Grivel North America has ceased distributing Grivel products and recently announced it is shutting down for good. Here's the announcement from their web site:
Grivel North America Over and Out
By Mark TwightHail Citizens,
Grivel North America ceased distributing Grivel products on September 1st, 2008. We did our best over the last few years to keep the company alive but the flagging US economy and the Euro’s strength against the dollar prevented us from doing so.
Retail customers may contact the following dealers to purchase Grivel ice axes, crampons, helmets, ice screws, packs and some replacement parts while supplies remain.
The Mountaineer
www.mountaineer.comMountain Gear
www.mountaingear.comRecreational Equipment, Inc.
www.rei.comSecond Ascent
www.secondascent.comMountain Equipment Co-Op (Canada only)
www.mec.caWarranty and repair issues must wait until Grivel determines how they will service the North American market in the future. Stand by for more information.
I thank the individuals who used Grivel ice tools and crampons and believed in the performance enough to keep doing so year after year.
To view the complete line of Grivel products or more information surf to:
www.grivel.com
The European Grivel site also has a slightly longer list of American and Canadian retailers who have already ordered Grivel ice axes, crampons and ice screws for winter 2008/2009.