Customer Reviews (22)

Beginner to Expert in one season
When my kids got hooked on snowboarding, I had to try it. Already a skier, but not too good at it, I put on a board and felt way out of place. So I bought Kevin Ryan's book, and by the third time on the mountain I was easily handling blue (intermediate) runs and feeling better than I ever have on skis. Ryan makes the sport seem logical and gives great visual images which I could translate directly to my riding. I followed his progression and by mid-season was riding all terrain comfortably (except the expert mogul fields, but there's always next year!). I loaned the book to a friend, who is also now an ex-skier and doing great. He attributes his progress to Ryan's book, also. Now I have to buy another one, he can't seem to remember to return it. If you want to seriously improve at this sport, buy this book.

A great book for us older "dudes" learing to snowboard
I'm 48 and only in my second year of snowboarding, but Mr. Ryan's examples and explanations ring true when he explains the "how to" in controling the board and the body. I can't wait to get out and try the exercises for carving and control. Imagine what I'd have to pay in lessons to get this kind of advice! I've recommended it to the local snowboard shop.

My Snowboard Bible
I referred to this book repeatedly during my snowboard learning years, and still do. My snowboard bible! Kevin Ryan has the rare ability to combine practical, technical and humorous info in a readable style. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Psychological aspects   2. Snowboarding   3. Sports   4. Sports & Recreation   5. Winter Sports   6. Sports & Recreation / Winter Sports   

Customer Reviews (6)

Buy the Illustrated Guide to Snowboarding instead.
This book is decent, but the Illustrated Guide to Snowboarding is a much more in-depth and well written book. It is also more entertaining with funny drawings and tips. This book really only skims the surface on all the areas you need to start snowboarding.

(no title)
This book is great for begginers and also explains advanced tricks and techniques like methods, spins, cliff drops, carving and explains a little about racing and competative snowboarding. It also gives you usefull info like what to eat before you go, warm-ups, getting on and off chairlifts, ect.

Solid
I picked up this book hoping to add to my small bag of tricks. While definitely aimed at the beginner, there is enough solid info in here to help most any unsponsored rider improve their technique, even lucky locals such as yours truly (Tahoe is my backyard, Mount Rose my resort of choice).

The main thing I got out of this book was improving the mechanics of my turns, plus the inspiration to work on my ollies and 360's.

I do wish I had gotten my hands on this book earlier in my snowboarding career. Might have saved me from a few faceplants. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Sailing - General   2. Skiing - General   3. Snowboarding   4. Sports   5. Sports & Recreation   6. Winter Sports   7. Sports & Recreation / General   

Customer Reviews (9)

Not Only for Women
As the author of a site dedicated to "grays on trays" (older folks learning how to ride), I was eager to read some books on snowboarding. Most books on the subject (like most magazines and web sites) are written with the juvenile reader in mind. This book is not one of them, and the "gray" reader can be grateful for that.

The brief testimonials or stories of women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s helps point out that the sport is not limited to teens and pre-teens.

Sure, there are some "girl power" throwaway lines along the way ("With a file guide, sharpening your edges is about as difficult as shaving your legs"). For the most part, however, the women-specific information is useful for men as well, if only for providing a contrast. For example, Carlson explains how women's feet differ from men, and how that effects the choice of boots. (Not only do women tend to have smaller feet, but the proportions of different parts of the feet differ.)

The book offers plenty of reasons why learning how to ride is worth the effort. It does a good job of explaining the different types of riding (freestyle, freeriding, alpine) and how that should influence the kind of equipment you buy. The index is useful, but there should have been a glossary as well.

I have read this book twice, and Kevin Ryan's "The Illustrated Guide to Snowboarding" only once, but here's my take on comparing the two. Carlson is self-consciously appealing to women, and in general, to adults. Ryan does not, but then, it's not exactly a juvenile book, either. Carlson's book is more about freeriding, carving, and cruising; Ryan spends a fair amount of time talking about freestyle. Ryan also takes much more time with preliminaries, too. If you have a thing for zen, he's your man.

If you're starting out, read Carlson first. Then you may want to read Ryan, but you may not need to.

Great Guide for Women
This book really helped me prepare for my first day snowboarding. I used a lot of the techniques presented on my first day. The authors gives great tips and there are tons of photos. She explains everything really well. There is also a section on what to look for when buying equipment which will come in handy once you get better at snowboarding. It is a great book for women because it is written for women from a woman's point of view. Extremely helpfull!

Great book for women who want to learn to snowboard!
I am a 24 year old female who has been secretly yearning to try snowboarding. I haven't because I didn't know what stuff to rent or buy, or how not to look stupid. After reading this book, I can't wait to try it. Great explanations of what gear is best for women and why, and detailed explanations of what to do once you are on the snow. Very lighthearted and encouraging tone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Outdoor recreation   2. Outdoor recreation for women   3. Skiing - General   4. Snowboarding   5. Sports   6. Sports & Recreation   7. Winter Sports   8. Women athletes   9. Sports & Recreation / General   

Subjects:  1. Graphic Arts - General   2. Skiing - General   3. Sports   4. Sports & Recreation   5. Winter Sports   6. Sports & Recreation / Winter Sports   

Subjects:  1. Calendars - Sports & Recreation   2. Calendar   3. Non-Classifiable   4. Snowboarding   5. Winter Sports   6. Calendars - Photography   

Subjects:  1. Skiing - General   2. Snowboarding   3. Sports   4. Sports & Recreation   5. Winter Sports   

Subjects:  1. Alpine Skiing   2. Guidebooks   3. Ski resorts   4. Skiing - General   5. Skis and skiing   6. Snowboarding   7. Travel   8. Travel - United States   9. Travel Guides - U.S.   10. United States - West - General   11. West (U.S.)   12. Skiing   13. Travel & holiday guides   14. Travel / United States / West / Mountain (AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, UT, WY)   15. Western & Pacific Coast states   

Customer Reviews (3)

I think all baily school Kids books are great so is this one
I review this book Giants Don't Go Snowboarding would seem like a good book since i've read alot of these kinds of books from Baily School Kids collecten. These are really injoyable books to read. I would reccomend this book to people who like adventures.

GOOD BOOK!
This book was really cool! I liked it best when Hugh Mongus threw giant snowballs at the kids and when they helped him figure out a way stay out of trouble. It made me want to read all the other Bailey School Kids books by Marcia Thornton Jones.

Cool Review
This is a ok book but I don't think that it is very realistic and it is kind of stupid. Thank You ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure   2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General   3. Children: Grades 3-4   4. Fiction   5. Giants   6. Horror & Ghost Stories   7. Juvenile Fiction   8. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories   9. Snowboarding   

Customer Reviews (2)

A must read for any prospective Snowboarder
I usually don't bother reviewing, but this book is exceptional!
I got it (and about 4 other Snowboarding books, which were too long and intimidating) when I started learning how to snowboard.
This book gave me all the basic moves and techniques I needed to get on the slopes and make the most out of the two classes I took. By the third time on the snow I was turning, carving and feeling great about my progress.

Concise and easy to understand, highly recommended, Don't bother with any other book!

Doug Warner is awesome!
I also have the Start-Up surfer's book and it was great! I kmnew immeaditaly hat i had to buy his other books. Snowboarding rocks too! He always gives cool descriptions, fun context, and help! Trust me, if you know you want to snowboard- check this out! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Snowboarding   2. Sports   3. Sports & Recreation   4. Winter Sports   

Customer Reviews (4)

Pretty Good for an Autobiography
I don't know anything about snowboarding and wasn't especially interested in it, but the title of this book caught my attention. God knows I heard "pretty good for a girl" often enough when I was growing up. Once I started Tina Basich's book, I was hooked.

She tells of growing up in a Sacramento suburb and going to an alternative school where art and music were stressed. Her parents kept the TV in a closet only to be brought out for special occasions, such as the Olympics. Basich and her younger brother entertained themselves by drawing, composing and playing music, staging shows, skateboarding, and reading. By the time she went to high school (a public high school), she was accomplished in a number of fields and her hero was Nadia Comaneci.

Basich tells of discovering snowboarding, becoming a pro, losing a friend to breast cancer and organizing snowboarding events to raise money for cancer research and education, and having several close calls of her own on the slopes. She talks about competitions, travels, and romances. She has a easy-to-read conversational style and the book is filled with photos and drawings.

Snowboarders will enjoy the story of how she perfected the backside 720 over a 60-foot jump, as well as the descriptions of competitions and the name-dropping. And everyone who has heard (or said) the words "pretty good for a girl" will enjoy the success story of a focused young woman.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!
Review of the book Pretty Good For a Girl by Tina Basich
I loved this book, January 7,2004
Reviewer: Ashton Leutner
I absolutely loved this book! I could relate to Tina in so many ways. I also like the story of her becoming a pro-snowboarder. She is one of my female snowboarding idols. I also look up to her for making a "boarding for breast cancer" campaign that raises thousands of dollars every year that goes to researching breast cancer. Her life as being a professional snowboarder is exactly what I want to be when I grow up. I feel like her in many ways, such as not fitting in and always hanging out with a group of skateboarding guys. I also respect her for being one of the main snowboarding pioneers , not to mention one of the first girls to get up and do competitions against guys. I loved the truth in this book and how she knows what its like not being the most popular kid in school. You should really check out this book!

Pretty Good For Anyone
I bought this book for my 16 year old cousin and read it myself before I mailed it. Basich has a great story to tell and the book is a joy to read. With her affable tone and clear joy for life she'll make you feel like a skater-girl pro-snowboarding insider, even if you're a grandpa or a businesswoman. Great fun! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1969-   2. Basich, Tina,   3. Biography   4. Biography & Autobiography   5. Biography / Autobiography   6. Biography/Autobiography   7. Snowboarders   8. Sports - General   9. United States   10. Winter Sports   11. Women   12. Biography & Autobiography / Sports   

Subjects:  1. Cross-country skiing   2. Guidebooks   3. Maine   4. New Hampshire   5. Skiing - CrossCountry   6. Skiing - General   7. Snowboarding   8. Sports   9. Sports & Recreation   10. Travel - United States   11. United States - New England - Maine   12. United States - New England - New Hampshire   13. Sports & Recreation / Skiing   

Customer Reviews (7)

I'm a snowboard Instructor
I worked with Lowell for two years, and a better snowboard instructor you will not find. All issues important to learning snowboarding are covered. Lowell has probably been snowboarding for 24 years. He worked with Burton product testing, and he has many first descents under his belt.He is an innovator as far a teaching the sport is concerned. I fully endorse his book to all. Novice to expert, enjoy.

Strap in, tune in, and pipe out!!
This is a great book for someone beginning snowboarding or has intermediate experience. It has lots of excellent pictures, examples and takes you through all the basic moves through more advanced carving so that you get you down the mountain in one piece. It also provides a good overview of construction of boards and boots for purchasing information. It came in very handy prior to my trip to Jackson Hole Wyoming, some of the most extreme terrain anywhere.

This is a good book
I read this book after taking a snowboard lesson with Lowell. He is a great teacher and his book is as good as the lesson I took at Coronet Peak in New Zealand with him. I don't agree with the person who said it makes snowboarding more complicated than it has to be. I think it has simple, easy to follow instructions that have helped me to ride better.

Although I'm not yet good enough to ride black diamond trails I already know what to do when I get there from reading the book. It's good! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Snowboarding   2. Sports   3. Sports & Recreation   4. Winter Sports   

Customer Reviews (4)

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 and beautifully illustrated. Everytime I pick up the book I find myself mentally planning new trips and plotting descent routes on the photographs. An added plus to the book is the wealth of information that it contains on preparing for a backcountry experience. The author covers everything from avalanche danger to equipment to bring on an extended trip. He even includes an excellent website for those who want more information. There always is a question in my mind when I read any backcountry guide about the accuracy of the information. Who wants to set out on a trip only to find out that the route maps or the descriptions don't match the terrain? The author is someone with extensive backcountry experience who has done each of the 50 trips described in the book at least once. We all sould be so lucky! Having taken two trips with the author that are detailed in the book, I can say that he did an excellent job of describing the routes and the terrain. If you 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 Richins book, ³50 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits in California,² I was very impressed. Like all books published by ³The Mountaineers,² it is nothing but First Class in every way. Mr. Richins has gone out of his way to provide the rest of us with a gem which will lead one to enjoy the fantastic world of the winter Sierra.

Even if one is nothing more than an arm chair cross country skier they would find this book highly enjoyable and enlightening reading. For the more adventuresome person, Mr. Richins book would be their ultimate guide to a world of adventure. The pictures, the writing, the maps are all five star. The little extras that Mr. Richins has added throughout the book, such as writings of John Muir, and others, adds the spice to this delightful book.

Mr. Richins, since he has obviously researched, personally , all 50 of the peaks listed in his guide, has been able to make a very reliable summary of each peak, from Intermediate, Advance, to Expert. This would easily allow me to select a challenge within my ability and, along with the excellent guide of the book, make winter trips I would have 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 invites his readers to share his love of the winter Sierra and imparts knowledge that makes it possible for expert and novice alike to enjoy these mountains. History of the Sierra Nevada is woven in throughout the book, creating an interestng counterpoint to the climbing routes. A must for the backpack on winter trips in the Sierras! Something to read by headlamp on those long nights in the tent! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. California   2. Cross-country ski trails   3. Cross-country skiing   4. Guidebooks   5. Skiing - CrossCountry   6. Skiing - General   7. Snowboarding   8. Sports   9. Sports & Recreation   10. United States - Pacific - California   11. Winter Sports   12. Skiing   13. Guidebook   

"Snowboarding," writes Susanna Howe, "has burst into our lives and become a vessel of meaning." Hyperbole? Sure, but as sports go, snowboarding is hyperbole. Showy, daring, dramatic, and hip, it's pure hotdog; Sick covers all of it. Mixing healthy doses of snowboarding's colorful history, fashions, techniques, competitions, and competitors, Sick whizzes by fast and rebellious--like the sport itself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Lame
Fake, pretentious, and totally dumb if you know anything about snowboarding. If snowboarders were like bands, this writer would be the cheesy a&r rep trying to be cool while making money off the peeps.

Not for all but great for some
This book to many may have seemed lame and false, when in fact was practically written by pioneers such as Burton, Sims, Morrow, and Kemper founders. If you were born after 86 you would get the book, if u were born before its a great, not a must, a great read. I loved it because of how much of a taboo it was, it was a current day mystery that wasn't respected at first, and needed brave people to design the board from a ski with a rope, much more than that, but great read.

(Sick) a cultural history of snowboarding
For anyone who started snowboarding after 1993 this book is a must read. No way..this is a must read for all snowboarders. I grew up in New England snowboarding on Burton Backcountry boards in my back yard. This books goes back and tells the stories of what snowboarding was all about. Back when you went riding for the fun of it...not to look cool. This book rocks and Susanna did a great job. Loved reading about the good old Jake Burton, Brushie, Roach, and Kelly days.. Man I miss those guys. Grab this book and head to the backcountry.. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History   2. Snowboarding   3. Social aspects   4. Sports   5. Sports & Recreation   6. Winter Sports   7. Sports & Recreation / Winter Sports   

Customer Reviews (27)

Dont' read this book - it might change your life!!
Snowboarding to Nirvana is so exciting that I finished it in only 2 nights - I couldn't put it down. There are really cool spiritual lessons in this book that I will never forget. I've read plenty of books on Eastern philosophy and religion but this one is by far the most fun and inspiring. The meditation techniques explained in the book are great - they are easy to practice and they really work. My intuition is stronger, I feel I'm more energetic throughout the day, I'm happier and more optimistic, and negative feelings and anxieties don't stick around as much! On top of that, the book is full of many adventures and romantic encounters intertwined with some really cool tips on this awesome sport - snowboarding. After reading this book I had to give it a shot! For the women out there - you gotta try it! Read this book and get on the slopes. But beware - you'll get hooked!

Buddhist Revelations from the Snowboard...
Of course I was going to buy ths book! I read the first release, Surfing the Himalayas, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. The first book explained meditation and mindfulness in a more clear and entertaining way than any other Buddhist or Eastern philosphy-type book I've ever read. The second go 'round of Frederick Lenz's intense adventures in the snow covered peaks of the world's largest snowboard park had me crazily wanting to go there myself. I started boarding after reading the first book, and it has effected my whole life - literally. The second volume of Tantric Buddhist knowledge and wisdom is a western Buddhists crown jewel! These days, people who practice self discovery need something different to re-inspire their journey to enlightenment. If you want a new slant on ancient Buddhist teachings, this is what you've been looking for. It's easy to say, but the messages were so clear that I'm literally a changed person because of them. If you read this, Thank you, Frederick Lenz! I love snowboarding, and I love your books! THANK YOU! I am eagerly awaiting your next epic.

Little snowboarding, less buddhism, no originality
When I started reading this book, I was expecting snowboarding and mountaineering adventure stories, with a little Buddhist perspective thrown in. The author claims to have been snowboarding the Himalayas, but apparently he didn't even have basic avalanche testing gear with him: shovel, probe, clinometer, etc. The action scenes are basically "I was getting bored so I went snowboarding. When I returned..." Most of the book is dialogue between the author, two prankster gurus and various characters they meet on their wacky, unlikely trek through the Himalayas.

I was surprised at the descriptions of spiritual ideas and teachings. I was expecting Buddhism, but all the ideas seemed like generic new-age fluff, and had little to do with Buddhism aside from a lot of borrowed (and misused) terminology. Towards the end, it became apparent that the entire book is a rip-off of Carlos Castaneda's work. The supposed Tantric Buddhist monks even use terminology like the "second attention" that belongs exclusively to Castaneda, and perhaps to Yaqui Native American shamanism.

It seems to me the author copied the plot of a Carlos Castaneda book, put Buddhist names on two of the trickster gurus and most of the metaphysical ideas, and then threw in lots of uneducated blather about enlightenment. Even the grand finale, the mystical teleportation of the central characters, is stolen from Castaneda.

Aside from that, the writing is poor and the characters are flat. If you liked the new-age spirituality described in this book, go read Carlos Castaneda for a more authentic and thorough description of Yaqui shamanism. If you want Buddhism explained in a simple, entertaining way, go read "Hardcore Zen" by Brad Warner, or "Zen mind, Beginner's mind" by Shunryu Suzuki. If you're looking for snowboarding or mountain adventure books, look somewhere else. This book sucks! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction   2. Fiction - General   3. General   4. Religion / Spirituality   

Customer Reviews (5)

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 this book 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 show potential "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. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cross-country ski trails   2. Cross-country skiing   3. Guidebooks   4. Skiing - CrossCountry   5. Skiing - General   6. Snowboarding   7. Sports   8. Sports & Recreation   9. United States - Pacific - Washington   10. Washington (State)   11. Winter Sports   12. Skiing   13. Pacific Northwest   

Customer Reviews (13)

Skate or Snowboard?
A Review by Shannon
Dennis O'Malley is a thirteen year-old boy that loves to skateboard. He was always very disappointed when winter came around the streets were covered with snow and he could not skateboard. He always waited for the streets to be cleared so he could skateboard again. Unfortunally, he had a big accident that sent him to the hospital and was unable to skateboard for a year. He saw his two best friends, Robbie and Tasha that had got into the sport snowboarding. He was very tempted to try but had many fears of his last accident. He wanted to try so bad, but he wanted his own board.. He had gotten one for a Christmas gift and he loved it. He had improved a lot and was now one of the best snow boarders around, besides Dale Morgan. Everyone knew him as the "best snowboarder and athletes". Dale was never challenged because all the kids had lost to him, but Dennis and his go at it in a race. Who will win?
This book deserves 3 stars because it caught you off guard half the time. It was very exciting and got you motivated to get out and snow board. I would recommend it to any age that is looking for a good sports novel!

Snowboard Maverick Review
Imagine the season for your favorite sport is over and you want to try a new sport, but you dont have enough money to buy what you need. In this book Snowboard Maverick by Matt Christopher this happens to one of the main characters Dennis O'malley. The other main characters are Tasha Springer and Robbie Macintyre. They're all very good friends. Dennis wants a snowboard because skateboarding season is over and he wants to try snowboarding. Of course though he doesnt have enough money to buy one. I wont tell you any more i dont want to ruin this exciting book for you.
First of all i need to recommend this book. i liked this book because it had tons of action and its easy to read, and it brought me in the book. the action is all in the snowboarding parts with lots of details. It doesnt have any hard words or confusing parts either. Also, i didnt want to put the book down untill i was done reading it.
To begin i think antone who snowboards should read this book. It tells a lot about snowboarding and has a lot of snowboarding parts. Boys if you like action and fun, read this book. So if you want to find out if dennis gets the snowboard and has lots of fun during his break READ THIS BOOK!

Snowboard Maverick
This is a book about a boy named Dennis O'Maily. He is an expert skateboarder, but in the town he live in there is snow for more than half the year. What is he to do? His friends convince him to try snowboarding. He has a previous fear of snow sports because when he was younger he was in a skiing accident. He broke many bones in his body and even got in the town newspaper. Since then he feared any snowsports. But his friends convince him to try snowboarding. He loves it and gets a snowboard for christmas. He has two main challenges on against a bully, and the other to a friendly older athlete. He wins both and becomes very confident in himself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General   2. Children: Grades 3-4   3. Fiction   4. Snowboarding   5. Social Situations - General   6. Sports & Recreation - Miscellaneous   7. Sports & Recreation - Winter Sports   8. Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / Winter Sports   

Customer Reviews (4)

A very solid skiing guide
Ski Europe was a great book for my winter stay in europe. The thing i liked most about it was that it was the only book i needed. It offered all the skiing info i needed for each resort (even a scection in each resort on snowboarding!), but it didn't stop there. Its an all around guide with info on the night life, hotels, and restaurants. it gave concice information about all the aspects of a skiing vacation, which made my off the slope hours much more productive. i strongly recomend this book for any skier or snowboarder, any level.
=Z

Good Resource
I live in Munich and use this book often as a reference. It contains very accurate information on lodging, prices, and qualities of the resorts. Very accurately summarizes the differences in the ski experience between the different countries.

Needs more detailed maps of the resorts and slopes with hotels, restaurants, etc. clearly marked. Needs to be more critical of some resorts so the reader can make a better decision about which one to visit.

Covers most major areas in a brief fashion.
Author has included some email and web site information for ski area accomodations, tourist offices, etc, but it just touches the tip of the iceberg.

Verbier, Switzerland, one of the top ski areas in Europe, only gets 5 pages in the book. Does not provide any commentary on accommodations in Verbier other than number of stars in rating and prices. Some other large ski areas get better treatment. The Arlberg region gets 9 pages of coverage.

Book lacks maps of Europe and of ski areas.

Overall the book is a good starting place for researching a trip, but descriptive information is brief and basic. Still this book is the most recently published on the topic as of 10/98, so the currency of the information should be decent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Directories   2. Europe   3. Europe - General   4. Guide-books   5. Skiing - General   6. Skis and skiing   7. Sports   8. Sports & Recreation   9. Travel - Foreign   10. Travel Guides   11. Winter Sports   12. Ski resorts   13. Snowboarding   

Customer Reviews (3)

Good Intro for Beginners
Pretty good book - but be warned, it is of little use if you already spend time in the backcountry (climbing, etc). This book is oriented for people unfamiliar with backcountry travel in general (winter travel issues, clothing, avalanche, etc) and not much of the book is specifically about snowboarding. If you are already familiar with that stuff, get "The Complete Snowboarder" instead - great book for beginner to intermediates.

great book. All essentials covered
This book is great. It gives all the essential information you need for just about everything to know or have in the backcountry. Covers everything from hiking up, to snowboarding down. Includes preparation needs too. Got a lot visuals, which makes it more easier to learn and its got a glossary for words you're not familiar with. It's a must buy.

this book provides a great summary of backcountry snowboardi
"Backcountry Snowboarding" is a great introduction into reaching beyond the resorts to the backcountry. Included in the book are sections on necessary equipment, avalanche and mountain safety, and riding the backcountry. The book is illustrated and contains a very useful appendix that lists other books as well as internet sights for further information. This book is an invaluable aid for the person who wants to find out how to go about preparing for backcountry snowboarding. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Outdoor Skills   2. Snowboarding   3. Sports   4. Sports & Recreation   5. Winter Sports   

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Book!
Freddie and his big brother, Donavon, are always competing becouse they want to be better than the other one. Donavon dares Freddie to go down a slope that only 2 people have gone down without getting hurt. Freddie goes does on his snowboard. You won't be able to put down this book. It is exciting when Freddie sets up a snowboarding tournament. It is a story of frienship, brotherhoo, and competition. It is really good.

An okay snowboarding book
I thought this book was okay. It had plenty of snowboarding, but there was too much competition between the two brothers. I really liked though when they finally realized that they have to watch out for one another.

Did you ever want to beat you oldern sibling in something?
... I really liked this book. I liked it because I am a really sporty girl. I you like stories with sport adventures and a pretty easy reading level you would like this book. This book is also a fun book to read. When I read a lot of the book at one time I could barely put it down. If you think reading is nerdy then try this book. You will think very different about reading after this book. I thought I was going to hate this book but I ended up loving it. I hope you take my advise and read this book. You won't be sorry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brothers   2. Brothers and sisters   3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General   4. Children: Grades 4-6   5. Family - Siblings   6. Fiction   7. Juvenile Fiction   8. Snowboarding   9. Social Situations - General   10. Sports & Recreation - Winter Sports   11. Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / Winter Sports