The Story of Alpine Campers: A Journey of Passion, Craftsmanship, and Innovation
In 2006, Mark embarked on a remarkable journey, fuelled by his deep passion for the outdoors and an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship. As a skilled carpenter since 1991, Mark had spent years perfecting his ability to shape and transform materials into stunning creations. His love for adventure and hands-on artistry naturally led him to the world of van conversions, culminating in the foundation of Alpine Campers.
From the very beginning, Alpine Campers stood out for its commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail. Within just six months of launching, Mark’s bespoke VW transporter conversions were featured in top industry magazines and garnered prestigious awards. His innovative designs and outstanding workmanship positioned Alpine Campers as a leader in the field, earning widespread recognition and respect.
For Mark, van building wasn’t just a profession—it was a lifelong passion. Reflecting on his journey, he often says, “Everything I’ve learned since I was sixteen years old falls in line with what I do now. This was meant to be!” His expertise extended beyond personal projects, as Alpine Campers soon began supplying high-quality conversions to motorhome franchises. This success led to a unique collaboration with VW franchises, where Mark developed an exclusive version of the VW California, enhancing its versatility by utilizing a long-wheelbase chassis.
As Alpine Campers continued to thrive, its reputation attracted prestigious corporate clients, including Sony and Hope Technology. These partnerships highlighted the company’s ability to deliver bespoke, high-quality vans tailored to the specific needs of each client. Whether for commercial purposes or personal adventures, Alpine Campers consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
However, like many businesses, Alpine Campers faced significant challenges in 2020 due to the global pandemic and widespread vehicle shortages. Forced to temporarily halt operations, Mark took this moment as an opportunity to pivot his focus toward a new venture: Ad-vanture.com. This platform catered to the growing self-build market, providing enthusiasts with resources and expertise to construct their dream vans independently.
With the industry rebounding, Alpine Campers is poised for an exciting new chapter. In early 2024, the company is reopening its order books, this time with a renewed focus on larger, more adventure-ready vans. Expanding beyond VW transporter conversions, Mark is turning his attention to builds based on the VW Crafter and Mercedes Sprinter—vehicles designed for grander expeditions and limitless possibilities.
Through dedication, resilience, and a passion that spans decades, Mark continues to shape the future of custom van conversions, ensuring Alpine Campers remains synonymous with quality, innovation, and adventure . Now trading under one roof as Advanture bringing the whole package together for the end user from the very first thoughts of his clients dreams about van life to assisting them in finding their own adventures and making sure that every part of their van life journey is a successful and memorable one .
