Product Description
Profiles and photographs of the true pioneers of Sierra Nevada skiing, those men and women who have influenced the growth of the sport and created the great ski resorts along with special profiles of inspirational instructors and ski racers.Most of these pioneers started with a rope tow or two, little money and big dreams, which they realized with years of hard work and a continued faith in the lure of the mountains they loved so dearly. Read about Nic Fiore of Badger Pass in Yosemite National Park, Dave McCoy of Mammoth Mountain, Alex Cushing and Wayne Poulsen of Squaw Valley, Peter Klaussen and Werner Schuster of Alpine Meadows and many more. Vignettes of three special people, racers Jill Kinmont, Jimmie Heuga and Tamara McKinney, chronicle how their racing training helped them overcome obstacles in their lives with uncommon courage. Present day portraits of the mountain dreamers and more than 80 historic photographs make this a very special book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Mountain Dreamers: Visionaires of Sierra Nevada Skiing
Fabulous pictures and fascinating information about the people who made skiing in the Sierrapossible. You don't have to be a skier to enjoy this book! ... 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 Good historical reference.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
Plunging through deep powder, reaching high and wild mountain summits, the thrill of flying down a trackless snowy mountain, the solitary pleasure of traveling in the winter mountains - this is the world of Backcountry Skiing Adventures.

This book features two dozen classic ski and snowboard tours, including the highest peaks in Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts, the best snowboard routes, with equipment and backcountry riding tips, topographic maps and photos to accompany each tour, information on avalanche awareness, winter camping, gear, safety and first aid. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Bible for its topic
This book is the younger twin of Goodman's other book on this topic for Maine and New Hampshire which I also gladly own.

It does a very good job covering exactly what described by its title, no less, not much more. If you know how to x-c ski, it provides all the information you need to enjoy many backcountry tours in Maine and New Hampshire - from history, clothing and equipment, safety to detailed information of 22 tours (e.g. map, distance, elevation, difficulty level, etc.) The author undoubtedly best suits writing such book because the book is about his passion.

What would add significant value to this book is a large color topographic map similar to AMC's winter tails map.

It also covers one tour in western Massachusetts.

Great book for cross country and telemark skiers
This is a great book if you are looking for a guide to some of the best cross country and telemark trails, however since i was looking for more of a downhill backcountry guide, this is not really what i was looking for, but it is still a very informative and well written book.

An absolutely user friendly outdoor guide
A superbly presented compendium of two dozen classic ski and snowboard tours throughout the states of Vermont and New York, David Goodman's Backcountry Skiing Adventures offersthe best routes, equipment and backcountry riding tips; topographic maps and photos for each tour; information on avalanche awareness, winter camping, gear, safety, and first aid. This absolutely user friendly outdoor guide is a "must" for anyone planning a skiing or snowboarding excursion in Vermont or New York. Also very highly recommended is the other title in this outstanding Appalachian Mountain Club "Backcountry Skiing Adventures" series: Classic Ski and Snowboard Tours in Maine and New Hampshire. ... Read more

Product Description
The real mogul skiing instruction you're looking for. Whether you want to ski gentle moguls with comfort and confidence, turn heads on your local mogul run, or compete in mogul contests, this book will give you the specialized techniques you need to reach your goal. In this first-of-its-kind book, mogul skiing competitor Dan DiPiro reveals techniques that have remained largely unknown or misunderstood outside of competitive mogul skiing circles. Most skiers try to ski moguls using only groomed-trail techniques, says DiPiro. But the bumps require a special set of techniques that have nothing to do with groomed-trail skiing. With an understanding of these special techniques, most fit, expert skiers can become good mogul skiers, and some can become excellent mogul skiers and even mogul competitors. For the aspiring mogul skier, this book is full of invaluable instruction. For the seasoned bumper, it's an ideal tune-up guide and a long awaited affirmation. For all skiers interested in broadening their understanding of downhill skiing excellence, it's an original, eye opening read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Wish I had this book 10 years ago!
I'm an aggressive all mountain skier except when it comes to the bumps. My bump skiing friends taught me how to ski moguls but this book put all the pieces together. What my mogul skiing friends where teaching me were parts and pieces of the puzzle. I only wish I had this book 10 years ago when I was single and skied way more than I do now. I ran across this book when I was looking up mogul skiing on line. When I read about it I bought it right away and glad I did. Now its all I do on the slopes is practice the drills and bash the bumps. I don't know the author but glad he wrote this book. Thanks Dan! Oh, and I'm doing the zipper line where as before reading this book I could only go about 6-8 bumps until I get kicked out the back the door.

DiPiro's book a fantastic resource on mogul skiing concepts; A Mogulskiing.net Review
DiPiro's breakdown of mogul technique in "Everything the Instructors Never Told You about Mogul Skiing" is a great resource for mogul skiers, beginner to expert. His writing style is easy to read and easy to visualize. The images accompanying the text are also infinitely helpful.

DiPiro's message is solid. Following the drills and tips he provides, you are sure to advance you mogul skiing abilities in leaps and bounds.His approach to mogul technique intentionally avoids discussion of "carving," in the conventional alpine sense.Be sure to remember as you read, that this doesn't mean your skis should be flat and skidding!DiPiro simply emphasizes that the technique used in moguls ought not be derived solely from alpine carving, but should rather be an exploration into an entirely different realm of skiing.

I read this book just as I was getting into skiing bumps.It truly opened my eyes to "real" mogul skiing.I was able to develop and hone my skills much more effectively with the knowledge learned from reading DiPiros book not once, but three times!The concepts truly came to life after I received coaching at a Mogul Logic camp.At this juncture, I must also note that, as effective as a book on technique may be, it can never totally replace the value of live instruction/coaching.This book would be a great companion to taking a mogul camp (Mogul Logic, Momentum, etc.), or a live mogul lesson with DiPiro or another mogul pro.

I would also personally advise following up your reading of this book by watching Chuck Martin's mogul skiing lessons on YouTube (search "mogul logic chuck") . Those, along with this book, will help you take your skiing to another level.

What it comes down to is this: each skier must synthesize and formulate his own style, by learning as much as he can from multiple schools of thought. He must take from these, and develop his own style which is comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and most fun!"Everything the Instructors Never Told You about Mogul Skiing" should reside on the nightstand of any skier interested in moguls.

As a sidenote, this book was a big catalyst in my decision to develop mogulskiing (dot) net.Thanks for your hard work, Dan!

Keep on bumpin.

~Patrick

Director, [...](note to Amazon editors: "[...]" is a registered business entity (a division of Patrick Torsell Enterprises), not just a URL... please stop deleting it)

If you own no other ski book ... this is the book you want.
If you are a dedicated skier wanting to improve it is merely a matter of time until groomed trails are too easy and real skill and flow are to be found in the bumps.

But effective bump skiing is somewhat different from groomed slope skiing.Ifyou take the techniques (striving for carving long edge set turns) into the bumps you will be stalled immediately.The problem is that you do not know this .. This is the only book I have ever read that deals directly with skiing bumps.It is superb

As an aside, I live 30 miles northwest of Aspen and ski perhaps 80 times a year.Aspen prides itself on the highest number of skier/instructor days of any resort.Yet the vast majority of these (somewhat to very good) groomed trail teachers avoid the bumps like the plague ... Why?They can't ski them. Why? They are clueless as to the techniques required and so neatly explained in Dipiro's book.

Precision writing
This is absolutely the briefest and most 'to the point' book on the subject. I highly recommend it to everybody seeking mogul skiing proficiency.
Technical advice like 'stand tall', 'absorb and extend' made a world of difference for me and instantly improved my mogul technique.
If you try to improve yours - look no further - buy this book and head for the hills.
Enjoy your training.

For the zipper-line wannabe
The audience DiPiro is writing for in this book is the skier who wants to ski moguls fast, following the fall line, feet and knees locked together, knees pumping, feet twisting below a steady upper body, finishing with an aerial stunt, just like the mogul skiers in competitions on t.v.

As a long-time skier in my 70's, I aspire to ski moguls slowly and gracefully, as I have seen hundreds of good recreational skiers do. I have no desire to ski with white patches on the knees of my ski pants so the people on the chairlift can admire how fast I pump and keep my knees together.

Some of DiPiro's advice may be helpful to such a skier as I--stand tall, compress and extend, don't carve. But much of it fails to address my goals. For example, he says to use compression and extension to control speed, but doesn't explain how to transfer these actions to speed control. In fact, he relates these movements to speed, rather than control. While he pairs compression with extension, his diagrams for skiing the line show skiing in the trough around moguls, not over them, where one wouldcompress. Quickly turning the feet can most easily be done on the top of a mogul; he doesn't mention this.

Having read the rave reviews for this book, I was disappointed to find it doesn't give the instruction I was looking for. ... Read more

Product Description
A personal story about the history of skiing in Ellicottville, New York, from the early skiers who climbed the slope in their leather-thong bindings to the 2002 Olympic contenders who trained in Ellicottville. Filled with hundreds of photos, this book will be a keepsake item for anyone who loves skiing and Ellicottville. ... Read more

Product Description
Open Your Heart with Skiing will inspire you to make the most of the turns -- both in life and on the slopes -- whether you are a seasoned skier or a beginner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Be a Winner, Not a Whiner on The Slopes of Life
This book is for people who are ready to be inspired and quit whining and start winning! As an expert Whine Tester, I'm here to tell you that after you read this book you will be ready to tackle not only the ski slopes but life itself in a new and exciting way. It is time to Stop Whining, Start Smiling and Start Skiing again and again.
Thou Shalt Not Whine: The Eleventh Commandment: What We Whine About, Why We Do It and How to Stop This is an especially wonderful book for parents who are thinking of introducing their children to a family sport that everyone can enjoy and do together.

Fluffy
Although, it covers most of the bases in terms of ski technique, this little book may not take your skiing to the next level unless you are able to carefully note the suggestions and take them to the mountain.It's pretty fluffy.

the book is as good as skiing with the author
I have been lucky enough to ski with the author at Copper Mt and the book really helps with a full understanding of the sport. I feel it is right up there with the classic Centered Skiing. In short easy to understand terms modern skiing is explained, I would recommended this book to any body interested in learning, or improving ski skills.

Open your heartand lift your soul.
Mr Hultquist presents the best attemptat describing the feeling of skiing and the love of the mountain environment than in any skiing book I have read. It's a difficult concept to describe and he does a very good job to share this with his readers.

This isn't a how to book but is more of a description of the different textures that are encountered on the slopes and options to consider to begin to master the challenges it presents. . What types of equipment would best suit that terrain and solid advice on purchasing to make informed buys.

Open Your Heart with Skiingis a fast read and keeps your attention as the subject matter is presented to a conclusion and thenmoves to another subject.

Beginners to accomplished skiers will find this book a great read and gain someuseful insight from it.

Stephen Hultquist's words spoke to me in a way no other skiing book has. To my heart and the connections many feel when we become avid skiers through the wonderful experiences that are available to us when we go up to the mountains to ski orto just enjoy the great mountain environment. ... Read more

Product Description
Guided by a strange epiphany, Richard Phipps traveled to Japan with $600 and a pair of skis. The result, Skiing Zen, is much more than a ski adventure. It is a tapestry of thought about sports and awareness, about differences between Eastern and Western thinking, and about individualism amidst group pressure.

Woven into the travel anecdotes, cultural insights, and skiing action are intriguing concepts such as the spectrum of attention and distraction, the evolving spiral of learning, the power of guided imagery, and the correlation between Zen and love. Stunning in scope and yet penetrating in its earnest insight, Phipps is indeed Searching for the Spirituality of Sport. ... Read more

Product Description
Front Range Descents is more than a guidebook. It is a celebration of the spring skiing and snowboarding experience...velvety corn snow, sunny days, rushing streams, pine-scented breezes, wildlife and wildflowers.

75 Descents on 54 Peaks

* Choose from intermediate cruisers to expert descents.
* Each detailed route description will guide you from the trailhead to the summit and back.
* 29 color topo maps will make trip planning easy.
* 135 photos will inspire you to strap skis to your pack and head for the hills. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Ski mountaineering in the front range
Ron Haddad and Eileen Faughey's earlier guide: Indian Peak Descents is one chapter in their newer guide: Front Range Descents.My well used copy of their first book is dog eared and bent from being studied, photocopied and stuffed in a pack.Paper clips and post it notes mark various pages - either ski's that I have done, are planning on doing soon or for future reference.It is a great book!! Now they have expanded it to include prime backcountry skiing areas throughout the Front Range.Anyone interested in ski and snowboard mountaineering in Colorado should own this book.Their descriptions and maps are all you need to plan more ski mountaineering trips than you will ever be able to do.

The guide to front range skiing
Ron has done a great job of documenting the best skiing on the front range. The photos and descriptions make route finding very easy, and he has opened up a vast recreation paradise for his readers. The early chapters on risk assessment, equipment and basic ski mountaineering knowledge are also very helpful. The only thing that I would change would be a more accurate description of the steepness of the slopes. The expert rating of from 35-50 degrees is a bit vague. Dancing on the Edge of an Endangered Planet ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Complete Idiots Guide to Skiing
A very elementary introduction to skiing.Only good for the very beginners.

Great for New Skiers
I've been skiing for a long time, so I don't need this book, but I think it's great for new skiers. I've given it to a couple of beginners and people who said they wanted to try skiing. It covers all thebasics--clearly and succinctly--but it doesn't overload new skiers withmore information than they need.

Great for New Skiers
I've been skiing for a long time, so I don't need this book, but I think it's great for new skiers. I've given it to a couple of beginners and people who said they wanted to try skiing. It covers all thebasics--clearly and succinctly--but it doesn't overload new skiers withmore information than they need.

First-Time Skiers Only!
The book was too simple for my tastes.I have been skiing for about a year and most of the information was way below my "beginner" level.There is really very very little information on actual skiing.Thebook basically covers the snow plow and simple turns as related to your skilessons.There were some interesting tidbits in the book but on the wholeI found it very lacking.If you have never ever been skiing and knowabsolutely nothing about it then the book might be helpful....but if youhave skiied once in your life I don't think it will be that much morehelpful.

VERY NICE BOOK FOR VERY BEGINNERS
Excellent book for someone who has never skied and is not used to snow activities.

All the basics are in there, not aiming to replace a real ski class. The author fully achieved the goal proposed. ... Read more

Product Description
For many years telemarking has been valued as a winter sport for skiers who got stuck in the past - until now, where free heel skiers carve the sharpest turns in the snow. Some telemarkers prefer groomed slopes, while others get their kicks in serious and steep terrain. The wide range of use of the modern equipment allows ultimate fun in any situation. This book is dedicated to teach beginners the telemark technique in four steps of exercises. Experienced telemark freaks get tips on how to improve their skills in the moguls, in carving, racing and short turning. This book also gives insight into the history of telemark skiing, an overview of the present equipment and includes a "tele-guide", which outlines the best telemark resorts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Telemarker
I purchased telemark skier for my fiance, who loves to telemark.
He informed me that it had some helpful tips to improve his skiing.Overall he was pleased.Thank You ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Deep Powder Snow...
This is an absolutely beautiful piece of work. Dolores LaChapelle articulates the power and grace of the powder skiing experience with the harmony of environmental acceptance. Her book is an absolute must for any liquid sport enthusiast who has experienced the psychological state of "flow". This book will change your life!

Fabulous
If you have tried skiing and find it difficult then, read this book. As you read, you actually feel as if you are there and are experiencing the thrills which you encounter on the slopes. Skiing is only difficult whenyou are trying to distinguish yourself from the mountain. When youharmonise with nature and respect where you are your confidence will growas with your ability to conquer the steepest of slopes. Fabulous, thank youDelores.

Take a trip with Ms. Lachapelle to some great powder stashes
If you love the mountain lifestyle and pure skiing,then this is the book is for you. Experience the the life of the first woman extreme skier. Delores tells tales of deep powder stashes and getting "roostertails" in Colorado, Utah and Switzerland. A must for any avid skierwho enjoys reading. Delores shares life experiences and wisdom. ... Read more

Product 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

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

Customer Reviews (1)

A Five Star history by a man truly in touch with the range
Teton Skiing is a phenomenal book written eloquently and comically from the perspective of a mountaineer (Tom Turiano) who has climbed and skiied nearly every peak in the range. The book is perfect for someone thinkingabout a trip to the Tetons in order to gain more insight into the historythat made it the touring site it is today, as well as, a guide to help inplanning your trip. It is also a great book for anyone interested inhistory and/or the outdoors in general. Although it is partly a guidebook,it was more intersting to me for its well researched and colorful historyof this mythical wonder called the Tetons. If you haven't been to Wyoming'sTetons, this book will make you want to go. If you have been, it will driveyou to return and discover things unseen. A book I treasure! ... Read more

Product Description
This entertaining series features fascinating quick-reference guides to all the Winter Olympic sports and events. Filled with fun facts, dramatic stories, and dynamic photographs, each book is a terrific guide to both historical and current records, as well as to the reigning Olympic champions. Alpine skiing has been an exciting Olympic sport since 1924. Racing down snow-covered slopes at breathtaking speed requires outstanding athletic skill. Freestyle skiing combines speed, agility, and precision. ... Read more

Product Description
FitSkiing is the most comprehenisve guide to ski conditioning ever written. It contains over 80 photographed and illustrated exercises specific to skiers.

Three sepearte programs are provided to help the reader get into their best skiing shape. FitSkiing is the only guide you will need to get into shape for the slopes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

World Cup yes ,,,Joe skier ... a bit much
Some great stuff but I was looking for something more basic for a guy who goes up 25 to 30 times a year and be ready ..this will get you there but I thought it was a bit much for what I wanted ....go for it anyway and good luck ...

So far so good
I am not great at getting ready for ski season.But as I get older I find that I am not able to get away with "on the slope conditioning".So this year I decided to try a more structured program.I am six weeks into this one and happy with the results so far.I am doing the basic program.

Depending on your conditioning you could probably stand to bump up the cardio on the basic program in the early weeks.I did inadvertently.If I hadn't it would have been way too easy for me and I have fallen pretty far out of cardio shape.

I will hopefully get around to doing the advanced program next year.

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. ... Read more

Product Description
In April 2000, at the beautiful Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, Canada, the coveted Ullr Award was presented to Alan Engen by the International Skiing History Association at their annual week-long gathering to honor the importance of his historic, beautifully produced publication For the Love of Skiing: A Visual History.

Illustrated with more than 150 vintage photographs from private and historical collections, For the Love of Skiing tells the story of U.S. ski sports from 1880 to the coming of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, to be held in Salt Lake City.

Told through the experiences of former Olympic ski coach Alf Engen, we relive the days when ski jumps were constructed of rickety wooden frames, when loop bindings strapped around the skier’s boots held his fate, and when records were being broken all the time as ski sports developed from their fledgling roots to more sophisticated tests of courage and skill.

Along with a historical review of the major competitions across the United States from the 1930s to the present, For the Love of Skiing relates many of the wildest early ski adventures. Alf and Sverre Engen recall a "barnstorming," summer jumping competition in Omaha, where snow was sparse and straw and soap had been added to the track to make it slicker. A bale of hay awaited the skiers at the end of the track. Stopping was difficult, and Sverre recalls, "I broke my toe trying to stop, and that toe still hurts on occasion to this day." Those were the barnstormer days, "when men were men, and most were crazy as hell."

ALAN K. ENGEN, is also the chairman and president of the Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation, chairman and president of the Alta Historical Society, board member of the International Skiing History Association, and charter advisory member of the University of Utah Marriott Library’s Utah Ski Archives ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

If you love Alta, buy this book.
This book will appeal to people that know and love Alta, Utah or are interested in the history of skiing in the Western US.It primarily chronicles the life of Alf Engen, and therefore, chronicles the history ofAlta and and an important part of skiing in the west.Engen was theinventor of modern powder skiing and richly deserves the honor of thisbook.

Neat pictures, but too much ski jumping.
Neat pictures, but kind of a muddled presentation. This is not really a general history of skiing, but a biography of Alf Engen who was a local hero in Salt Lake City, Utah and ran the Ski School at Alta for years andyears. There's too much about ski jumping and not enough about other kindsof skiing.The author, Alf's son Alan, seems like a spokesman for the skiindustry more than a historian. ... Read more