Book Description
Joining Golfing, Sailing and Fishing in the new bulging Pocket Dictionary format, Skiing is the lexicon with 200 hilarious definitions--completely revised by an inspired Henry Beard, who added 50% new material--and over 50 equally funny line drawings. From advanced skier: anyone who can remain standing while skiing down a mountain for as long as he or she stood in line waiting to go up-to zipper: handy fastener found on skiwear that can be easily operated by anyone who can pick his or her nose while wearing oven mitts--Skiing celebrates the obsession.

After a day on the slopes, Skiing is the perfect après-ski entertainment--somewhere between le soaking of les tootsies, la long nap, le stiff drink, le big wait at la fancy dump for le lousy meal, and le checking on le airline to see if they have la earlier flight home. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good laughs
Funny definitions of skiing-related terms.Does not contain any stories, but it is a dictionary after all.Would make a great little gift for any skier.Makes me smile every time I open it up, and I've read through it multiple times.

A good short laugh for skiers
While the book doesn't contain any stories or annecdotes on skiing, it does, lampoon the popular sport and all of it's connections quite cleverly. A good stocking-stuffer for the ski-bum in your family or circle of friends, this little book of quips will have them chuckling to themselves as they remember incidents where theycan relate to the inventive definitions for normally confusing ski-terminology. I lived in a ski-town for two years and found myself laughing out loud as I read the original editor of the National Lampoon series' take on everything from equipments to lift lines and often unpronouncable german and nordic words associated with the sport. Not a book for those looking for a Patrick McMannis take on Skiing (I.E. Humorous Stories) but a funny lampoon of a ski-glossary that should get some chuckles none-the-less.

A Dictionary?
This is a humorous book but beware. This is a dictionary. There is no funny stories or anything like that. There are some funny cartoons and the definitions are humorous but this is just a dictionary. Nothing else. A piece of advise. Un-less you collect dictionary's....there is no point in getting the book and is not worth your money.

A Dictionary?
This is a humorous book but beware. This is a dictionary. There is no funny stories or anything like that. There are some funny cartoons and the definitions are humorous but this is just a dictionary. Nothing else. A piece of advise. Un-less you collect dictionary's....there is no point in getting the book and is not worth your money. ... Read more

Book Description
For a great beginner's weekend; a ton of easy to follow step-by-step illustrations. Part of the "Learn-in-a-Weekend" series. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A book that relieves fear for beginners
I bought this book about 8 years ago for myself.It does a great job of introducing one to the equipment, the physics and fundamentals of downhill skiing.It gives a good head start to anyone who is apprehensive about thier first outing on the slopes.When you take your first lesson, which is highly recomended, you will already be familiar with the terminology and principles thught by the instructor.I still loan this book out to new skiers and they always appreciate it very much.

Nice & Easy Introduction for Beginners
I picked this book up after my first ski lesson, but I wish that I had read it BEFORE heading out to the slopes.The book covers all of the basics for getting started with advice on clothing, equipment, and skiing techniques.For example, one of the most difficult hurdles for new skiers is getting used to the somewhat unnatural feel of ski boots.The book provides some invaluable advice for helping new skiers to acclimate to their boots and work on some basic balancing techniques before heading out to the slopes.

The ski techniques presented mirror the types of lessons and skill progression that beginning students will see on the slopes (i.e., patterned after the American Teaching System and Professional Ski Instructor Association methods).In addition, the techniques are nicely illustrated with color photographs that demonstrate proper skiing techniques as well as some common beginner mistakes.

While I wouldn't advise beginners to forego an introductory ski lesson, the book provides just the right amount of material to help you get the most out of your first lesson(s) and get you off to a great start in the exciting sport of alpine skiing!

Hi!
This is my uncle's book so it has to be good!

A good introduction to skiing but take a lesson!
I was very apprehensive before I skiied for the first time because I was going to be skiing with some excellent athletes (including a former Olympian!). The only book on skiing that was in stock at my local bookstorewas "Learn Downhill Skiing in a Weekend" so I purchased it.

The best way to learn how to ski is to take lessons and to actually goout and ski. However, this book was the next best thing. I learned allabout how to dress, how to use the equipment, some exercises, slopeettiquette and I read up on what I should be doing once I started down themountain. The book was a great introduction but should not be used in placeof lessons. Please, do yourself a favor and take lessons. The book reallyisn't a substitute but it is an excellent SUPPLEMENT. My day on the slopesturned out well although I didn't brave the black diamond trails with myfriends. I stuck to the bunny slope and an intermediate hill.

This bookis aimed at the rank beginner with little to no knowledge of the sport. ... Read more

Book Description
Using a unique method we developed, the simple Imagery Teaching System (SITS), each element of expert skiing is divided into simple, illustrated steps and procedures. This comprehensive, user-friendly guide delivers a proven system that transforms intermediate skiers into experts on the snow. We go beyond ski instruction, and offer strategies on motivation and goals, diet, off snow training, and making the right equipment choices. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Took me to the next level
This book is easy to read and the techniques are very simple. In one season while practicing each technique over and over until they were a reflex action I was able to take my skiing to the next level. I purchased a second book as a gift to a friend who is struggling to improve. I recommend to anyone who would like to improve there skiing ability. Two thumbs way up!!!

Workable, but nothing new.
As an intermediate skier looking to improve, this book was a disappointment since it comes off as merely a Poor Man's version of Harald Harb's "Anyone Can Be an Expert Skier" series. In fact, Phipps usage of terms like "SITS" and "Shift to Flat Foot" for his descriptions that comes awfully close to Harb's "PMTS" method and "Free Foot to Little Toe Edge" move.

Weekend Warriors starts off overpromising its instruction. In the first few sections it repeats the the agenda ahead to the point it's almost comical. It's organized semi-decently but not written extremely well, with several errors throughout.

I tried some of the techniques on-snow and, while workable, don't offer anything new if you've read some of the other, better ski books out there. Throughout most of the book, the instruction is well-intended, but I got the impression Phipps didn't really test his method out thoroughly on novice skiers and a lot of it was hot air.

What the author DOES accomplish though that I wish we saw in other ski instruction books is a simplified way of demonstrating technique. Phipps uses analogies like "hugging a beach ball" or "holding a teacup" that do help as opposed to some of the overly academic descriptions in other books.

Will this book make you a better skier? Possibly if you get around the poor writing. But Phipps becomes guilty of just what he accuses others of (and promises to avoid early on in the book)-- describing too many complicated moves that you won't remember on snow.

The author succeeded in making us believe there was a quick method to hit the slopes ASAP and look good skiing... what was delivered takes just as much practice and work as the other methods. Not something you'll accomplish in one weekend.

Good skiing takes practice. This book may help some beginners, but better to look into Harald Harb's "Anyone Can Be an Expert Skier I" book... which "Weekend Warriors" surprisingly echoes like an imitation perfume. ... Read more

Book Description
Understanding the properties of snow and how it changes and interacts with the skis will help you appreciate the special phenomena that occur at the triple point, where the solid, liquid, and vapor phases coexist. You'll learn about alpine, cross-country, and speed skiing techniques, wax performance, and you'll get scientific data that is not readily available on the technical specifications and performance of ski equipment. The new edition will include a chapter on biomechanics & physiology of skiing. Other chapters will be revised & brought up to date. The discussion of Alpine skiing will include an extensive discussion of the new "turning" skis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

lots of data; lack of concept; slightly out-of-date
I am a firm believer that understanding of the mechanics of a carving ski and of the forces transferred between the skis and the skier as he makes his way down the slope are necessary to better understand why one or another skier's action may help to intiate a turn, or shorten its radius, or, in contrast, will lead to a skidded turn. "The physics of skiing" is the only book I could find which addresses the mechanics and physics of skiing. It starts with the physical properties of snow and its formation in the atmosphere, then discusses the properties of snow equipment (mostly downhill skis, briefly snowboards and cross-country skis), and then goes into dynamics of gliding, wedging, and carving. The book is written as a college textbook with numerous (although fairly simple) equations and diagrams of forces. It requires a sufficiently strong background in physics. Although it contains a large amount of interesting data, I was not quite satisfied with it for two reasons. First, it lacks a concept. It is more a review of different literature sources on skiing-related topics than an analysis combining understanding of physics of skiing with a discussion of how this knowledge is applicable to modern skiing techniques. It provides the readers with the background theory, but does not lead to any suggestions how to benefit from this understanding and improve their skiing technique. Too bad that the authors did not have a good ski instructor in their company to make the book more useful and down-to-earth. Secondly, since it is based on references published between 1977 and 1997, part of the discussion is more applicable to the old almost straight skis than to modern supersidecut skis.

Want to Know about Skiis and Snow? This book will tell you
As a ski instructor the subject of how and why these damn things work as well as how to set up your skiis has always been of interest. This book will give you 95% of the answers to those questions. The book covers down hill, cross country as well as a catagory called adventure skiing. I will be ordering extra copies to give to my skiing friends
W. E. M. ... Read more

Book Description
Discover the key to expert skiing by learning how to use your whole body when you ski! In Skiing with the Whole Body you'll learn how to let your ankles work together with your knees to achieve easy knee flexion; find the balance point for easy turning; speed up your learning by a factor of ten; and teach yourself to ski like you've always dreamed you could. This book uses Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement exercises to make learning downhill skiing fast, simple, and fun. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

You are your own best teacher!
If you love to ski and want to improve faster than traditional methods will allow, this book is for you.Rather than showing you a standard and having you try to produce the movements that meet the external standard, Mr. Heggie teaches you how to teach yourself the small simple component movements which when combined produce the desired end result skill.The lessons are easy to follow and produce immediate results.Mr. Heggie makes the book very interesting and easy to read by including real life examples of skiers that he has trained in every chapter.I would highly recommend this book for any skier to take his enjoyment of skiing to the next level. ... Read more

Book Description
Skiing is not a new phenomena in Colorado.It is a sport that has been around for well over a century.Early ventures into skiing were mostly incidental; the main purpose of skis in the 1800s was to enable people to thrive and survive nature's vagaries.Abbott Fay has done a marvelous job of tracking the history of what originally was a means of survival but which now is one of America's favorite sports.The original version of this book was published in 1982 as Ski Tracks: A Century of Colorado Skiing; but the book has long been out of print and the author has made many additions and changes to this revised version.Many new photographs and much new information has been added. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Highly recommended for anyone who ever skiied Colorado!
Skiing is a sport that has been popular since the latter part of the 19th century. Abbott Fay has painstakingly researched the history of what originally was developed as a means of survival in snow country, but evolved into one of America's most popular winter sports. In A History OfSkiing In Colorado, Fay recounts the history of skiing in one of thecountry's most popular skiing regions with an informative, "readerfriendly" text that is enhanced with photographs. A History Of SkiingIn Colorado is highly recommended reading for all ski enthusiasts andanyone who has ever strapped them on for downhill or cross-country skiingon the slopes or through the wildness of Colorado. ... Read more

Book Description
Everything you'll need to know to enjoy cross-country skiing in the Sierra Nevada.

Cross-Country Skiing in the Sierra Nevada provides detailed descriptions of 13 cross-country ski resorts in California and Nevada, including favorite trails, races and events, five reasons to go to that resort—even summer bonus items. Learn how to ski, what to wear, how to stay safe on the trail, and most importantly, how to have fun. To zero in on the best ski area for you, turn to "Best Ski Areas to..." for the best places to see beautiful views, get good grub, ski all day long, the best place to ski on a snowy day and much more. 30 black & white photos, 13 maps. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A great book for all cross-country skiers, new, old and wanna-bes.
Living in North Lake Tahoe for over 33 years cross-country skiing has become one of my great passions. In the winter months I spend four to five days a week skate skiing for fitness and pleasure. After all this time I figured I knew just about all I needed to about the ski areas in and around my home, but was I wrong. A short time into Tim's book I had already gathered new information and ideas for some exciting excursions both close to home and a day trip away. I would recommend this informative, fun book to both experienced and novice cross-country skiers. Also, if you have thought about cross-country skiing but haven't had the chance to try it, this is also the book for you. It will help you make some good decisions on where and how to start this great sport. Now, get out there and have some fun!

Great guide to Sierra Nevada XC skiing
With brevity and charm, Hauserman shares his thorough knowledge about local and regional cross-country ski areas. (There are 13 between Mt. Shasta and Yosemite.) Anyone yearning to get out there on skinny skies - either as a novice or as a veteran looking beyond the everyday workout - should buy this book. For beginning skiers, Hauserman breaks down the complexities of this oft-misunderstood sport and tells where to get more help on the web or at local ski shops when you need it. For veterans, he provides ski maps, directions, resort highlights, activities and even a little natural history. The chapters and guide entries are straightforward. During his two-plus years of field research, Hauserman explored thousands of kilometers of trails and ate in every resort restaurant (for research, of course!). He checked out local lodgings and interviewed managers and local skiers. The end result is a book that clarifies details and whets appetites for the best of the Sierra Nevada's groomed resort terrain.
... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Free Heel Skking
This is a great book for people serious about skiing.It is easy to understand, good tips, and interesting stories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Still the best all-around cross-country manual
I've been a serious Nordic skier for about 20 years, getting out every possible weekend in the winter; serious, but sort of a permanent "upper intermediate". Along the way, I've collected many cross-country ski books and guides, from the 1960s to the present.
Gillette and Dostal's has remained my favorite, and overall the most useful. It was issued by the Mountaineers press, and is better than the Mountaineers later effort. A good practical guide for the novice through intermediate, and if you have only one, this is the one to have.

For the novice to intermediate skier
Cross-Country Skiingby Ned Gillette, John Dostal will appeal to theactive person wanting to take-up the sport of nordic skiing. Why 3 stars?Because skate skiing is covered only at a novice to intermediate level (seecover photo)and would be of limited use to the more advanced crowd.

The definitive reference for classic nordic skiing
Gillette died a horrendous death in the Hinda Kush.He left behind this book and one on a circumnavigation of Everest.This was the best book for nordic skiing up till about 1990, when the current telemark equipment evolution took the sport out of its nordic contextinto the realm of pure alpine skiing.For those who still arenostalgic for skiing on skinny skis, this book is still the best.Foranother classic, see Steve Barnett's Cross Country Downhill.For the latest on telemark skiing, read Paul Parker's book on Freeheel Skiing.

excellent overview of a sport, and a good read too
Too many manuals are written without a sense of humour, but this one doesn't suffer there.The authors write in a way as to appeal and interest across all levels.This book is useful for an XC skiier to help hone theirskiing, and useful to loan to doubting friends to get them interested.

worthwhile!
Ned Gillette was a talented and experienced xc skier -- he was on the US nordic team in the sixties and ran the xc center at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT in the 1980's.He also skied around the base of Mt. Everest and wrote a book about that as well, it is called Everest Grand Circle. ... Read more

Book Description
Simon is going on his first ski trip, and he can't wait to learn how to ski, even his pesky big brother can't spoil the fun. By the end of the week, Simon is schussing down the mountain, taking jumps, and even participating in a slalom race. This reassuring guide for the beginning skier is packed with facts and information--as well as a good dose of encouragement. Affordably priced and durably constructed, this is the latest in the Let's Try series. ... Read more

Product Description
Many peopleski themselves into shapewhen the season begins and can barely make it down the mountain without gasping for air.Others risk injury, while many wander aimlessly wondering what exercises will get them in better shape when they hit the snow.FitSkiing has taken the guesswork out of your ski conditioning program. FitSkiing was created because there was a lack of strength and conditioning resources for skiers.Some magazines have produced helpful articles on getting into shape for skiing, however skiers lack one solid conditioning resource for their time off the slopes. This guide includes over 100 photos and illustrations, and over 80 exercises for both beginners and advanced skiers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Get Ready for Ski Season
Learn some great exercises to improve your fitness level for skiing.Step-by-step instructions for each exercise are included.

Great book to help you get ready for skiing
This is a great book - for less than I'd expect from a quality hardback. It will give you the exercises and the knowledge - you need to provide the effort and motivation :-). A good value.

poor production distracts from good information
I have several gripes about this book:

1. The page layout of the 1st edition is terrible. The type size is too big, and the paragraph length is too long, making it difficult to just sit down and read. It looks like it was made using Microsoft Word, which detracts from the professionalism of the content. Cheesy clip-art doesn't help. This book would really have benefitted from a more professional editor and publisher.

2. Like another reviewer said, there are a number of typos, misspelling and instances of poor grammar. This again distracts from the "authority" of this text.

3. Some paragraph text was missing altogether, such as the "Ultimate Hangover Solution" in that section: it is about 1" of empty paragraph. So, it's unknown what the recommended "ultimate" solution for apres-ski hangovers.

That said, it does have excellent information about how to get in shape for skiing, and to improve your fitness while targeting skiing as a hobby/sport. There are good photos and diagrams, as well as step-by-step instructions for performing exercises properly. Hooge is a young author (in his early 30's); I think a 2nd "tidied-up" edition would really make this book worthwhile. Hopefully the 2nd edition (released in Oct 2006) will live up to this expectation.

I'm giving it only 3 stars due to the poor production; however the content seems pretty solid.

Be committed
Be aware that this is a total fitness guide.
You need to be prepared to commit to a complete exercise program involving plenty of gym work as well as following a recommended nutrition program.
Great book, requires only your commitment!

A good athlete guide
Like the other reviews, this book has very few information about skiing, but it is very detailed and informative about land training before the skiing season. Actually many of the methods described in this book can be used for other sports or just for being a healthy person. So if you are looking for something for actual skiing techniques this is not your number one book. But for land training it can be... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

good for non-family travelers
the good thing about this guide is that it focuses more on travel and resorts for those of us who dont need "the carnival cruise line" of snowboarding trips, i.e. its it includes tons of info for those of us without kids to consider. you can do this travel by yourself, with friends, on a budget or in high style, this rough guide gives you the choice, and there is a lot to choose from.

Boarding Bible!
I mean, what can I say? Snowboarding is a Religion, and this book really is the Bible.I don't think there is a stone left unturned with this one.Anyone interested in Snowboarding who lives in the USA and doesn't own this book may as well give in now, and order it.The research and quality of information on hand here is perfect for anyone who boards.Great bedside reading too! ... Read more