Product Description
*** Note: This product has now been integrated with Nordic Skiing DVD products by XCZONE.TV ***

Tao of Skiing provides a comprehensive insight into the technical aspects of modern cross-country skiing, where the secrets are in the basics and the way (Tao) is in the correct preparation and execution of the details. The information is an expos? of key information from the world of elite xc skiing which is designed to fast track the development of specific skills and fitness. Beginners and Experts will benefit from the richness of ski tips, generous use of photos and intelligent explanations. An excellent tool for coaches and instructors. The definitive multimedia reference on XC skiing (300 pages).

This product is included on the Nordic Skiing Technique DVD, and Learn To Nordic Ski DVDs sold on amazon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Great content, but technically outdated
This would certainly have been a great product 10 years ago. Today it is simply outdated. I give it 3 stars because the content is excellent and very helpful. The text provides first-class advise on how to improve your skiing technique (both for classic and skating, but tilted towards skating). Different to many other sources the text is easy to understand and easy to follow. Even better are the video clips that are both amazing to watch and extremely helpful.

However, I was quite disappointed by the poor resolution of the video clips. They are so small that I found myself touching the screen with the nose to see anything. Also, the material is not as well organized as one would expect from a web style presentation. The reader is forced to go through it in a linear fashion like for a book or a DVD without any cross referencing. Not even a Glossary (which would have been helpful to understand the Candian terms like 1-skate for V2 etc) is provided.

Not Much Help
This CD is not much help for a beginner or anybody. The CD in not put together very well. I wouldn't have bought it if I would have known what was in it. I wouldn't have given it any stars but I had to give it at least
one for the review

Key product
The amazing thing is that... this CD cost me less than a day pass at the local ski site, and saved me years of floundering around on snow.Tao (the way) of skiing is a large web site on a CD-Rom, complete with ample advise (text, images and small movies).The movies were a lot of fun and the text was straight to the point. (The way you would want to be instructed).Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the package and appreciated what it has done for me... and I'm not hung on an occasional Typo.

Great format and delivery - Well Done.
The CD-ROM is packed full of great advice delivered in easy to read point form (like an Aide Memoire). Each sentence or teaching point stands on its own.I could take one gem of knowledge at a time; without having to wade through pages of pretentious prose.The explanations were very precise and most meaningful to those with some skiing experience under their belt. Best read with an open mind.

What a fun way to study technique
A CD-ROM; I do not know why someone did not think of this before. It is great. I spent hours digesting hundreds of hints on everything from technique, to training and playing the fun and informative Quicktime videos. It is not often that you can look into a decade worth of training diary entries and training notes of a World Cup Gold medalist. ... Read more

Product Description
For fun and fitness on snow, there's no better sport than cross-country skiing. More effective than running, cycling, or swimming, all the fitness experts agree—it's the best exercise for a healthy heart and lungs.

Fitness Cross-Country Skiing has everything you need to get the most out of your skiing. Inside you'll find:

•Fifty-eight great workouts spanning six color-coded training zones, from low to high intensity

•Indoor and summer workouts for year-round fitness

•Tips on choosing the right equipment

•Cross-training advice for running, cycling, hiking, and in-line skating

•Three levels of training programs covering basic conditioning through high-level racing

•Guidelines for setting up a personalized training program

Written by former U.S. Ski Team coach Steve Gaskill, Fitness Cross-Country Skiing is part of the Fitness Spectrum Series—a collection of books from Human Kinetics that offers fitness enthusiasts and athletes a practical and flexible approach to training. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Cross Country Fitness
This book is easy to follow and enables the reader to make up a fitness program of one's own.I liked it better than the TAO Method of cross country skiing because it was so hard to follow.Excellent program!

Very good for beginning training
This book has the basics and more for someone beginning a training program for Cross Country Skiing.It also contains an endurance test, strength tests and stretches specific for Nordic skiing.The wide variety of levels/workout programs will fit anyones needs and desire, with some exercises and training sessions for each level.This book is skiing specific with some equipment selection and skiing technique infromation.There is also some handy tables and forms.*THINK SNOW*

Another good book on ski training
Fitness Cross-Country Skiing by Steve Gaskill is a commendable book foranyone who wants to train seriously.It covers pretty much everything butstops short of integrating technique with fitness. Other books which Ifound useful in my training were Training for cross-country ski racingbyBrian Sharkey and Tao of Skiing cd rom by xczone.

for the serious cross-country skier
This book is definitely for the cross-country skier who is also a racer, or wants to begin racing. This is not the book for the occasional skier who only wants to slide and glide on the golf course. Steve Gaskill, theauthor, was coach of the US Ski Team forten years. Since it was writtenby a coach, "Fitness,Cross-Country Skiing"is a very highlyorganized, step by step instructions for getting it top shape to compete inthe demanding sport of Nordic racing - everything from 5K sprints up to 50Kmarathons. Everything a competitor needs to know is here, dry landtraining, on snow training, exercises in the hills, on the flats, rollerblading, stretching, and rest days. There are heart rate charts, caloriesburned charts, and suggested levels of training for everyone from theout-of-shape weekend racer to the elite world class athlete. This isa wonderful resource of the competitor or one interested in total fitness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent Touring Book
Though many techniques can be called dated, the content involving the motivations and spirit of the tour is delightful.Ifyou love exploring on two boards in the winter then this will be an enjoyable and educational book.

Interesting but...
Cross-country downhill and other Nordic mountain skiing techniques is anbold idea for its time.Today where nordic ski racer regularly exceed 50mph on racing skis or we have extreme telemark films, the book is dated. Good historical reference.

The original book of XC downhill techniques
Barnett's book was the first to describe the downhill techniques- noteably the Telemark turn- to the modern generation of XC skiers. It was written long befor ethe current crop of edged "Telemark" skis, plastic boots and heavy cable bindings, which is an advantage, as he teaches you techniques possible in light touring equipment. Indeed, some illustrations show Barnett skiing in light skis and Adidias racing boots and bindings. A valuable addition to the tourer's library. If you can find a copy, buy it. ... Read more

Product Description
Nordic Skiing: Steps to Success serves as a primary resource for skiers starting classes or as a self-instruction guide. Readers use a progression of skills called the "steps to success" to learn three different types of cross-country skiing: classical (traditional), freestyle (skating), and Nordic downhill (telemark). Each of the steps is an easy transition from the one before. The first few steps provide a solid foundation of basic skills and concepts. As readers progress, they will learn how to balance on skis and perform traditional and modern cross-country manoeuvres such as the diagonal stride, kick double pole, marathon skate, Vl skate, wedge turns, telemark turns, and more. Each of the 13 steps (chapters) explains why the concept or skill is important, identifies the keys to correct technique, helps skiers correct common errors, explains how to practise each skill in realistic ways, lists specific performance goals for each drill, gives a summary checklist for evaluating proper technique, and lets skiers proceed at their own pace and measure their own progress.In addition to this progression of skills, Nordic Skiing features 180 sequential illustrations of correct techniques. By using the error correction sections, skiers can make appropriate adjustments in body position and basic mechanics. Nordic Skiing: Steps to Success will help readers get started, make steady progress, and adjust to various skiing situations. ... Read more

Product Description
From the internationally renowned Whistler in B.C. to Mont Tremblant in Quebec, this newest addition to Fodor's Sports Series tells where to find the best early morning powder and special runs, as well as where to get a room with a view. Clive Hobson was editor of Ski Canada Magazine for 10 years and co-host of the TV program "Ski Base." ... Read more

Product Description
A companion book to the Trailside PBS-TV series covers all aspects of cross-country skiing, from learning the basics in a nearby meadow to touring the back country, with advanced instructions for telemarking and skating.TV tie-in. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great reading, pictures and good information
I am just taking up cross-country off-trail skiing and got a few books on it at the library.This one was my favorite by far so I purchased a copy at Amazon.It gives very detailed instructions with pictures and diagrams to make it very understandable.Besides telling you how to ski and about gear and other practical matters, it is a pleasure to read - sprinkled with humor and anecdotes - and has great pictures.It has kept me inspired to get out on my new skis even though the snow has not cooperated in the western U.S. this winter.

Cross country skiing
Great book. Beautiful color photos, great historical stories that give an enjoyable perspective on XC skiing. The technique and equipment are also reviewed.

Good basic
This book begs to be picked up.The photos are beautiful.Why 3 stars?Because there are simply too many errors in the actual ski techniques to get you past novice.

Great Looking Book
This is a great looking book on cross-country skiing.Color photos andsuperb layout.It is one of the nicest books for beginner and noviceskiers.

Better skiers are going to find it weak on technical contentwith most of the explainations taking a certain artistic licence at theexpense of accuracy. Two books advanced skiers should look into are"Tao of Sking" and "Ski Skating With Champions."

Great book for beginners
I recently started Cross country skiing and I purchased this book.I found it very helpful and informative.Anyone just starting cross country skiing should buy it.It has many great pictures and diagrams that help inlearning different techniques. ... Read more

Product Description
Predating the wheel, the ski has played an important role in our history. This is brilliantly brought to life in this engaging book. Roland Huntford's brilliant history begins 20,000 years ago in the last ice age on the icy tundra of an unformed earth. Man is a travelling animal, and on these icy slopes skiing began as a means of survival. That it has developed into the leisure and sporting pursuit of choice by so much of the globe bears testament to its elemental appeal. In polar exploration, it has changed the course of history. Elsewhere, in war and peace, it has done so too. The origins of skiing are bound up in with the emergence of modern man and the world we live in today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Two Blanks and a Passion
I was very disappointed by this book.I was looking forward to reading a good history of skiing.The book is very poorly written, almost as if it is a tranlation into English.I know this is not true since the author is English.The book goes into way too much detail on early Norwigian skiing and spents too much time discussion the details of very early ski races.There is not nearly enough discussion of the developement of modern skiing and modern equipment.

More than just a casual history of the ski
I got this for my uncle for Christmas and was halfway through reading it myself by the time we had to head back home.So now I guess I have to get a copy of my own...
If, like me, you are a fan of serious history and the meticulous research that goes into it, then this book is what you are looking for.There have been other books that provide a breezy and cursory treatment of the fascinating history of skiing, but Huntford really goes far beyond what the other books have to offer.
Highly recommended for skiers and history buffs alike.

Ski history
This book isn't what I expected.It is good for the prehistoric info about skiing but is too technical and over-worded for the rest of skiing history and doesn't come up into a modern enough time period.It misses some of the recent short, shaped ski developments and their impact on alpine racing and ski instruction. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good on so many levels
John Morton is a great coach and story teller, and this book delivers on so many levels. Morty gives advice about physical preparation, equipment and mental preparation, all laced together with great stories and anecdotes. I still bring this book out to read the stories when I need a little motivation. ... Read more

Product Description
Giving readers a guide and special insight into the sport of cross country skiing, the authors outline the steps needed to enjoy the sport, from practice before the snow falls to conditioning to care of equipment. It also shows readers proper techniques for uphill nd downhill skiing, turning and skating. Photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

a fine book on pre-season ski conditioning
This book is a clear, easy to follow manual how to get to prepare yourself for a skiing season. While my personal preference goes to "Performance skiing" by George Thomas, which I rated six stars in my review for its information content, the simplicity and efficiency of "Ski shape" warrants its high ranking. It is a large format book on 120 pages, printed in very large fonts, with lots of large pictires and huge margings. The publishers obviously did not care about preserving the forests on our planet. Although due to empty and helf-empty pages and huge typeset there is not so much information in the book as it appears at first glance, it is still enough to get the readers fit for the season. The book contains a very well designed and illustrated pre-season training program, which includes warm-up exercises, stretching, weight training, and power (plyometric) training such as jumping. There are also recommendations for on-snow warm-up and even on the best type of food to eat on your skiing trip. Each exercise is illustrated by a photograph, which is great (actually, this was one of the primary factors why I rated it five stars). Another good aspect of the book is that every exercise is explained in terms of what muscles it trains and how it is beneficial for skiing. This book is like an introductory session with a fitness trainer - it takes 30 minutes to read, you do not learn a lot of high science, but you get a clear picture how you should proceed with your training. Unless you are curious what the other training options are, it has all you need to get started. ... Read more

Product Description
Utah is known for having "the greatest snow on earth," and this comprehensive guide provides all the details you need to make the most of your vacation.

From listing by terrain types to tips and tricks at each resort, this book explores skiing and snowboarding in Utah in exceptional detail and provides the insight you need to enjoy everything the mountains have to offer. Full-color throughout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Not a criticism piece.
I do not like writing my own reviews but I have to respond to the completely unfair comment by the "Doctor" below. The book is not a criticism piece but a guide to help tourists to find their way around each of Utah's 13 resorts. Trail maps are easily accessible, change from year to year and provide a very limited view of the actual terrain. The book is designed to help people navigate each ski area and get comfortable with the terrain. Most people who come to Utah visit one or two locations, ski three or four runs they know are safe and leave. There is a lot of GOOD about each spot and this book is about making the most of a vacation.

If you are going to any of Utah's 13 resorts, this book tells you a lot more than what a trail map provides. I skied and snowboarded at each resort and tried to give you a good idea of where to go on the mountain based upon being a first time visitor. Moreover, the book provides tips on how to save money and offers a good overview of what each resort offers. Most professional reviewers have found the book to be a great way to familiarize yourself with Utah's resorts. In fact, read the review below by the Midwest book review.

I know each resort intimately and I know where they have their faults. However, how is this data useful to people and what would be achieved by writing something critical? I take offense on the "Rainbow and Unicorns" comment for trying to show each resort's best side. In reality, any person with half a brain will recognize that each spot has its faults. I simply am trying to help people have a great vacation, understand what each resort is focused on doing well and have a lot of fun during their visit to Utah!

In addition, I have gotten lots of great comments from people who love the book for exactly the reason he describes. People love it as a keepsake for their vacation and for the great photographs. They are taking it home to share a bit of their vacation with friends and family and find the book fun! I am always open to criticism and believe book is exactly what is represented by the text here on this site.

Nothing more than PR
I just returned from my first visit to Park City -- and it was great! This book, however, is terrible. I purchased and read it prior to my trip and, aside from a few attractive photographs, this book provided nothing of value. The so-called 'reviews' of the resorts are nothing more than rainbows-and-unicorns PR talk -- the author cannot come up with a single critical comment about any resort or about skiing in Utah. Don't get me wrong: I'd recommend a visit to Utah for skiers too, but in a "guide" to ski resorts I'd like a lot more candor, honesty, and, geez, how about reprinting a few trail maps or something useful? This book is utterly lacking in all of the above. I really hope that the author got free season tickets for basically writing 100% positive reviews of all Utah resorts. To those planning a trip to Utah: just check out the resort's own websites, they are far more revealing than what is offered in this book!

A superbly organized and profusely illustrated to guide Alpine, Nordic, and Telemark skiing
A superbly organized and profusely illustrated to Alpine, Nordic, and Telemark skiing, along with several other increasingly winter sports such as snowboarding, "Utah: The Complete Ski & Snowboard Guide" by skiing and winter sports enthusiast Michael Fine provides the reader with all the information necessary to enjoy memorable winter athletic activities whether as a recreational weekend or part of an extended winter vacation in the mountains and high valleys of Utah. Accessible organized to be thoroughly 'user friendly', aspiring skiers and winter sports recreationists will learn of each major Utah resorts' terrain type, as well as such amenities as restaurants, rentals, transport, and more. Thirteen Utah destination resorts are showcased and range from the Alta Mountain Resort to the Wolf Mountain Resort. "Utah: The Complete Ski & Snowboard Guide" will prove an invaluable, essential itinerary planning resource for enjoying Utah's winter sports resources and opportunities.

Utah: The Complete Ski & Snowboard Guide
The author actually went to every single resort in Utah last year and wrote about his experiences. Mike Fine is a long-time Utah resident and an avid skier. The book is very helpful for non-Utah resident skiers at any level to find a resort that will give them the most of what they want out of a skiing vacation. It's even helpful to a local seeking a day trip to a ski resort he either hasn't tried, or has not been to for a long time. It's an absolute must for anyone looking to ski in Utah. ... Read more

Product Description
This new (1992) edition of the step-by-step course in skiing skills features changes in the design of ski equipment and clothing, new material on teaching children to ski, and information about the new sport of snowboarding.2,000 diagrams and photos. ... Read more

Product Description
The "American Teaching System: Nordic Skiing" covers beginning through advanced techniques in classic, skating, adn nordic downhill skiing. Published by the Professional Ski Instructors of America, this first edition text is consistent with the Teaching Model and Skiing Model. It includes student profiles and special progressions to develop and expand skill areas. Included are detailed photo sequences of maneuvers for all three disciplines. ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: Ronny Ackermann, Chummy Broomhall, Kenji Ogiwara, Jan Schmid, Ulrich Wehling, Björn Kircheisen, Georg Thoma, Thomas M. Jacobs, Hans Vinjarengen, Klaus Sulzenbacher, Mario Stecher, Hermann Weinbuch, Georg Hettich, Jason Myslicki, Harald Bosio, Jan Matura, Takanori Kono, Christoph Bieler, Max Thompson, Danny Silva, Allar Levandi, Fabrice Guy, Antonín Barto?, Janne Ryynänen, Michael Gruber, Hippolyt Kempf, Alois Kälin, Einar Bergsland, Simon Slåttvik, Tino Edelmann, Franz Keller, Brett Camerota, Esko Järvinen, Eric Camerota, Knut Tore Apeland, Konrad Winkler, Nikolay Gusakov, Arne Larsen, Xaver Affentranger, Vlastimil Melich, Gustl Berauer, Hallstein Bøgseth, Ladislav Rygl, Jr., Norihito Kobayashi, W?adys?aw ?ytkowicz, Håvard Klemetsen, David Kreiner, Eric Frenzel, Mikko Kokslien, Sebastian Haseney, Sylvain Guillaume, Masashi Abe, Jens Gaiser, Willi Egger, Ago Markvardt, Aleš Vodse?álek, Bernhard Gruber, Akito Watabe, Uwe Dotzauer, Andrey Dundukov, Karl-Heinz Luck, Daito Takahashi, Alvin P. Wegeman, Joe Holland, Valeri Stolyarov, Thomas Müller, Urban Hettich, Kenneth Braaten, Taihei Kato, Hans-Peter Pohl, Geir Andersen, Harald Økern, Bengt Eriksson, Klaus Ofner, Andreas Hurschler, Andreas Schaad, Alexander Prosvirnin, Nikolay Fyodorovich Kiselyov, Sven Israelsson, Antti Kuisma, Ludovic Roux, Espen Andersen, Willy Köstinger, Alfredo Prucker, Günther Schmieder, Tapio Nurmela, Alexander Mayorov, Halldor Skard, Tsugiharu Ogiwara, Vyacheslav Dryagin, Yusuke Minato, Niklaus Stump, Milan Ku?era, Reiichi Mikata, Hans Eder, Hubert Schwarz, Ivan Rieder, Josef Adolf, Ryoichi Fujisawa, François Braud, Jean-Yves Cuendet, Andreas Kunz, Bård Jørgen Elden, Martti Huhtala, Ronny Heer, Seppi Hurschler, Theodore A. Farwell, Christophe Eugen, Alfons Supersaxo, Sergey Chervyakov, Alexey Fadeyev, Erminio Confortola, Günther Csar, Thorsten Schmitt, Satoshi Mori, Dmitry Kochkin, Gen Tomii, Sepp Schiffner, Jens Deimel, Andreas Hartmann, Pave...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=3186493 ... Read more