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Backcountry Skiing provides technical instruction to master challenging terrain

Tips on sorting out complicated gear choices, how to be prepared in the backcountry, and evaluating snow conditions, with an emphasis on making good choices."

Backcountry Skiing: Skills for Ski Touring and Ski Mountaineering by Martin Volken, Scott Schell, Margaret Wheeler; published by The Mountaineers Books

Published in 2007 by The Mountaineers Books

• 344 pages, 7" X 8.5", paperbound
• 175 B&W photos and 20 charts
• available for $19.95 from The Mountaineers Books

This impressive volume covers every aspect of current techniques for skiing in the backcountry-- the open terrain and slopes untouched by groomers. The authors are widely experienced guides and ski touring outfitters. As a reference for gear, safety, and expertise, Backcountry Skiing covers all the details. For skiers wanting to develop a higher level of skill, the book focuses on advanced techniques. Finally, the sections on tour planning and safety make this imperative reading for anyone taking on responsibility for a ski trip.

A wealth of photos illustrate the gear, maneuver, and techniques. To provide a sense of how encyclopedic Backcountry Skiing is, these and many more topics are covered in detail:

- Decision making in avalanche terrain
- Navigation tools and techniques
- Uphill movement
- Downhill techniques
- Ski mountaineering
- Skiing in glaciated terrain
- Anatomy of a glacier
- Crevasses and rescues
- Anchors, belays, rock protection, ice protection
- The mountain environment and weather
- Emergency shelters and sleds
- Communication equipment
- Avalanche probes, shovels, and survival equipment
- Transitions and changing modes of travel
- Ropes and rope handling
- Taking care of yourself
- Mountain ethics

Other related books from The Mountaineers Books include:

- The Avalanche Handbook, 3rd edition

- Wild Snow: A Historical Guide to North American Ski Mountaineering

- Winter Hiking and Camping: Managing Cold for Comfort and Safety

- 50 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits in California

- 100 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Routes in Washington

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