Book Description
This guide is a passport to portals of adventure, fun, and Winter outdoor pleasure--a sampling of the best of the west of Massachusetts. Come put your foot in the door of the great outdoors! Welcome to the super, natural theme park that our Algonquin predecessors called the "land of many hills." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Some decent XC & BC tours but no telemark tours.
This is a decent guide for those looking for places to ski the ungroomed, but there are scant tours for the "touring for turns" set. The directions on how to find the starting point sometimes presume localknowledge of the towns or detailed street maps, but the tour directions areusually clear. ... Read more

Book Description
The official guide to Colorado's 10th Mountain Hut and Trail System covers the most extensive backcountry ski system of its kind in the country. Hundreds of miles of trails connect the 20 huts and private accommodations located between Aspen, Vail, and Leadville. This book contains everything that a skier must know to use the huts: directions to trailheads, descriptions of ski routes to the huts, GPS coordinates for both huts & trailheads, reference maps, checklists for equipment and clothing, safety guidelines, and more. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a complete guide to the ski and snowshoe routes in Colorado's Upper Arkansas Valley, including Leadville, Tennessee Pass, Twin Lakes, Independence Pass, Buena Vista, Cottonwood Pass, St. Elmo, Salida, and Monarch Pass. The book includes 25 of the best winter snow trails, from beginner to expert, skate skiing to backcountry adventures, plus an additional 35 trail options. Each route includes a mile-by-mile description, map, elevation profile, level of difficulty and safety info. Finally, there is advice on snow conditions, where to sleep, eat and soak in the best hot springs. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the first backcountry ski book exclusively dedicated to those resort skiers who want to backcountry ski on Alpine skis. Ten chapters cover everything from clothing to survival. There are over 140 color photos increaincluding some from three great ski photographers: Jeff Russell, Whit Richardson and from French photographer Philippe Poulets new book Secours Extreme (Extreme Rescue). It is a unique book in that it is geared for the resort skier and has been reviewed by several PSIA instructors. It has an extensive technical appendix that includes a A Brief History of Backcountry Skiing with over 90 entries and the first published description of the Colorado Haute Route from Vail to Winter Park. The Forward is by Brian Litz who is well known for his hut-to-hut guides of the Tenth Mountain Division Hut System in Colorado. The book covers a huge realm of techniques from beginner to expert. The book is meant for backcountry and resort skiers at large who are looking for a deeper understanding of wilderness skiing.Great for anyone heading into the winter backcountry and especially those and who are converting from Telemarking to Alpine ski touring or what many call Ski Randonnée. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Review by Lou Dawson
"This is the perfect book for anyone entering the backcountry for the first time. It is not limited to AT skiers but is great for telemarkers and snowboarders as well. It is a complete guide to the basics of ski mountaineering and many will find it useful if not essential.Because it is self published it is refreshingly current. Everything from clothing, gear, avalanche avoidance to survival is covered.
In all an excellent effort, congratulations to Jean Vives!" from Wild Snow.com

Good to see something new, even if there are flaws
For the last several years little has been writen on AT skiing. This book came out this last year and has filled part of this void. The book has been given fair reviews by Backcountry magazine. Their main complaints were the lack of an editor and the 1970 style cover. Guys get over it...
This book does have a great deal on information. Yes you have to dig for some of it, yes an editior would have been a plus. But this was a self published effort. And even as such there is a great deal of useful information for any BC skier. Hard to find but good for your collection and knowledge base. ... Read more

Book Description
50 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits in California offers some of the finest ski and snowboard descents in California, ranging over a 550-mile span from the Cascade Range in the north to the Sierra Nevada in the south. Grouped into nine geographical regions, these summits represent the best of the best-from well-known destinations to more remote areas to a sampling of the highest peaks.Historical anecdotes about each region round out the guide for an entertaining and informative read.

Trips range from a half day to seven days, and while all can be completed on either snowboard or skis, the author makes specific recommendations for the best snowboard descents. Each trip description includes a complete narrative of the ascent and descent plus information on trip highlights, trip duration, level of difficulty, mileage, elevation gain, and access.The appendix includes a list of California's highest peaks.

This is the most complete information available in one volume, featuring the widest selection of premier ski mountaineering and snowboard routes in California. With 70 b&w photos and 60 maps. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A must for the backcountry enthusiast
If you are planning a winter/spring backcountry trip and want accurate, detailed information on routes, terrain, and level of difficulty for some of the best skiing/snowboarding terrain in California than this is the perfect book. The book is well organized, clearly written andbeautifullyillustrated. Everytime I pick up the book I find myself mentally planningnew trips and plotting descent routes on the photographs.An addedplus to the book is the wealth of information that it contains on preparingfor a backcountry experience. The author covers everything from avalanchedanger to equipment to bring on an extended trip. He even includes anexcellent website for those who want more information.There always isa question in my mind when I read any backcountry guide about the accuracyof the information. Who wants to set out on a trip only to find out thatthe route maps or the descriptions don't match the terrain? The author issomeone with extensive backcountry experience who has done each of the 50trips described in the book at least once. We all sould be so lucky! Havingtaken two trips with the author that are detailed in the book, I can saythat he did an excellent job of describing the routes and the terrain. Ifyou are someone who is looking for backcountry ski/snowbaording adventure,this book will make your trip planning a whole lot easier. Enjoy

50 Classic backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits
Having recently purchased Paul Richinsbook, ³50 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits in California,²I was very impressed.Like all books published by ³The Mountaineers,² it is nothing but First Class inevery way. Mr. Richins has gone out of his way to provide the rest of uswith a gem which will lead one to enjoy the fantastic world of the winterSierra.

Even if one is nothing more than an arm chair cross country skierthey would find this book highly enjoyable and enlightening reading.Forthe more adventuresome person, Mr. Richins book would be their ultimateguide to a world of adventure.The pictures, the writing, the maps are allfive star.The little extras that Mr. Richins has added throughout thebook, such as writings of John Muir, and others,adds the spice to thisdelightful book.

Mr. Richins, since he has obviously researched,personally , all 50 of the peaks listed in his guide, has been able to makea very reliable summary of each peak,from Intermediate, Advance, toExpert.This would easily allow me to select a challenge within my abilityand, along with the excellent guide of the book, make winter trips I wouldhave never thought possible.

Great book on skiing in the backcountry
Mr. Richins book is a veritable treasure-trove of information.From well researched check-lists to clear descriptions of everything from how to get to the trailhead to routes on the peaks; this book covers it all! Mr.Richins love of the Sierra Nevada shines through these pages.He inviteshis readers to share his love of the winter Sierra and imparts knowledgethat makes it possible for expert and novice alike to enjoy thesemountains. History of the Sierra Nevada is woven in throughout the book,creating an interestng counterpoint to the climbing routes. A must for thebackpack on winter trips in the Sierras!Something to read by headlamp onthose long nights in the tent!

50 Classic Ski and Snowboard Summits in California: Mount Sh
The most comprehensive guide available for anyone interested in skiing the best of the California peaks.This book will seduce the timid into a world of adventure and outdoor recreation previously thought to be for the"Big Boys" only.The experienced skier and snowboarder willappreciate the breadth of information available in one source.You'llscrunch this one into your backpack along with your topo map.Mr. Richins'writing style flows easily.His excitement for the subject will captureyour outdoor spirit. His vast experience will give you the confidence andtrust you need in a guide (and this guide will fit in your backpack).

50 Classic Ski and Snowboard Summits in California: Mount Sh
The most comprehensive guide available for anyone interested in skiing the best of the California peaks.This book will seduce the timid into a world of adventure and outdoor recreation previously thought to be for the"Big Boys" only.The experienced skier and snowboarder willappreciate the breadth of information available in one source.You'llscrunch this one into your backpack along with your topo map.Mr. Richins'writing style flows easily.His excitement for the subject will captureyour outdoor spirit. His vast experience will give you the confidence andtrust you need in a guide (and this guide will fit in your backpack). ... Read more

Book Description
Washington backcountry skiers know the name Rainer Burgdorfer. The Northwest's backcountry skiing guru and author of the popular but long out-of-print Backcountry Skiing in Washinton's Cascades, has created this entirely new guidebook to include the best, most challenging descents in Washington.

With more than 100 routes and tours for intermediate to advanced alpine and Nordic skiers and snowboarders, Burgdorfer's guide is the definitive reference for the Cascade region. Each trip description details the best times to go-including year-round opportunities--access, starting elevation and high point, tour length and time, maps, level and type of skill required, and permit information. Special sections cover avalanche conditions, snow survival, environmental considerations, weather, equipment, and techniques. A seasonal cross-reference table helps readers select tours by season.Featuring 100 b&w photos and 90 maps. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

The book for backcountry skiing in Washington
This is the best book for backcountry skiing in Washington State.As noted by other reviewers, some of the tours are best done in the spring and summer---they are great when done it the right season.This is all covered by the authors and useful mileages are provided.Skiers and snowboarders looking for adventures in Washington State won't be disappointed by Burgdorfers suggestions---some of them are tough, but usually worth the suffering.

By far, the best backcountry ski/board guide available in WA
Reading the other reviews of this book, I felt that people were ganging up on the author and that I just needed to chime in with my two cents worth. I believe this book to be far and away the best backcountry skiing/snowboarding guide available for Washington. These are the epic routes and memorable peaks that are the stuff of touring legend. I have found the route descriptions to be highly accurate and the maps to be fine for the purposes of illustration. After all, you should really have a full USGS or at least Green Trails map when you go into these areas anyways. The only thing I wish had a bit more consideration are snowboard specific hazards such as long flat or uphill areas along the descent. These add drastically to estimated times, especially when postholing is involved. That, however, is my minor quibble. I've made several of the trips in this book and loved them all (even last weekend when I broke my splitboard out by the Sulphide Glacier). Hardly a weekend passes where I do not have thisbook out planning my next escapades with my climbing partner. An admirable job on highly variable subject matter. Now, if I can just find a book that accurately predicts what the snowpack will look like for a given day...

Review of a Review of 100 Classic Tours...
Everybody is a critic, including some twelve year olds.Talk about a scathing review, this kid really let me have it. However... * If you want to ride Tomyhoi in winter, get a snowmobile, or take a week off and make sure your life insurance is paid up. This is not a winter tour. As an aside, most of Washington's mountains are not accessible in winter. Blame God, USFS, or NPS. * I am not a self-proclaimed guru. Some publicist wrote that. I have a job. I try to get out and ride or ski. That's it. * The Publisher did the maps. My contribution was the relevant information, not the format. I'm sure the Publisher would be happy to create maps just for you if you would guarantee payment! *The avalanche zone indicator debate is obviously alive and well. I'm personally against showing the "danger zones" but Publisher insisted on it. And, if you read the book, you'll discover that you and I agree on this point also. *Photograph selection and captions, indeed the entire content of The Book is subject to the discretion of the Publisher. Gary Brill had agreed to provide images for this book but did not deliver by the Publisher's deadline. I had a contractual obligation to deliver and I did. Fourteen out of seventyfive aerial shots doesn't seem excessive, especially if they offer information not otherwise possible. *It is not muddled thinking to encourage dog owners to consider the consequences of taking their dog in the woods and show an image of a Husky inside the Stevens Pass Ski Area boundary. Personally, I enjoy outings with dogs. *My route times don't seem underestimated. Camp Muir is easily reached in under four hours by fit climbers, in good conditions, carrying a daypack. An hour for lunch and a nap, and an hour for a leisurely descent makes for a reasonable day.* Finally, my first guidebook was published in 1986, not two decades ago. It was intended as a year-around guidebook, not a winter guide. The current guidebook is a similar effort, with an added emphasis on snowboarding. Further comments or questions can be addressed to me at Burgdorfer@hotmail.com. Happy Trails! Rainer Burgdorfer

Major disappointment
The first sentence of the first route in Rainer Burgdorfer's tired tome tells you all you have to know about his disappointing second edition.In describing Tomyhoi Peak's "reasonable access," he uses the parenthetical phrase, "once Twin Lakes Road is clear of snow."What that means is that if you want to ride this peak in the winter, you must add at least 3 miles and 2,000 vertical feet to the route outlined in this guide.In fact, the trailheads to half of the routes and hills in Burgdorfers dated rehash cannot be reached in the winter.Fifty-one of the 102 routes in the book are inaccessible during the months of December, January and February.Worse still, if you take this self-proclaimed "guru's" advice, more than one-third (36) of the hills are only reachable in April, May or June.I don't know about you, but the kind of snow I love to ride just doesn't fall from the sky in April, May or June.If you are looking for a good winter backcountry ride guide, look somewhere other than this book.But describing trails that you can't reach in the winter isn't the only major failing of this book.At least half of the maps in the book are unreadable because the contour lines are too light, too small, or too close together. It would have been far better to create new maps with greater contour intervals. Of more concern to the reader is that the maps showpotential"avalanche zones."A backcountry snowboarder or skier new to this type of adventure might reasonably conclude that these zones are the ONLY areas to worry about avalanche hazard.Anyone with an ounce of experience know this is not true--but beyond that, it is a gross insult to the reader to assume that anyone who plies the winter backcountry cannot recognize an avalanche slope.Further, Burgdorfer's writing is barely informative and massively boring.At times, his huge ego interferes with an objective analysis of the route; for example, his recommendation of the Muir Snowfield solely for its " entertainment value"--presumably derived by watching skiers or riders who don't have his skill or experience. Yet another fatal problem with the book are many of the photgraphs, including a photo by the author of footprints in the snow on Page 56.This useless picture indeed is worth a thousand words--all of them derogatory.In a sad departure from the publisher's (The Mountaineer) usual careful editing for liability concerns, another photo in the book depicts a shirtless skier wearing shorts"on a glacier"(Page44).And the overuse of aerial photograpy would suggest that the author spent more time scouting routes from an airplane in the winter than he did on the snow.Another example of muddled thinking and inattentive editing is the photo on Page 116 of a dog on one of the routes, yet Burdorfer cautions readers on Page 15 to "consider leaving your dog at home."If indeed he wants us to leave our dogs at home (including those trained in avalanche rescue work), perhaps the dog should have been cropped out of the photo.The Indefatigable Ego of the author is also evident in his under-estimation of "ski times" on most of the routes.Anyone who has climbed to Camp Muir from Paradise, almost 5 miles and 5,000 vertical feet, will tell you it takes a great deal longer than 6 hours, but Burdorfer classifies this an "intermediate" route-- and most intermediates would take at least 5 hours simply climbing up to Muir in the dead of winter.In sum, this book was originally written more than two decades ago.It wasn't a helpful guide to Washington's winter backcountry then, and the second edition--which could hardly be called "new"--is no better.

Gary Brill where are you now?
I heard the older version of this book has better pictures ... Read more

Book Description
Discover the best places to go in the Oregon Cascades for backcountry skiing and snowboarding.In his new guide, Christopher Van Tilburg explores ungroomed powdery slopes and pristine wilderness descents, with more than half the routes described for intermediate-level backcountry skiers.The 60 routes here feature overall difficulty ratings, elevation and terrain, estimated skiing times, USGS topographical maps, skill levels required, and much more.Van Tilburg includes expert advice on safety, glaciers, and avalanche precautions, and details routes from Mount Hood to Mount Bachelor to Willamette Pass, as well as southwest Washington's Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

review
Backcountry ski oregon is a nice guide. The photos are not as good as the ones in oregon descents but it offers a few more routes. Some of the routes are part of ski areas. useful book

Excellent!
What makes Van Tilburg's latest guidebook so good has a lot to do with why Van Tilburg was the perfect person to write it.He's not only an expert skier and snowboarder, but he's also an expert mountaineer, canyoneer, and wilderness medicine physician.When he guides you on these classic descents, you are in good hands.He not only shows you the best places to go, but makes sure you have the information to stay safe and get home in one piece.Let's face it -- if we were experts we wouldn't need a guidebook.If we need a guidebook, we need one written by someone with experience and good sense.Van Tilburg is a good man to follow. ... Read more

Book Description
Experience the best in outdoor adventure on skis! Whether you're new to backcountry skiing or a veteran on the slopes, Backcountry Skier is packed with expert instruction and valuable tips to help you make the most of your next trip to the mountains.

Author Jean Vives shares the wisdom gained from his 30-plus years of backcountry skiing experience as he presents the essential tools of the trade: the best clothing and equipment to use, the exercises to get you in peak shape, and the proper ski techniques for the conditions you're likely to encounter.You'll also stay safe and on-course with Vives' detailed descriptions of winter camping, navigation, mountain weather, avalanche detection, and survival techniques. Put this book in your pack and find out how much fun backcountry skiing can be. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Comprehensive and practical
The book did not offer me a lot of new knowledge, but it is a very nice - readible and very practical - summary of most of the most relevant aspects of backcountry skiing. Very useful for reviving the essentials before going into the backcountry again this winter.
And of course there are some useful 'little' things that are new in comparison to other publications. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A guide for beginners at best
I've got both this book and Burgdorfer's guide.Burgdorfer's guide to Washington backcountry skiing is MUCH MORE useful.This guidebook simply doesn't provide enough new or different information about backcountry ski tours to make it useful.The tours that I have done, are generally easy skiing (i.e., on a logging road) that I don't repeat.

Best Guide
The best thing about this guide is that you can use it all winter and put it away in the summer. I really like the relaxed style and the way the author makes me feel like I can do any one of these routes in a day.
I own both backcountry skiing and snowboarding guides to Washington, and this one is by far the best. Most of the routes in the other book are only open in the summer and it would be impossible to get to them in a day.

Not as advertised...
Does anyone besides Seabury Blair's friends like this book?Marlene Kocur liked it but she has also drew the maps for the book.Another reader gave it 5 stars but also happens to live on the Olympic Peninsula.Probably another of Mr. Blair's friends.If you give this horrendous book a positive review please be completely honest about whether or not the author happens to be a friend of yours.Blair has written a pamphlet for beginning cross-country skiers and then stretched it into a book by printing the same route descriptions over and over again.Then he slapped a cover on it to try and sell it to backcountry skiers and snowboarders.A quick perusal at the bookstand would make this obvious but on the web we don't have that luxury.

Greatfor all levels of skiers
Seabury Blair's guide book appeals to those of us who don't jump off of cliffs for entertainment.When first starting out as a novice skier I would have appreciated having a copy of this book.Now that I'm skiing at an intermediate level this guide book is invaluable. It's formatted for all levels of skiing abilities.Most guide books are written with just the facts..very dry. Blair's guide book is informative butwritten with a sense of humor.Whether you are experienced or just beginning to take to the snow this book is for you. Very well done.

At last, an entertaininginformative book
The author has written a witty very informative book. I would very strongly recommend it to anyone who loves the outdoors, and is looking for a book that is not only accurate, factual, but also very entertaining.GREAT READING! ... Read more

Book Description

Just in time for the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, National Geographic introduces a brash, bold new series on extreme sports, a subject of high appeal and growing interest to today's kids. Starting with Ski! and Snowboard!, the series gives young adventurers an informative, up-close look at sports that push human limits. Action-packed visuals and cool, fact-filled text let kids experience vicariously all the thrills and spine-tingling risks of participating in X-sports. From piping and speed boarding to skiing the steepest couloirs, readers will explore different varieties of each sport, learn its special moves, and see what the life of a competitor is like in a fast, fun introduction that will whet their appetites for more!

Book Description
This comprehensive guidebook covers one of the last large, intact ecosystems remaining in the temperate zones. This uncommonly beautiful area includes a wide range of natural attractions, from rugged mountain peaks and spectacular waterfalls to spruce and fir forests to fossil forests and geyser basins.

Here is all the information needed to select a trip or trail in the spectacular Yellowstone backcountry, including:
-- An overview of the region's natural history, including forest fire ecology
-- Tips on safety, clothing and equipment, weather conditions, backcountry regulations, and much more
-- Where to find the best hiking, backpacking, bicycling, canoeing, and cross-country ski touring routes
-- Best places to see elk, moose, bison, and other wildlife
-- Foreword by Mary Carr of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Book to Introduce Yellowtone and Beyond
Planning a trip out west to visit the National Parks, Bach's book was one of my first purchases. I'm glad I did. It not only prepared me for Yellowstone, but it also prepared me for my visits to Glacier and Yosemite National Parks. The gear lists and the general guidelines for hiking in the backcountry were invaluable in preparing a beginner backcountry hiker to the path ahead.

Yellowstone Yes
This is the best trails book for any of the mountain states national parks. I have not found a book for Glacier or Rocky Mountain National parks as good as this book. The Kent and Donna Dannen guide to RMNP comes close. This book may look as if it is for backpackers, but it has lots of info for day hikes, too.

Yellowstone Yes
This is the best trails book for any of the mountain states national parks. I have not found a book for Glacier or Rocky Mountain National parks as good as this book. The Kent and Donna Dannen guide to RMNP comes close. This book may look as if it is for backpackers, but it has lots of info for day hikes, too.

Wonderful detail on trails and scenic hikes
Bach does a wonderful job of describing each hike in brief detail. The book guides you in every direction, from locating the trailhead to the start and finish of each hike. As he describes each significant turn of thetrail, he also points out natural features and wildlife to watch for. Agreat addition to your Yellowstone library. ... Read more