Customer Reviews (1)

interdisciplinary breadth and moderate technical depth
This is a great book, and it's a shame it's out of print. It shows it's age a bit (1982), but Vic keeps it pretty timeless by focusing mainly on those concepts which are forever-relevant. The book covers Nordic skiing, and some Alpine touring, and also winter mountaineering. Really though, he's not writing about several distinct hobbies, but rather being very down-to-earth about how to get maximum enjoyment out of the mountains.

My favorite thing about this is the technique covered. Even though this is largely a book about nordic skiing in the mountains, he goes well beyond telemark turns. Also covered, are paralell, wedeln, reverse telemark, and a number of really silly looking ones as well. Practicing one type of turn will help with others, so this is a good way to strengthen overall technique. I think it's perfect for a book about the backcountry because conditions/terrain may be especially unpredictable and it's useful to have a variety of techniques handy. Some of the things this book suggests practicing essentially amount to being ready for some crazy positions you might find yourself in by accident.

Another good thing about this book is the technical discussion of gear. Vic advocates being fully prepared, but keeping gear to a minimum. He discusses technical attributes of skis, bindings, and boots concisely and on a practical level (e.g. how to decide whether your skis should be torsionally-stiff/long/shaped/etc.).What can be found in this part of the book is useful in giving the reader a more thorough understanding of how a ski works, so it's useful for any kind of skiier. Although I've been reading up on this kind of stuff for a while, there were several things that I didn't know or wasn't clear on--this book put them in refreshingly straightforward form.

The author is open-minded and thorough--a powerful combination. He's got a good view of what's important in skiing (enjoyment), and delivers his message clearly and simply. I think this book is a must for anyone heading to the backcountry, or hopping on telemark gear, and I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in any kind of skiing/snowboarding/teleboarding/whatever. ... Read more

Product Description
In this one-of-a-kind book, Mermer Blakeslee shares the proven techniques that have earned her international recognition as an expert on fear management.

As Mermer Blakeslee points out in her introduction, fear "resonates far, spreads widely across many boundaries, sinks to the lowest levels, and grows big very quickly." In this compelling meditation on fear, Blakeslee uses skiing as a metaphor to introduce us to what she calls our "nags and guides." Knowing when and why we should heed-or silence-these competing inner voices, can help us expand our areas of comfort as we strategically move into and out of our personal YIKES! Zone. And she encourages us fearlessly engage our fear in dialogue, demonstrating how we can make the subtle and not so subtle adjustments necessary to lead the life we desire.

With her reassuring, non-confrontational approach, Blakeslee shows how the mind, body, and spirit can work together to foster trust and positive action. Much more than a self-help manual or a guide to skiing, In the Yikes Zone is a provocative, accessible book that will help us to revitalize our lives and use the power of surrender to exist fully in the moment.In the Yikes Zone is for anyone who has ever stood at the top ofa literal or figurative slope and contemplated taking the big plunge. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Face to Face with Fear
As this book is out of print, I paid much more than I normally would for a ski book. As it turns out, I feel this is one of the best books I have ever read.It struck a very strong chord with me.I found the suggestions extremely helpful.But more than that, I found sharing the experiences that Mermer had gone through with the people she has coached to be cathartic.I have felt the feelings that were being described (frozen in place, unable to move or to breathe) and I have also experienced the transition to surrendering to gravity and the joy of being able to flow down a trail that had at one point terrified me.To be able to help people (especially women) to understand what this is like and to share in Mermer's descriptions of these experiences and skiing in general (the emotions involved, the fact that skiing is a metaphor for life and the things one can learn about oneself, the love of the sport, the feeling of being in harmony with the world and of being a completely free spirit) is transcendant.

strange name...great book
More than a skiers book on fear.Mermer demonstrates how to tackle fear head on.If you need a book to get you over the edge....this is the one.

More Than skiing
Ms. Blakeslee's writing captures the reader with thrills and laughter; she takes the experiences of skiing way beyond the realm of skiing. This book helps the reader to use ANY fearful experience as a learning tool to move forward.

Performance Success
"In the Yikes Zone" provided me with the tools to manage my performance anxiety for a recent Professional Ski Instructor Association (PSIA) exam. Mermer's book is filled with real-life anecdotes that the reader can relate to and transfer to their own experiences. "In the Yikes! Zone" lets you know when to push it and when to back-off, and how to manage your fears and emotions through-out. A definite read for athletes and non-athletes, this book is filled with important strategies to handle the many fears we face in all aspects of life.

Much more than I bargained for!
Mermer's book gave me much more than I bargained for!As a Professional Ski Instructor for Women's Clinics, I found her perspective on fear invaluable.Fear is real - it's not always rational, but it's real and we learn to deal with it. Males and females will both recognize themselves in this book.It was a big help to me not only as a teaching tool, but also in my personal skiing and most recently in a PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) ski exam.Thanks to Mermer, I was relaxed and comfortable.Whether preparing to audition for a Broadway Play or to ski a steep, icy mogul field - this book helps. ... 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
A guide for both skiers and snowboarders to the slopes and resorts of the US and Canada, covering over 100 destinations from world-class mountains to local gems. There is in-depth coverage of the ski areas, including piste reviews, suggestions for backcountry forays, details of boardparks and tips on avoiding crowds. The guide also provides informative and colourful reviews of the other attractions that make up a ski trip - hotels, restaurants, bars, spas and shopping. ... 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

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

Product Description
The Unofficial Guides are the "Consumer Reports" of travel guides, offering candid evaluations of their destinations' attractions, hotels, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, sports, and more, all rated and ranked by a team of unbiased inspectors so even the most compulsive planners can be sure they're spending their time and money wisely. Each guide addresses the needs of everyone from families to business travelers, with handy charts that demonstrate how each place stacks up against the competition. Plus, all the details are pulled out so they're extremely easy to scan.

Written by a team of experts, The Unofficial Guide to Skiing in the West reveals the pros and cons of each ski mountain in the northern and southern Rockies and the West Coast, with tons of insider tips on where to find the best powder, the best condos and resorts, and the most exciting runs for each skill level, plus info on how to get the best deals on hotels and lift tickets.

The Top 5 Ways The Unofficial Guide to Skiing in the West Can Help You Have the Perfect Trip:

1. Everything you need to find the best mountain for your personal skiing preferences
2. Inside information on the resorts that only a ski instructor or longtime local would know
3. All the details on the slopes: the best runs for novices, the finest trails for intermediate skiing, the best sunlit trails for late-afternoon skiing, the best-formed moguls, where to find the secret reserves of powder, and more
4. Advice on how to plan and get the most out of your ski trip--and the most for your money
5. Tips on finding the perfect hotel room, vacation home, or condo for the best price, plus info on the best restaurants in ski country

Reading this book--which has complete coverage ofthe northern and southern Rockies and the West Coast--is like sittingdown with a local or a ski instructor. Scattered with useful tips like"Polishing Parallel," "Stormy-Day Strategies," and "Sierra Cement,"The Unofficial Guide to Skiing in the West is sure to become awell-worn reference for skiers of all abilities. --Kathryn True ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Most comprehensive guide
If you are a ski fan (like me), and you are eager to ski in great West Coast ski resorts in California, Colorado, and Utah -- look no more. You get this book and you have all the information you need for a few years.

Could use a few improvements but is good.
It is the only book I've seen of its kind. The info. is great. The mapsare useless. It could use to have its section on deals on lift tickets (andthe like) beefed up.

Most skier friendly guide out there
Gets to the meat of the subject quickly.An easy breakdown of themountain by ability levels and recommended places to eat and sleep.1drawback are the shadowy trail maps.

Lots of details, could use more
This is a really thorough book on just about everyplace out west in termsof ski mountain descriptions -- runs and the like.Whoever was in chargeof editing the book's illustrations must not have seen the text, becausealthough the illustrations show runs and lifts, only the lifts are labeled-- but the text usually mentions several runs in the context of a singlelift, rendering the descriptions confusing and the maps somewhat useless.The descriptions of the ski areas themselves seem to be a littleskimpy

The beginning of the book describes some of the "how-to"stuff in terms of getting good deals and the like, but doesn't go intoenough detail about these kinds of things, specifically in reference toparticular areas.Surely they must be familiar enough with majordestination areas to suggest specifics.

Overall, it's a good read,especially for those unfamiliar with out-west ski options.

A detailed, informative, and sometimes opinionated guide.
An excellent guide covering most major ski resorts in the Western U.S. and some in Western Canada.
The guide contains a rating section that compares resorts on almost all imaginable skiing criteria (e.g., beginner terrain, bumps, consisteny of fall lines, etc.), but it's real strength is in the detailed descriptions of the skiing. Each author writes about one region, providing a thorough overview and a sense of the style of skiing available at each resort.
There are are some minor inconsistencies. Some resorts get almost agonizingly detailed treatments, while some (e.g., Whistler / Blackcomb) get a more cursory treatment than the sheer volume of terrain would suggest.The skiing suggestions are quite specific, naming lifts and runs (good), but the trail illustrations provided for each resort lack sufficient detail (bad)- I found that the book works best with an actual trail map in hand.Finally, one might argue that some worthy areas were overlooked, including some Canadian areas and at least one US area (Mount Baker, Washington).
This guide is a must-have for any serious skier- I've used it to check out more than a dozen resorts, and Lito, et al. have yet to steer me wrong. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

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

Product Description
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)

Simply the best book ever
Tony Chamberlain is my english teacher. I've never read this book, but I can make the assumption that it will blow you away. If, of course you "swing that way" you know, ... skiing. Oh well, stay safe on theslopes this winter! And be sure to wear your coat, however cheaply made itis. ... Read more

Product Description
Part of a series of redesigned and revised books, this book explains all aspects of the sport of skiing and is produced in collaboration with the English Ski Council. ... Read more

Product Description
For the thousands lured to the slopes each year, this guide provides all the information travelers need to choose a resort, plan a vacation, and have a great time once they get there. In-depth reviews describe terrain, lifts, elevations, and vertical drop, as well as restaurants, lodging, and nightlife for each resort. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent summary of top ski resorts, where to stay & go
The book has good overall background on each state's skiing, then goesinto detail on each of the resorts it rates as the best in the US.ThoughI would have liked more than 30 places to be covered (Breckenridge,Kirkwood, Grand Targhee and some other very good resorts are missing) theareas that are covered have good detail about the background and history ofthe resort, the skiing (recommended trails are broken out by ability level)where to stay and where to dine.It is an invaluable reference when goingto these places for the first time, and I have used it at many of theseresorts to find the good trails and good bars and restaurants.It is veryreadable, and to the point, and generally matches what you'd hear fromlocals and people who've been there.There is also an introduction thatincludes general tips and information for planning a ski vacation.Wellworth reading when planning a vacation, and referring to when there. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Essential Reading if you Plan a Eurpean Ski Holiday
This is a wonderful resource with loads of candid opinions on what's great and not so great in the Alps.It is an overview and does not go into tremendous detail on any one resort, but if you are trying to pick from the overwhelming range of choices, this book will definitely help.Be aware, the book is written from a decidedly British point of view so it places much value on some criteria that American skiers may not value quite as highly (i.e. whether on-mountain dining is of a high enough quality).Also, don't rely on the section covering US resorts for anything other than a humerous glimpse at how the Brits size up places like Vail and Lake Tahoe (both criticized for "lack of non-skiing activities").There are no photos and the mountain maps give only the broadest idea of the mountains and terrain offer, but the individual writeups are worth their weight in gold.

Use the Web
A nice collection of information but for what I was looking for the web had as much information on what was where and how much it cost.This book is not worth as much as others becuase it lacks the reader input and real experience of going and being there.Most info can be picked up from travel guides and brochures.

best way to select a resort
by far the best way to review and select resorts for your purpose. very easy to use, accurate and INDEPENDANT.
money well spent to ensure you go to the best place for you.

Excellent book, aimed at a British readership
I have used this book over several editions to help me plan and book ski-holidays in Europe and the USA.

What the other reviewers don't mention (and neither does Amazon) is that the book is published by the not-for-profit Consumer's Association [of the UK], which is a similar organisation to Consumer's Union in the USA.

The American based reader will also need to realise that most UK skiers will be booking a 7-14 day package (which includes flights, usually charter for Europe, transfer and accomodation) with one of the large UK tour operators.Many will be booking accomodation ("chalets") which doesn't show up in the normal hotel guides for the resort since it is run exclusively by the tour company (and can be very cost effective, the operators will often sell the accomodation seperately).Another point for the independant and USA based skier is that UK tour companies often get discounts on lift passes booked through them (5-10% in Europe, 30-40% in USA).

Excellent resource for planning a ski/snowboard vacation
This book is an excellent guide to the world's best ski resorts.While it is true that Europe is more heavily covered in this book; the largest of the North American resorts are reviewed as well (Vail, Breckenridge, Whistler, Killington, etc.).There are even some details provided on other locations (South America, New Zealand, Japan), although not as in depth.One of the nice features of the book is that it rates each resort for beginners, intermediates, experts, off-piste, and snowboarders.The book provides an honest assessment of the pros and cons of each resort (nightlife, accessibility, snow quality, etc.).Highly recommended for planning a long ski vacation.Trail maps are provided although not very detailed due to space limitations. ... Read more

Product Description
·Everything you need to know to plan the perfect ski-resort vacation at the 30 best U.S. ski resorts in California, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming. For each resort, it includes:
· Descriptions of terrain and runs, recommendations of the best runs for novices, intermediates, and experts.
· Details on lifts, elevations, lift rates, and base facilities.
· Recommended resorts, lodges, hotels, inns, and B&Bs.
· Where to eat on and off the mountain, no matter what your budget.
· Après ski action and nightlife.
· Written by Clive Hobson, who reported on U.S. skiing for more than a decade as editor of Ski Canada magazine. ... Read more

Product Description
Gives a few easy-to-learn hints and techniques which allow the bluffer to be accepted as a skier of rare ability and experience without anyone discovering they can't ski to save their life. ... Read more

Product Description
A manual for skiers who want to get away from crowded downhill slopes and groomed trails of cross-country resorts. Covers entire range of options that take the skier away from developed areas. Detailed techniques and learning strategies for Nordic and Alpine skiing for every level of experience illustrated with drawings and precise diagrams.Covers winter camping, self-reliance, snow structure and behavior, and coping with avalanche hazard.Author is a leading teacher of wilderness sports. Other books include "Wildwater: The Sierra Club Guide to Kayaking and Whitewater Boating". ... Read more

Product Description
A New, Completely Revised Edition of the Classic Guide to Better Skiing

Have you been searching for a way to overcome your fear, trust your instincts, and ski to your greatest potential? Inner Skiing will help you do all this and more. In this newly updated edition of the skiing classic, W. Timothy Gallwey and Robert Kriegel offer advice on and examples of how to gain the "inner" self-confidence needed to ski well and have fun on the slopes.

Inner Skiing will help you:
Focus on each step of a particular technique (like the parallel turn), then put it  all together so that the motion seems effortless
Analyze your fears to distinguish between healthy fear and unnecessary fear that you can overcome
Achieve "breakthrough" runs in which you experience natural and coordinated  movements
Move to the next level in your skiing ability and feel in control


Gallwey and Kriegel are two of the leading innovators in sports, and this new edition refines the techniques they have perfected over their long careers. Their easy-to-follow examples and anecdotes will help skiers of all abilities--from beginner to expert.

Inner Skiing will change the way you ski.


From the Trade Paperback edition. ... Read more