Product Description
Skiing can be a path to higher spiritual awareness, contributing to centering, ego effacement, and the search for perfect mental stillness

• Shows how exploring and applying the laws that govern movement, practitioners gain access to the “right gesture,” the action that brings body and mind into balance

• Includes nine “katas of the glide” that all skiers, snowboarders, and skwallers can incorporate into their own technique

Patrick “Thias” Balmain, creator and promoter of the skwal--a type of snowboard that positions the feet and the body facing forward on the board--discovered that by applying a concentrated awareness to movement activities such as skiing, a balance in motion can be achieved that is pure harmony and joy. When the mind is completely engaged, not with its thoughts but with the attention it commits to the movement of the body, it brings forth a balance between Earth’s center of gravity and that of the individual that evokes lasting transformations in one’s stance toward life, influencing one’s attitudes, gestures, words, and actions.

The Inner Glide presents a unique and original practice that will challenge ski enthusiasts, snowboarders, or skwallers, whether experts or beginners, to make the transition from the raw quest for sensation--itself a source of imbalance--to a more subtle and harmonious practice based on internal centering. Balmain offers a complete illustrated program that includes nine “katas of the glide”--conscious movement exercise sequences to help practitioners discover the “right gesture” and “the inner glide” for any terrain or situation--to bring body and mind into balance with joy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Glidiing On
A great insight into the more spiritual side of skwalling - the feeling it creates is captured beautifully. ... Read more

Product Description
In Terrain Skiiing, innovative instructor Seth Masia offers tactics for mastering the endlessly varied mountain environment. This invaluable guide addresses individual problems faced by skiers of all skill levels, helps readers gain confidence in all types of skiiing conditions, abd opens up an exhilarating new world of skiable terrain. 126 photos.Amazon.com Review
Written by a ski-school instructor, Terrain Skiing will help skiers of all ability levels (and especially intermediates) adapt to ever-changing terrain situations and snow conditions, and ski with confidence and skill. If you want to ski challenging slopes like an expert--or simply master the intermediate trails for optimum enjoyment--consult this guide before your next trip to the mountains. ... Read more

Product Description
You can share your favorite outdoor recreations with your children, no matter what their age. Michael Hodgson and his 14-year-old daughter, Nikki, veterans of many such adventures, tell you how you can adapt your outdoor sports and trips to make them fun and safe for your kids, too. Learn how to: Pick the right equipment; Plan that camping trip; Survive the wilderness; Introduce your kids to outdoor sports. Includes a "shopping list" of ultimate adventures, from rafting to cattle drives. ... Read more

Product Description
Technical Skills for Alpine Skiing is an instructionalbook written to educate and excite parents, coaches and school-ageathletes about skiing.Unique among books of this type, TechnicalSkills for Alpine Skiing provides readily applicable exercises anddrills to enhance the performance of young skiers.Young skiers arehighly motivated by their desire to free ski; ski anywhere on amountain.They also respond eagerly to challenge and the opportunityfor personal achievement.Through "directed free skiing," skiers canwork toward a goal, develop a routine to encourage optimumperformance, and add constructive focus to each run down the mountain.These themes provide the basis for Technical Skills for Alpine Skiing.

Technical Skills for Alpine Skiing contains numerous exercises that teach and refine skiing skills in a very progressive manner beginning with wedge turns and building to expert skiing.Hundreds of photographs, including multiple-image composites, enhance a clear and descriptive text that is concise and easy to understand.The photographs of talented young demonstrators and of the author, combined with the text, make this book as accessible to skiers of all ages and levels of expertise.

The book covers in depth: technique, "directed free-skiing", wedge turns, beginning parallel turns, dynamic parallel turns and step turns.Specific areas of development include balancing exercises, skill development, ski pole action, turn shape, terrain/snow conditions and perceptual skills.

A detailed table of contents allows the reader to assess skiers' strengths and weaknesses and to derive a listing of exercises to meet individual needs efficiently.The glossary makes sense of the words common to the language of skiing.An appendix provides pertinent information concerning appropriate ski equipment for young skiers.It discusses, among other things, the correct sizing of ski boots, skis and poles.

True narratives precede each chapter.They relate experiences that had a deep effect on the author's development as a teacher and as a person.There were two major influences on her work: an extraordinary wealth of personal experience, and her ability to listen to children and to visualize skiing through their eyes.

Technical Skills for Alpine Skiing is a favored book among ski instructors and coaches nationwide. ... Read more

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

Customer Reviews (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Customer Reviews (1)

Good basic water ski book
This is a good basic water ski book.The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that some of the information is dated(But not much).I run a camp water ski program and this is a great book for the price! ... Read more

Product Description
Most people think winter camping means being cold, pure and simple. But that doesn't have to be the case. Chris Townsend tells how to travel, camp, and enjoy the winter backcountry-how to choose equipment and clothing, load a pack or sled, pitch a tent, build a snow shelter, stay warm-in short, how to live comfortably in the snow. In addition, Townsend teaches the basic skills of wilderness skiing along with such refinements as the kick turn, the telemark turn, and skating. He covers the use of climbing skins; the repair kit; skiing with a heavy pack; negotiating glaciers and mountain terrain; reading the snow; stream crossings; navigation and water; and avoiding avalanches, frostbite, hypothermia, and injury. Gear and worldwide destination appendices are also included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

old book
The author has plenty of experience but with that comes prejudice.
In this case, the author does not consider non-tele skiis.

This book was published in 1994, the world is over the debate over which
is better. I would suggest you look at a more modern book such as back country skiing by Volken ... Read more

Product Description
Fodor's Skiing USA is a completely updated all-in-one guide to the country's 30 foremost winter resorts covering California, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming. Fodor's ski experts offer everything both novice and veteran skiers and boarders need for a perfect vacation. This guide is packed with candid descriptions of the top areas including the best lodges, hotels, and condos in all price categories; the best restaurants on and off the mountain; and apr?s-ski action ? from family-friendly to dance-all-night; and offers an insider's look at terrain, elevations, lift-ticket prices, runs, lifts, base facilities, other snow sports, and more. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

A must for anyone planning a ski trip to the Alps!
My only regret is that this book is out-of-print; however, if one is planning a ski vacation anywhere in the Alps, this book is priceless.Claire Walter, of Skiing Magazine, lists ski areas for each country as achapter.Each area is decribed succintly including statistics and trailmaps.Each resort is rated from 1 to 10 for snow and skiingconditions,apres-ski, other sports and value for money. The pictures ofeach resort area make one drool!We have used it 4 times and it works. Pray for a new publication of this guide. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a full-length study of skiing in the United States, tracing the history of the sport from its utilitarian origins (when frontier-dwellers in the mid-1800s mining communities used skis for practical purposes) to its advent as a purely recreational and competitive activity in the 1940s. ... 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
The skier's ultimate guidebook to the North Shore describes 35 groomed trail systems from Duluth-Superior to Grand Marais and the Gunflint Trail. You'll learn about hidden gems plus well-known state parks. Andrew Slade offers information about challenging trails, fun trails for a family outing, scenic overlooks and lighted trails for a romantic night ski. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Very excellent guide to skiing the north shore!
This book is an excellent guide to skiing the north shore of lake Superior. I have used it for two winters now and have not been disappointed. The author gives very clear descriptions of the various trails and locations.
I have really enjoyed picking locations out of the book that sound interesting and then heading up north to ski those trails. I have not been let down yet and the book has indeed led me to several places that I probably would not otherwise have gone.
If you plan on doing any cross country skiing in northern MN I would strongly suggest that you pick this book up and use it as a guide. It is also fun to just sit and read about the trails and imagine what it would be like to be out skiing them during those times when you just can't get up there to do any real skiing.

Cross Country Heaven
Lake Superior is our vortex.This is the place where our images and dreams seem to go when we are thinking about the true north of MN and surprising for many, it is winter that is the favorite season for most of us.The best trails for skiing, the best grooming, the longest connections, and the most rugged landscape with an unbelievably blue lake make the shore the best.But how to choose among the options?How to find a trail that meets your skills?It is a challenge.

However,Andrew has done the work for you and put the trails and the details in a book that is small enough to go in your pack, is not filled with more than you want to know and captures the entire MN shoreline.

There is only one recommendation I can make, buy it and use it.

Much more than a guidebook
Besides being a comprehensive reference guide to the cross country ski trails along the North Superior Shore this book is an enjoyable read!That is because in addition to the regular reference material you would expect to find in such a guide, there is plenty of anecdotal information spread throughout the pages of book including tips and interesting facts about the area.A must have for anyone planning on skiing in the area for the first time or for anyone already familiar with the area but looking for other trails to ski.

It's THE book.
Skiing the North Shore is THE guide to cross country skiing on the north shore of Lake Superior. I've lived in the area for the past six years and still come back to the book to find new places to ski or tips about which trails are the best. With the enormous amount of skiing in the area--over 400km in Cook County alone--it's nice to have a guidebook along that includes everything.

A great book to keep in the glove compartment.

Lots of great information about North Shore ski trails
"Skiing the North Shore'' is just the kind of guide I like -- it's got lots of detailed maps and useful how-to information. I've skied many of the trails Andrew Slade has included in this book, and his descriptions are right on. They'll be especially useful for people who don't know much about the trails and are trying to decide which ones to pick. It's hard, since there are so many beautiful trails! This guide definitely is worth the money. ... Read more

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

Customer Reviews (3)

fantastic
I've had an absolutely fantastic experience with this book.
The instruction couldn't be presented in a more simple fashion.
I read the book over a couple of days, practicing the exercises (many that you can do at home) and had a revolutionary day at the slopes the first day out.
The boot feels a little unpolished in its presentation and a couple of the supplemental chapters are a bit sparse, but the fundamentals are quite sound.
Its not a book for someone just starting out, but if you can make basic turns and you can learn from reading, go for it. Don't let the "expert" in the title discourage you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Product Description
This calendar takes you to some of the world's best hills and features some amazing shots of great skiers in action. ... Read more