Photo by Carl Heilman II
An iconic Adirondack gear store will come under new ownership in the coming weeks.
The Mountaineer, located in Keene Valley, announced recently on its website that the McClelland family is selling the store to the Wise family. The family is expected to take over in November once the sale is finalized.
“The Mountaineer has been the pride and joy of the McClelland family for many years, and it is time to open up another chapter in the life of this renowned emporium of fine mountaineering equipment and gear. Time to get younger leadership at the helm and infuse the business with new ideas and energy,” wrote Vinny McClelland on the Mountaineer’s website. “Of utmost importance to our family was finding the right buyer – an outdoor enthusiast that shares our appreciation for these mountains, the community, and our amazing staff… Charlie and Nancy Wise checked all the boxes. They have a long history with Keene Valley and the Adirondacks, a wonderful family, and have the enthusiasm and smarts to ensure that The Mountaineer not only survives but thrives. They also recognize how important the shop’s annual community events have become and the enormity of the shop’s philanthropic efforts over the years.”
The nationally renowned mountaineering shop was opened in 1975 by the McClelland and Miller families. The McClellands cut timber from the site and surrounding area – milling it locally to build the roughhewn, barnlike Sid Miller design in 1975.
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“We are thrilled to extend the proud, 40-plus year legacy of The Mountaineer,” stated Charlie Wise on the Mountaineer website. “Vinny’s leadership, friendship, and dedication to a strong transfer of ownership have played a huge role in this process. Nancy and I are excited to begin this next chapter. The McClelland family’s continuing support will be a natural part of this.”
To help with the transition, McClelland will stay on for a year to work alongside Wise to introduce him to the business’ many longstanding vendor partners and affiliates, and assist in the transition with the longstanding staff, customers and friends who support the business so loyally.
The Mountaineer services mountaineers, expeditionists, hikers, fly fisherman, backcountry skiers, trail runners, and rock and ice climbers. It also hosts ice climbing, backcountry skiing, trail running and fly fishing events.
Congratulations to Vinny and the new buyers, and long may they thrive at the Mountaineer.