creating something special, a unique product is always the goal. The brand and the products are there to inspire. Hence the new claim: "made to inspire."

Alpina wants to continue to inspire and is working to optimise the ecological footprint and create solutions for sustainable security products. A great example is the Prolan Protector, which will be presented at ISPO Munich 2020.

Together with lavalan, a Bavarian wool production company near Dinkelsbühl, Prolan was created: Wool that not only protects against cold or bad odours, but also leaves no micro plastic behind when washed. All these properties of wool have recently led to a renaissance of the sustainable, because renewable, natural fibre in the sports industry. However, there is more to Prolan™ than that: sheep's wool, which has been pressed and processed in such a way that it exceeds the cushioning properties of conventional protectors. What sounds incredible has been tested and confirmed in numerous tests: The Prolan protector made of pressed sheep's wool meets the highest safety standards.

For its 40th anniversary, Alpina is also shows that avant-garde, innovation and rhythm are still part of the brand DNA. Alpina was founded in the wild 80s, a time characterized by neon colors, perms, mullet, walkman, headbands - and the Swing. Today, Alpina is reviving the spirit of this wild and courageous decade with a new edition of its cult glasses. 5W1NG, is the name of the new chapter in Swing. The 5W1NG has various uses as sports and ski glasses. An optional foam padding converts the 5W1NG into a pair of goggles suitable for the slopes and cross-country skiing, keeping sweat, draughts and cold air away from the eyes. With an additional magnetic lens, the glasses can be further adapted to external conditions. Both in the Varioflex version and with the mirrored Ceramic Mirror lens, the 5W1NG protects against too bright sunrays and offers comfort for the eyes. The base of the 5W1NG consists of a contrast-enhancing Quattroflex lens in Ruby Red. The extra large field of view guarantees maximum visibility and reflections are minimised.

On the outside, the lens is coated to prevent dirt and water from sticking to the glass. Even a muddy trail or a descent in snowfall is unrestricted fun this way. Arms are adjustible in height and cold-formable nose pads allow the glasses to be individually adapted to each face and nose for optimum protection and comfort. These avant-garde glasses will polarize, but in the end, with the new design of a classic, they will above all be fun and inspire. This much is certain: Alpina lives, polarises, protects and inspires with all its products. Throughout the last forty years as well as in the future.