Brush up on history, zany facts, meteorology, and more with our book list for skiers and snowboarders.
Want to think and dream about skiing and snowboarding even when you're not sliding on snow? Ski Utah has compiled a list of our favorite winter-themed books. Tackle this reading list of our favorite picks for skiers and shedders.
Silence in the Age of Noise - Erling Kagge
Kagge knows a thing or two about accepting and embracing silence, having covered 1,310 kilometers in 50 days on skis with no radio contact. The calm and measured words of Kagge give readers permission and guidance to take a deep breath and slow down. What may seem a simple and straightforward task is actually quite difficult in the pace of modern society. Kagge, a Norwegian explorer, became the first man to reach the North Pole unsupported with his partner Børge Ousland in 1990. They traversed an estimated 800 kilometers on skis, towing their supplies and shelter on sledges. Three years later, Kagge's successfully completed a solo expedition to reach the South Pole unsupported on skis across 1,310 kilometers. Following his quests on the poles, Kagge then summited Everest and went on to study philosophy at Cambridge University. This book, including dazzling photos of his epic journey, helps readers to find a measure of peace in times of utter chaos.
The Man Behind the Maps - James Niehues
If you're looking for a few hours to kill, venerable ski map cartographer and watercolorist, James Niehues, can remedy even the fiercest boredom. His newly released tome, The Man Behind the Maps, contains full-color reproductions of over 200 hand-painted ski resort trail maps. With nearly 300 pages, this hard-cover coffee table book helps avid skiers and snowboarders relive their best adventures. The beguiling mountains and their ethereal slopes will help you compile your life list of mountains to visit. With its hefty weight and glossy pages, this treasure will be an instant classic for any ski, snowboard, or winter lover. For more stories behind the incredible momentum to support Jim's goal to chronicle his 30-year career mapping resorts - CLICK HERE.
Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth - Jim Steenburgh
We all relish the sensation of plowing through Utah's perfect, low-density powder snow. Take a deeper dive with author Jim Steenburgh, a professor of atmospheric science with the University of Utah. In 2002, Steenburgh was charged with running weather predictions for the Olympic Winter Games and his forecasting is often used by The Weather Channel. Learn about weather in the Wasatch, bust myths, and discover why Utah's powder is so unique. The book covers mountain weather, snow safety, avalanches, and historical weather events, complete with 150 color photographs.
In Search of Powder: A Story of America's Disappearing Ski Bum - Jeremy Evans
Dive deep into the evolution of ski and snowboard culture with the journey of snowboarder, Jeremy Evans. After a stint in Tahoe following college, Evans moved to Portland for more attractive career prospects. Suffering an unexpected stroke in his mid-20s, Evans quit the city and returned to his passion for snowboarding. Evans is deeply concerned about the disappearance of ski bumming culture and examines characters, trends, and stories from Jackson Hole, Crested Butte, Telluride, Lake Tahoe, and Park City. Is it possible to still live the ski bum lifestyle? Evans approaches this question with wit, perspective, and careful consideration of current challenges facing many small resort towns.
The Perfect Turn: And Other Tales of Skiing and Skiers - Dick Dorworth
A ski racer, a coach for the U.S. Men's Ski Team, Director of the Aspen Mountain Ski School, a reporter, a climber, and a mountaineer, Dick Dorworth collected hundreds of adventures. Dorworth draws on his travels in a collection of 19 essays in The Perfect Turn. Meet colorful characters, the people that shaped skiing, famous ski racers, and tag along on epic backcountry expeditions. Action-packed tales, thoughtful reflection, and a deep dive into the soul of skiing, The Perfect Turn won the US Ski History Association Prize in 2011.
The Avalanche Hunters - Montgomery M. Atwater
The author of The Avalanche Hunters, Montgomery M. Atwater, is often considered the founder of avalanche snow study in North America. Upon been discharged from WWII, Atwater took a job with the United States Forest Service as a Snow Ranger. Tasked with mitigating avalanches for Alta Ski Area and Highway 210 in Little Cottonwood Canyon in the 1940s, Atwater's curiosity and passion for his work laid the foundation for the first avalanche research center in the Americas at Alta. This firsthand account details Atwater's thrilling discoveries and penchant for danger. Though out of print, and difficult to find—that will be an adventure in itself—this book is essential reading for anyone interested in avalanche mitigation or ski history. 
Unbound: A Story of Snow & Self Discovery - Steph Jagger
Follow Steph Jagger as she quits "normal" and follows winter across multiple countries and continents on her quest to ski four million vertical feet in one year. What transpires is a physical and spiritual metamorphosis in this memoir recording her epic quest. Think of this book like Eat, Pray, Love, but for skiers seeking to better understand their connection to the mountains, the self, and the reservoir of inner courage that resides within.
Learning to Ski With Mr. Magee - Chris Van Dusen
For ages 3-7, this delightful children's book makes use of clever rhyming and lovely illustrations to help kids face any fears they have about learning how to ski. Turn the book into a sing-a-long and join the adventures of Mr. Magee and his faithful dog, Dee. The two head out for an adventure and quickly run into comical mishaps as they attempt to become skiers. Just remember to keep those tips up!
A-B-Skis: An Alphabet Book About the Magical World of Skiing - Libby Ludlow
A successful Kickstarter crowd-funded project by Olympic skier, Libby Ludlow, this children's alphabet book covers all aspects of winter sport. With illustrations from PSIA ski instructor Nathan Jarvis, this adorable A-B-C book will spark children's curiosity about skiing and winter. Walk kiddos through many aspects and experiences during a typical ski day while practicing the alphabet.
