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 Customer Reviews
A must for every serious skier, 17 Sep 2008
This is a very well written, well documented, no nonsense book which was recommended to me initially by UK French Alps specialist PeakRetreats.co.uk as they use it themselves. It does not have details of as many resorts as other books but the ones it covers are well researched.
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Customer Reviews
A must for every serious skier, 17 Sep 2008
This is a very well written, well documented, no nonsense book which was recommended to me initially by UK French Alps specialist PeakRetreats.co.uk as they use it themselves. It does not have details of as many resorts as other books but the ones it covers are well researched.
Fantastic guide not just for experts, 11 Apr 2007
Great guide that's useful for practical information as well as fun just to read. The fun formatt with lost of great photos, to the point fact boxes and casual text style make it not just a guide book but also a great read. Excellent for researching new destinations you haven't been to yet. As a beginner I was very happy to see that all levels of snowboarders are catered for in the guide. Highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in snowboarding!
Global guide, 19 Dec 2006
Very good layout, very good photos and very good text. The stats on the right hand side also add important information. The resorts are written by people who've been there - it shows. It won't fit in your pocket - I have one that does and it's rubbish. Many years of knowhow by people in the know. Highly recommended !!
great snowboarders guide, 14 Dec 2006
What a great resource this book is for beginners and experienced showboarders alike. It's packed with all the information you need to know, some that you don't (but might make you laugh), tips and suggestions, maps, graphs and easy to read ratings of facilities. Chuck in some great stories from some of the big names and some great photography and it's a pretty much indispensable guide to all the resorts you thought you knew, but will now know much better, and to all the resorts you never knew even existed, but can now visit with confidence.
Great Snowboarding Guide, 28 Nov 2006
Enjoyed Snowboarding the World. Very well laid out with great design. Easy to find all the top snowboarding resorts by region. Pictures are great, with some area maps. Area reviews have all the key information distilled into a brief essense, yet still keeps some inside local knowledge. Now to somehow figure out how to visit all the resort listed!
If "SNOW" is your pasion, then this guide is for YOU!, 28 Nov 2006
This guide is on equal par with its brother in the Footprint series "SURFING EUROPE"
If you like the snow and want to get the low down on what's hot and what's not, how to get there, what to do when you get there, what to expect when you go exploring, reference maps, hundreds of fantastic vibrant pictures, reference to the best accommodation options, weather graphs and statistics, an essencial clubs n pubs guide to each location, the best Internet cafes have been sniffed out for your convienence and even a spot of history thrown amongest the vast aray of easy to desifer bible of Snow!
In my eyes this is the best snow guide to ever hit our shelves!
If you don't own a copy go buy one now! You wont regret it!
If you one of those winter daydreamers who are forever wondering where to be at the right time and to score conditions you can only dream of. Well this is the book for you. It gives you the inside first hand experience that is invaluable to a traveller's itinerary plan. You know what location will suit you before you start booking.
If you are one of those people who insist on knowing what to expect before you get to your destination. Then this guide will open your eyes to all the secrets before you have left the comfort of your front room.
If you have no idea where you want to spend your winter holiday and you wanted to shred some of the most beautiful mountain ranges this planet has to offer, you would use this book as your reference to research all of your avenues! From one end of the earth to the other, they have it covered!
From my own personal experience:
They wrote about my local ski fields in NZ and basically hit the nail on the head with their descriptions, advice, culture, conditions and stories. I would say that it seems consistent through the entire guide.
To back up my review I have just bought 5 copies to pass onto my friends and family as an ideal Christmas gift.
Happy shopping
Peace
Chris Kirkham (NZ)
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Customer Reviews
A must for every serious skier, 17 Sep 2008
This is a very well written, well documented, no nonsense book which was recommended to me initially by UK French Alps specialist PeakRetreats.co.uk as they use it themselves. It does not have details of as many resorts as other books but the ones it covers are well researched.
Fantastic guide not just for experts, 11 Apr 2007
Great guide that's useful for practical information as well as fun just to read. The fun formatt with lost of great photos, to the point fact boxes and casual text style make it not just a guide book but also a great read. Excellent for researching new destinations you haven't been to yet. As a beginner I was very happy to see that all levels of snowboarders are catered for in the guide. Highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in snowboarding!
Global guide, 19 Dec 2006
Very good layout, very good photos and very good text. The stats on the right hand side also add important information. The resorts are written by people who've been there - it shows. It won't fit in your pocket - I have one that does and it's rubbish. Many years of knowhow by people in the know. Highly recommended !!
great snowboarders guide, 14 Dec 2006
What a great resource this book is for beginners and experienced showboarders alike. It's packed with all the information you need to know, some that you don't (but might make you laugh), tips and suggestions, maps, graphs and easy to read ratings of facilities. Chuck in some great stories from some of the big names and some great photography and it's a pretty much indispensable guide to all the resorts you thought you knew, but will now know much better, and to all the resorts you never knew even existed, but can now visit with confidence.
Great Snowboarding Guide, 28 Nov 2006
Enjoyed Snowboarding the World. Very well laid out with great design. Easy to find all the top snowboarding resorts by region. Pictures are great, with some area maps. Area reviews have all the key information distilled into a brief essense, yet still keeps some inside local knowledge. Now to somehow figure out how to visit all the resort listed!
If "SNOW" is your pasion, then this guide is for YOU!, 28 Nov 2006
This guide is on equal par with its brother in the Footprint series "SURFING EUROPE"
If you like the snow and want to get the low down on what's hot and what's not, how to get there, what to do when you get there, what to expect when you go exploring, reference maps, hundreds of fantastic vibrant pictures, reference to the best accommodation options, weather graphs and statistics, an essencial clubs n pubs guide to each location, the best Internet cafes have been sniffed out for your convienence and even a spot of history thrown amongest the vast aray of easy to desifer bible of Snow!
In my eyes this is the best snow guide to ever hit our shelves!
If you don't own a copy go buy one now! You wont regret it!
If you one of those winter daydreamers who are forever wondering where to be at the right time and to score conditions you can only dream of. Well this is the book for you. It gives you the inside first hand experience that is invaluable to a traveller's itinerary plan. You know what location will suit you before you start booking.
If you are one of those people who insist on knowing what to expect before you get to your destination. Then this guide will open your eyes to all the secrets before you have left the comfort of your front room.
If you have no idea where you want to spend your winter holiday and you wanted to shred some of the most beautiful mountain ranges this planet has to offer, you would use this book as your reference to research all of your avenues! From one end of the earth to the other, they have it covered!
From my own personal experience:
They wrote about my local ski fields in NZ and basically hit the nail on the head with their descriptions, advice, culture, conditions and stories. I would say that it seems consistent through the entire guide.
To back up my review I have just bought 5 copies to pass onto my friends and family as an ideal Christmas gift.
Happy shopping
Peace
Chris Kirkham (NZ)
A valuable addition to your snowsports knowledge, 05 Mar 2007
Great read. A very informative book and a must for anyone from complete newcomers to either sport to seasoned riders/skiers looking to improve their workouts and exercise routines for maximum impact on their snowboarding or skiing. Just as it says in the blurb above: flexibility, endurance, strength, balance and plyometric training are all introduced to the reader, and expanded upon to include examples as to why each of these is important in both sports. Exercises are demonstrated by use of extensive, step-by-step photos, with information on muscles worked etc., as well as suggestions to increase effectiveness as you progress.
The book seems to have a slight snowboard-dominant slant in terms of the balance exercises involved, though this may just be because I am a snowboarder rather than a skier and have therefore read it in that way. Just as a note - if you are just starting out snowboarding and looking at this book to get fit as you learn, it would go great with Kevin Ryan's "The Illustrated Guide to Snowboarding". I read this book before I started riding 6 years ago and it was extremely useful (it doesn't focus on fitness as such but is an essential learning aid).
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Customer Reviews
A must for every serious skier, 17 Sep 2008
This is a very well written, well documented, no nonsense book which was recommended to me initially by UK French Alps specialist PeakRetreats.co.uk as they use it themselves. It does not have details of as many resorts as other books but the ones it covers are well researched.
Fantastic guide not just for experts, 11 Apr 2007
Great guide that's useful for practical information as well as fun just to read. The fun formatt with lost of great photos, to the point fact boxes and casual text style make it not just a guide book but also a great read. Excellent for researching new destinations you haven't been to yet. As a beginner I was very happy to see that all levels of snowboarders are catered for in the guide. Highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in snowboarding!
Global guide, 19 Dec 2006
Very good layout, very good photos and very good text. The stats on the right hand side also add important information. The resorts are written by people who've been there - it shows. It won't fit in your pocket - I have one that does and it's rubbish. Many years of knowhow by people in the know. Highly recommended !!
great snowboarders guide, 14 Dec 2006
What a great resource this book is for beginners and experienced showboarders alike. It's packed with all the information you need to know, some that you don't (but might make you laugh), tips and suggestions, maps, graphs and easy to read ratings of facilities. Chuck in some great stories from some of the big names and some great photography and it's a pretty much indispensable guide to all the resorts you thought you knew, but will now know much better, and to all the resorts you never knew even existed, but can now visit with confidence.
Great Snowboarding Guide, 28 Nov 2006
Enjoyed Snowboarding the World. Very well laid out with great design. Easy to find all the top snowboarding resorts by region. Pictures are great, with some area maps. Area reviews have all the key information distilled into a brief essense, yet still keeps some inside local knowledge. Now to somehow figure out how to visit all the resort listed!
If "SNOW" is your pasion, then this guide is for YOU!, 28 Nov 2006
This guide is on equal par with its brother in the Footprint series "SURFING EUROPE"
If you like the snow and want to get the low down on what's hot and what's not, how to get there, what to do when you get there, what to expect when you go exploring, reference maps, hundreds of fantastic vibrant pictures, reference to the best accommodation options, weather graphs and statistics, an essencial clubs n pubs guide to each location, the best Internet cafes have been sniffed out for your convienence and even a spot of history thrown amongest the vast aray of easy to desifer bible of Snow!
In my eyes this is the best snow guide to ever hit our shelves!
If you don't own a copy go buy one now! You wont regret it!
If you one of those winter daydreamers who are forever wondering where to be at the right time and to score conditions you can only dream of. Well this is the book for you. It gives you the inside first hand experience that is invaluable to a traveller's itinerary plan. You know what location will suit you before you start booking.
If you are one of those people who insist on knowing what to expect before you get to your destination. Then this guide will open your eyes to all the secrets before you have left the comfort of your front room.
If you have no idea where you want to spend your winter holiday and you wanted to shred some of the most beautiful mountain ranges this planet has to offer, you would use this book as your reference to research all of your avenues! From one end of the earth to the other, they have it covered!
From my own personal experience:
They wrote about my local ski fields in NZ and basically hit the nail on the head with their descriptions, advice, culture, conditions and stories. I would say that it seems consistent through the entire guide.
To back up my review I have just bought 5 copies to pass onto my friends and family as an ideal Christmas gift.
Happy shopping
Peace
Chris Kirkham (NZ)
A valuable addition to your snowsports knowledge, 05 Mar 2007
Great read. A very informative book and a must for anyone from complete newcomers to either sport to seasoned riders/skiers looking to improve their workouts and exercise routines for maximum impact on their snowboarding or skiing. Just as it says in the blurb above: flexibility, endurance, strength, balance and plyometric training are all introduced to the reader, and expanded upon to include examples as to why each of these is important in both sports. Exercises are demonstrated by use of extensive, step-by-step photos, with information on muscles worked etc., as well as suggestions to increase effectiveness as you progress.
The book seems to have a slight snowboard-dominant slant in terms of the balance exercises involved, though this may just be because I am a snowboarder rather than a skier and have therefore read it in that way. Just as a note - if you are just starting out snowboarding and looking at this book to get fit as you learn, it would go great with Kevin Ryan's "The Illustrated Guide to Snowboarding". I read this book before I started riding 6 years ago and it was extremely useful (it doesn't focus on fitness as such but is an essential learning aid).
Encore, 23 Jan 2007
Whether this is your first or 4th Randall read I urge you to don your hat and goggles and race to your nearest bookstore. If the image of Randall in a canoe or on a donkey wasn t enough then one of him trying to impress finely tuned youngsters on the mountains of Mont St Bernard are enough to wake the silent carraige on the train ( as somewhat embarrasingly happended to me!) Russians, wine, close encounters, late nights and typically random Randall stumbles make this another witty and honest portrayal of la vie dans les Alpes de nos jours. Any critisism ? 288 pages too short. Roll on the next one
Another A+, Sir., 21 Jan 2007
It is a fact widely accepted by friends and family that although I am an enthusiastic starter, willing to give everything a go, it is with less zeal that I finish anything...("Where are you heading with this I hear you cry?")...that is until I read this book...(See I always get there in the end). In fact the end came rather too quickly for my liking. I couldn't put the book down. Indeed this has happened with all of Will Randall's books. This latest offering is no less warm than those based in sunnier climes and just as insightful and entertaining. In fact Will Randall's "Oh go on then, why not?" attitude to life and the challenges it presents in all his books, has inspired me to moved to a country where I don't speak the language and see if I too can have some funny adventures- for those of you interested, there have been several to date!
Anyway back to the point. I heartily recommend this book. It will leave you warmer than a couple of pints of vin chaud and itching to get your skis on!
I want to go skiing now!, 16 Jan 2007
I enjoyed this book. Anyone who likes Bill Bryson and has been anywhere near the slopes will love this. its full of stories of boozy nights, random Russians and skiing misadventures. its not as personal as some of his others- you just get the sense that he had the time of his life and he was lucky enough about being able to write about it- but he does a good englishman abroad.
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Where to Ski and Snowboard 2008
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Chris (ed) GillDave (ed) Watts;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £14.23
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Customer Reviews
A must for every serious skier, 17 Sep 2008
This is a very well written, well documented, no nonsense book which was recommended to me initially by UK French Alps specialist PeakRetreats.co.uk as they use it themselves. It does not have details of as many resorts as other books but the ones it covers are well researched.
Fantastic guide not just for experts, 11 Apr 2007
Great guide that's useful for practical information as well as fun just to read. The fun formatt with lost of great photos, to the point fact boxes and casual text style make it not just a guide book but also a great read. Excellent for researching new destinations you haven't been to yet. As a beginner I was very happy to see that all levels of snowboarders are catered for in the guide. Highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in snowboarding!
Global guide, 19 Dec 2006
Very good layout, very good photos and very good text. The stats on the right hand side also add important information. The resorts are written by people who've been there - it shows. It won't fit in your pocket - I have one that does and it's rubbish. Many years of knowhow by people in the know. Highly recommended !!
great snowboarders guide, 14 Dec 2006
What a great resource this book is for beginners and experienced showboarders alike. It's packed with all the information you need to know, some that you don't (but might make you laugh), tips and suggestions, maps, graphs and easy to read ratings of facilities. Chuck in some great stories from some of the big names and some great photography and it's a pretty much indispensable guide to all the resorts you thought you knew, but will now know much better, and to all the resorts you never knew even existed, but can now visit with confidence.
Great Snowboarding Guide, 28 Nov 2006
Enjoyed Snowboarding the World. Very well laid out with great design. Easy to find all the top snowboarding resorts by region. Pictures are great, with some area maps. Area reviews have all the key information distilled into a brief essense, yet still keeps some inside local knowledge. Now to somehow figure out how to visit all the resort listed!
If "SNOW" is your pasion, then this guide is for YOU!, 28 Nov 2006
This guide is on equal par with its brother in the Footprint series "SURFING EUROPE"
If you like the snow and want to get the low down on what's hot and what's not, how to get there, what to do when you get there, what to expect when you go exploring, reference maps, hundreds of fantastic vibrant pictures, reference to the best accommodation options, weather graphs and statistics, an essencial clubs n pubs guide to each location, the best Internet cafes have been sniffed out for your convienence and even a spot of history thrown amongest the vast aray of easy to desifer bible of Snow!
In my eyes this is the best snow guide to ever hit our shelves!
If you don't own a copy go buy one now! You wont regret it!
If you one of those winter daydreamers who are forever wondering where to be at the right time and to score conditions you can only dream of. Well this is the book for you. It gives you the inside first hand experience that is invaluable to a traveller's itinerary plan. You know what location will suit you before you start booking.
If you are one of those people who insist on knowing what to expect before you get to your destination. Then this guide will open your eyes to all the secrets before you have left the comfort of your front room.
If you have no idea where you want to spend your winter holiday and you wanted to shred some of the most beautiful mountain ranges this planet has to offer, you would use this book as your reference to research all of your avenues! From one end of the earth to the other, they have it covered!
From my own personal experience:
They wrote about my local ski fields in NZ and basically hit the nail on the head with their descriptions, advice, culture, conditions and stories. I would say that it seems consistent through the entire guide.
To back up my review I have just bought 5 copies to pass onto my friends and family as an ideal Christmas gift.
Happy shopping
Peace
Chris Kirkham (NZ)
A valuable addition to your snowsports knowledge, 05 Mar 2007
Great read. A very informative book and a must for anyone from complete newcomers to either sport to seasoned riders/skiers looking to improve their workouts and exercise routines for maximum impact on their snowboarding or skiing. Just as it says in the blurb above: flexibility, endurance, strength, balance and plyometric training are all introduced to the reader, and expanded upon to include examples as to why each of these is important in both sports. Exercises are demonstrated by use of extensive, step-by-step photos, with information on muscles worked etc., as well as suggestions to increase effectiveness as you progress.
The book seems to have a slight snowboard-dominant slant in terms of the balance exercises involved, though this may just be because I am a snowboarder rather than a skier and have therefore read it in that way. Just as a note - if you are just starting out snowboarding and looking at this book to get fit as you learn, it would go great with Kevin Ryan's "The Illustrated Guide to Snowboarding". I read this book before I started riding 6 years ago and it was extremely useful (it doesn't focus on fitness as such but is an essential learning aid).
Encore, 23 Jan 2007
Whether this is your first or 4th Randall read I urge you to don your hat and goggles and race to your nearest bookstore. If the image of Randall in a canoe or on a donkey wasn t enough then one of him trying to impress finely tuned youngsters on the mountains of Mont St Bernard are enough to wake the silent carraige on the train ( as somewhat embarrasingly happended to me!) Russians, wine, close encounters, late nights and typically random Randall stumbles make this another witty and honest portrayal of la vie dans les Alpes de nos jours. Any critisism ? 288 pages too short. Roll on the next one
Another A+, Sir., 21 Jan 2007
It is a fact widely accepted by friends and family that although I am an enthusiastic starter, willing to give everything a go, it is with less zeal that I finish anything...("Where are you heading with this I hear you cry?")...that is until I read this book...(See I always get there in the end). In fact the end came rather too quickly for my liking. I couldn't put the book down. Indeed this has happened with all of Will Randall's books. This latest offering is no less warm than those based in sunnier climes and just as insightful and entertaining. In fact Will Randall's "Oh go on then, why not?" attitude to life and the challenges it presents in all his books, has inspired me to moved to a country where I don't speak the language and see if I too can have some funny adventures- for those of you interested, there have been several to date!
Anyway back to the point. I heartily recommend this book. It will leave you warmer than a couple of pints of vin chaud and itching to get your skis on!
I want to go skiing now!, 16 Jan 2007
I enjoyed this book. Anyone who likes Bill Bryson and has been anywhere near the slopes will love this. its full of stories of boozy nights, random Russians and skiing misadventures. its not as personal as some of his others- you just get the sense that he had the time of his life and he was lucky enough about being able to write about it- but he does a good englishman abroad.
pocket sized 3d map, 12 Jan 2008
A handy sized pocket sized map of the 3 valleys showing exactly where the ski runs lay in the different valleys and lifts etc. And its waterproof except the little booklet that comes with it.
One thing to note is this map and the accompanying booklet are 2 years out of date 2005/06 season.
Hence 4 stars only.
Would recommend, 09 Jan 2008
I bought one of these before my first trip to the 3-valleys. Really useful for all the reasons you would expect. Easier to find where you are, where you want to go etc. Much tougher than a paper map, but you would expect at least that given the extra cost.
If you've been to the resort before, then I don't really think this will be that useful, but for first-timers it made navigation much less of a drag.
Got to be seen to be believed...., 28 Jan 2006
You know when you look at a piste map and sometimes you cant tell if the run is going up or down. Well with the help of 3D maps not only can you tell where the run is going but also the lay out off the whole Valley. The maps are waterproof and don't turn to mush in your pocket. Easy to pull out and to fold back. These maps just rock. If you are off to the alps get one of these it is well worth it.
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Customer Reviews
A must for every serious skier, 17 Sep 2008
This is a very well written, well documented, no nonsense book which was recommended to me initially by UK French Alps specialist PeakRetreats.co.uk as they use it themselves. It does not have details of as many resorts as other books but the ones it covers are well researched. Fantastic guide not just for experts, 11 Apr 2007
Great guide that's useful for practical information as well as fun just to read. The fun formatt with lost of great photos, to the point fact boxes and casual text style make it not just a guide book but also a great read. Excellent for researching new destinations you haven't been to yet. As a beginner I was very happy to see that all levels of snowboarders are catered for in the guide. Highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in snowboarding! Global guide, 19 Dec 2006
Very good layout, very good photos and very good text. The stats on the right hand side also add important information. The resorts are written by people who've been there - it shows. It won't fit in your pocket - I have one that does and it's rubbish. Many years of knowhow by people in the know. Highly recommended !! great snowboarders guide, 14 Dec 2006
What a great resource this book is for beginners and experienced showboarders alike. It's packed with all the information you need to know, some that you don't (but might make you laugh), tips and suggestions, maps, graphs and easy to read ratings of facilities. Chuck in some great stories from some of the big names and some great photography and it's a pretty much indispensable guide to all the resorts you thought you knew, but will now know much better, and to all the resorts you never knew even existed, but can now visit with confidence. Great Snowboarding Guide, 28 Nov 2006
Enjoyed Snowboarding the World. Very well laid out with great design. Easy to find all the top snowboarding resorts by region. Pictures are great, with some area maps. Area reviews have all the key information distilled into a brief essense, yet still keeps some inside local knowledge. Now to somehow figure out how to visit all the resort listed! If "SNOW" is your pasion, then this guide is for YOU!, 28 Nov 2006
This guide is on equal par with its brother in the Footprint series "SURFING EUROPE"
If you like the snow and want to get the low down on what's hot and what's not, how to get there, what to do when you get there, what to expect when you go exploring, reference maps, hundreds of fantastic vibrant pictures, reference to the best accommodation options, weather graphs and statistics, an essencial clubs n pubs guide to each location, the best Internet cafes have been sniffed out for your convienence and even a spot of history thrown amongest the vast aray of easy to desifer bible of Snow!
In my eyes this is the best snow guide to ever hit our shelves!
If you don't own a copy go buy one now! You wont regret it!
If you one of those winter daydreamers who are forever wondering where to be at the right time and to score conditions you can only dream of. Well this is the book for you. It gives you the inside first hand experience that is invaluable to a traveller's itinerary plan. You know what location will suit you before you start booking.
If you are one of those people who insist on knowing what to expect before you get to your destination. Then this guide will open your eyes to all the secrets before you have left the comfort of your front room.
If you have no idea where you want to spend your winter holiday and you wanted to shred some of the most beautiful mountain ranges this planet has to offer, you would use this book as your reference to research all of your avenues! From one end of the earth to the other, they have it covered!
From my own personal experience:
They wrote about my local ski fields in NZ and basically hit the nail on the head with their descriptions, advice, culture, conditions and stories. I would say that it seems consistent through the entire guide.
To back up my review I have just bought 5 copies to pass onto my friends and family as an ideal Christmas gift.
Happy shopping
Peace
Chris Kirkham (NZ) A valuable addition to your snowsports knowledge, 05 Mar 2007
Great read. A very informative book and a must for anyone from complete newcomers to either sport to seasoned riders/skiers looking to improve their workouts and exercise routines for maximum impact on their snowboarding or skiing. Just as it says in the blurb above: flexibility, endurance, strength, balance and plyometric training are all introduced to the reader, and expanded upon to include examples as to why each of these is important in both sports. Exercises are demonstrated by use of extensive, step-by-step photos, with information on muscles worked etc., as well as suggestions to increase effectiveness as you progress.
The book seems to have a slight snowboard-dominant slant in terms of the balance exercises involved, though this may just be because I am a snowboarder rather than a skier and have therefore read it in that way. Just as a note - if you are just starting out snowboarding and looking at this book to get fit as you learn, it would go great with Kevin Ryan's "The Illustrated Guide to Snowboarding". I read this book before I started riding 6 years ago and it was extremely useful (it doesn't focus on fitness as such but is an essential learning aid).
Encore, 23 Jan 2007
Whether this is your first or 4th Randall read I urge you to don your hat and goggles and race to your nearest bookstore. If the image of Randall in a canoe or on a donkey wasn t enough then one of him trying to impress finely tuned youngsters on the mountains of Mont St Bernard are enough to wake the silent carraige on the train ( as somewhat embarrasingly happended to me!) Russians, wine, close encounters, late nights and typically random Randall stumbles make this another witty and honest portrayal of la vie dans les Alpes de nos jours. Any critisism ? 288 pages too short. Roll on the next one Another A+, Sir., 21 Jan 2007
It is a fact widely accepted by friends and family that although I am an enthusiastic starter, willing to give everything a go, it is with less zeal that I finish anything...("Where are you heading with this I hear you cry?")...that is until I read this book...(See I always get there in the end). In fact the end came rather too quickly for my liking. I couldn't put the book down. Indeed this has happened with all of Will Randall's books. This latest offering is no less warm than those based in sunnier climes and just as insightful and entertaining. In fact Will Randall's "Oh go on then, why not?" attitude to life and the challenges it presents in all his books, has inspired me to moved to a country where I don't speak the language and see if I too can have some funny adventures- for those of you interested, there have been several to date!
Anyway back to the point. I heartily recommend this book. It will leave you warmer than a couple of pints of vin chaud and itching to get your skis on! I want to go skiing now!, 16 Jan 2007
I enjoyed this book. Anyone who likes Bill Bryson and has been anywhere near the slopes will love this. its full of stories of boozy nights, random Russians and skiing misadventures. its not as personal as some of his others- you just get the sense that he had the time of his life and he was lucky enough about being able to write about it- but he does a good englishman abroad. pocket sized 3d map, 12 Jan 2008
A handy sized pocket sized map of the 3 valleys showing exactly where the ski runs lay in the different valleys and lifts etc. And its waterproof except the little booklet that comes with it.
One thing to note is this map and the accompanying booklet are 2 years out of date 2005/06 season.
Hence 4 stars only.
Would recommend, 09 Jan 2008
I bought one of these before my first trip to the 3-valleys. Really useful for all the reasons you would expect. Easier to find where you are, where you want to go etc. Much tougher than a paper map, but you would expect at least that given the extra cost.
If you've been to the resort before, then I don't really think this will be that useful, but for first-timers it made navigation much less of a drag. Got to be seen to be believed...., 28 Jan 2006
You know when you look at a piste map and sometimes you cant tell if the run is going up or down. Well with the help of 3D maps not only can you tell where the run is going but also the lay out off the whole Valley. The maps are waterproof and don't turn to mush in your pocket. Easy to pull out and to fold back. These maps just rock. If you are off to the alps get one of these it is well worth it. First-Rate Alpine Ski guidebook, 17 Oct 2005
Alpine Ski Montaineering contains excellent information, maps, and photos in a sensible format - flexible plastic covers, which goes into your rucksack. Of course, you do need local maps for detailed navigation, but this book pulls together the plan for the day and provides an overview. The route descriptions are not overlong, but this helps keep the size of the book down. I have skied some of this terrain, and look forward to more. I really look forward the the volume which covers the far East, from Innsbruck on past Grossglockner.
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Customer Reviews
A must for every serious skier, 17 Sep 2008
This is a very well written, well documented, no nonsense book which was recommended to me initially by UK French Alps specialist PeakRetreats.co.uk as they use it themselves. It does not have details of as many resorts as other books but the ones it covers are well researched. Fantastic guide not just for experts, 11 Apr 2007
Great guide that's useful for practical information as well as fun just to read. The fun formatt with lost of great photos, to the point fact boxes and casual text style make it not just a guide book but also a great read. Excellent for researching new destinations you haven't been to yet. As a beginner I was very happy to see that all levels of snowboarders are catered for in the guide. Highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in snowboarding! Global guide, 19 Dec 2006
Very good layout, very good photos and very good text. The stats on the right hand side also add important information. The resorts are written by people who've been there - it shows. It won't fit in your pocket - I have one that does and it's rubbish. Many years of knowhow by people in the know. Highly recommended !! great snowboarders guide, 14 Dec 2006
What a great resource this book is for beginners and experienced showboarders alike. It's packed with all the information you need to know, some that you don't (but might make you laugh), tips and suggestions, maps, graphs and easy to read ratings of facilities. Chuck in some great stories from some of the big names and some great photography and it's a pretty much indispensable guide to all the resorts you thought you knew, but will now know much better, and to all the resorts you never knew even existed, but can now visit with confidence. Great Snowboarding Guide, 28 Nov 2006
Enjoyed Snowboarding the World. Very well laid out with great design. Easy to find all the top snowboarding resorts by region. Pictures are great, with some area maps. Area reviews have all the key information distilled into a brief essense, yet still keeps some inside local knowledge. Now to somehow figure out how to visit all the resort listed! If "SNOW" is your pasion, then this guide is for YOU!, 28 Nov 2006
This guide is on equal par with its brother in the Footprint series "SURFING EUROPE"
If you like the snow and want to get the low down on what's hot and what's not, how to get there, what to do when you get there, what to expect when you go exploring, reference maps, hundreds of fantastic vibrant pictures, reference to the best accommodation options, weather graphs and statistics, an essencial clubs n pubs guide to each location, the best Internet cafes have been sniffed out for your convienence and even a spot of history thrown amongest the vast aray of easy to desifer bible of Snow!
In my eyes this is the best snow guide to ever hit our shelves!
If you don't own a copy go buy one now! You wont regret it!
If you one of those winter daydreamers who are forever wondering where to be at the right time and to score conditions you can only dream of. Well this is the book for you. It gives you the inside first hand experience that is invaluable to a traveller's itinerary plan. You know what location will suit you before you start booking.
If you are one of those people who insist on knowing what to expect before you get to your destination. Then this guide will open your eyes to all the secrets before you have left the comfort of your front room.
If you have no idea where you want to spend your winter holiday and you wanted to shred some of the most beautiful mountain ranges this planet has to offer, you would use this book as your reference to research all of your avenues! From one end of the earth to the other, they have it covered!
From my own personal experience:
They wrote about my local ski fields in NZ and basically hit the nail on the head with their descriptions, advice, culture, conditions and stories. I would say that it seems consistent through the entire guide.
To back up my review I have just bought 5 copies to pass onto my friends and family as an ideal Christmas gift.
Happy shopping
Peace
Chris Kirkham (NZ) A valuable addition to your snowsports knowledge, 05 Mar 2007
Great read. A very informative book and a must for anyone from complete newcomers to either sport to seasoned riders/skiers looking to improve their workouts and exercise routines for maximum impact on their snowboarding or skiing. Just as it says in the blurb above: flexibility, endurance, strength, balance and plyometric training are all introduced to the reader, and expanded upon to include examples as to why each of these is important in both sports. Exercises are demonstrated by use of extensive, step-by-step photos, with information on muscles worked etc., as well as suggestions to increase effectiveness as you progress.
The book seems to have a slight snowboard-dominant slant in terms of the balance exercises involved, though this may just be because I am a snowboarder rather than a skier and have therefore read it in that way. Just as a note - if you are just starting out snowboarding and looking at this book to get fit as you learn, it would go great with Kevin Ryan's "The Illustrated Guide to Snowboarding". I read this book before I started riding 6 years ago and it was extremely useful (it doesn't focus on fitness as such but is an essential learning aid).
Encore, 23 Jan 2007
Whether this is your first or 4th Randall read I urge you to don your hat and goggles and race to your nearest bookstore. If the image of Randall in a canoe or on a donkey wasn t enough then one of him trying to impress finely tuned youngsters on the mountains of Mont St Bernard are enough to wake the silent carraige on the train ( as somewhat embarrasingly happended to me!) Russians, wine, close encounters, late nights and typically random Randall stumbles make this another witty and honest portrayal of la vie dans les Alpes de nos jours. Any critisism ? 288 pages too short. Roll on the next one Another A+, Sir., 21 Jan 2007
It is a fact widely accepted by friends and family that although I am an enthusiastic starter, willing to give everything a go, it is with less zeal that I finish anything...("Where are you heading with this I hear you cry?")...that is until I read this book...(See I always get there in the end). In fact the end came rather too quickly for my liking. I couldn't put the book down. Indeed this has happened with all of Will Randall's books. This latest offering is no less warm than those based in sunnier climes and just as insightful and entertaining. In fact Will Randall's "Oh go on then, why not?" attitude to life and the challenges it presents in all his books, has inspired me to moved to a country where I don't speak the language and see if I too can have some funny adventures- for those of you interested, there have been several to date!
Anyway back to the point. I heartily recommend this book. It will leave you warmer than a couple of pints of vin chaud and itching to get your skis on! I want to go skiing now!, 16 Jan 2007
I enjoyed this book. Anyone who likes Bill Bryson and has been anywhere near the slopes will love this. its full of stories of boozy nights, random Russians and skiing misadventures. its not as personal as some of his others- you just get the sense that he had the time of his life and he was lucky enough about being able to write about it- but he does a good englishman abroad. pocket sized 3d map, 12 Jan 2008
A handy sized pocket sized map of the 3 valleys showing exactly where the ski runs lay in the different valleys and lifts etc. And its waterproof except the little booklet that comes with it.
One thing to note is this map and the accompanying booklet are 2 years out of date 2005/06 season.
Hence 4 stars only.
Would recommend, 09 Jan 2008
I bought one of these before my first trip to the 3-valleys. Really useful for all the reasons you would expect. Easier to find where you are, where you want to go etc. Much tougher than a paper map, but you would expect at least that given the extra cost.
If you've been to the resort before, then I don't really think this will be that useful, but for first-timers it made navigation much less of a drag. Got to be seen to be believed...., 28 Jan 2006
You know when you look at a piste map and sometimes you cant tell if the run is going up or down. Well with the help of 3D maps not only can you tell where the run is going but also the lay out off the whole Valley. The maps are waterproof and don't turn to mush in your pocket. Easy to pull out and to fold back. These maps just rock. If you are off to the alps get one of these it is well worth it. First-Rate Alpine Ski guidebook, 17 Oct 2005
Alpine Ski Montaineering contains excellent information, maps, and photos in a sensible format - flexible plastic covers, which goes into your rucksack. Of course, you do need local maps for detailed navigation, but this book pulls together the plan for the day and provides an overview. The route descriptions are not overlong, but this helps keep the size of the book down. I have skied some of this terrain, and look forward to more. I really look forward the the volume which covers the far East, from Innsbruck on past Grossglockner.
Mad Dog skiing..., 08 Mar 2007
this guide is indispensible on the mountain as it gives you great day trip itineraries - takes the stress out of planning a route, or the boredom of just doing the same old slopes. Also has really great info on where to eat lunch so that you don't get a crappy deal in some self-service place. very very useful, i highly recommend it as an essential piece of kit for your holiday.
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Customer Reviews
A must for every serious skier, 17 Sep 2008
This is a very well written, well documented, no nonsense book which was recommended to me initially by UK French Alps specialist PeakRetreats.co.uk as they use it themselves. It does not have details of as many resorts as other books but the ones it covers are well researched. Fantastic guide not just for experts, 11 Apr 2007
Great guide that's useful for practical information as well as fun just to read. The fun formatt with lost of great photos, to the point fact boxes and casual text style make it not just a guide book but also a great read. Excellent for researching new destinations you haven't been to yet. As a beginner I was very happy to see that all levels of snowboarders are catered for in the guide. Highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in snowboarding! Global guide, 19 Dec 2006
Very good layout, very good photos and very good text. The stats on the right hand side also add important information. The resorts are written by people who've been there - it shows. It won't fit in your pocket - I have one that does and it's rubbish. Many years of knowhow by people in the know. Highly recommended !! great snowboarders guide, 14 Dec 2006
What a great resource this book is for beginners and experienced showboarders alike. It's packed with all the information you need to know, some that you don't (but might make you laugh), tips and suggestions, maps, graphs and easy to read ratings of facilities. Chuck in some great stories from some of the big names and some great photography and it's a pretty much indispensable guide to all the resorts you thought you knew, but will now know much better, and to all the resorts you never knew even existed, but can now visit with confidence. Great Snowboarding Guide, 28 Nov 2006
Enjoyed Snowboarding the World. Very well laid out with great design. Easy to find all the top snowboarding resorts by region. Pictures are great, with some area maps. Area reviews have all the key information distilled into a brief essense, yet still keeps some inside local knowledge. Now to somehow figure out how to visit all the resort listed! If "SNOW" is your pasion, then this guide is for YOU!, 28 Nov 2006
This guide is on equal par with its brother in the Footprint series "SURFING EUROPE"
If you like the snow and want to get the low down on what's hot and what's not, how to get there, what to do when you get there, what to expect when you go exploring, reference maps, hundreds of fantastic vibrant pictures, reference to the best accommodation options, weather graphs and statistics, an essencial clubs n pubs guide to each location, the best Internet cafes have been sniffed out for your convienence and even a spot of history thrown amongest the vast aray of easy to desifer bible of Snow!
In my eyes this is the best snow guide to ever hit our shelves!
If you don't own a copy go buy one now! You wont regret it!
If you one of those winter daydreamers who are forever wondering where to be at the right time and to score conditions you can only dream of. Well this is the book for you. It gives you the inside first hand experience that is invaluable to a traveller's itinerary plan. You know what location will suit you before you start booking.
If you are one of those people who insist on knowing what to expect before you get to your destination. Then this guide will open your eyes to all the secrets before you have left the comfort of your front room.
If you have no idea where you want to spend your winter holiday and you wanted to shred some of the most beautiful mountain ranges this planet has to offer, you would use this book as your reference to research all of your avenues! From one end of the earth to the other, they have it covered!
From my own personal experience:
They wrote about my local ski fields in NZ and basically hit the nail on the head with their descriptions, advice, culture, conditions and stories. I would say that it seems consistent through the entire guide.
To back up my review I have just bought 5 copies to pass onto my friends and family as an ideal Christmas gift.
Happy shopping
Peace
Chris Kirkham (NZ) A valuable addition to your snowsports knowledge, 05 Mar 2007
Great read. A very informative book and a must for anyone from complete newcomers to either sport to seasoned riders/skiers looking to improve their workouts and exercise routines for maximum impact on their snowboarding or skiing. Just as it says in the blurb above: flexibility, endurance, strength, balance and plyometric training are all introduced to the reader, and expanded upon to include examples as to why each of these is important in both sports. Exercises are demonstrated by use of extensive, step-by-step photos, with information on muscles worked etc., as well as suggestions to increase effectiveness as you progress.
The book seems to have a slight snowboard-dominant slant in terms of the balance exercises involved, though this may just be because I am a snowboarder rather than a skier and have therefore read it in that way. Just as a note - if you are just starting out snowboarding and looking at this book to get fit as you learn, it would go great with Kevin Ryan's "The Illustrated Guide to Snowboarding". I read this book before I started riding 6 years ago and it was extremely useful (it doesn't focus on fitness as such but is an essential learning aid).
Encore, 23 Jan 2007
Whether this is your first or 4th Randall read I urge you to don your hat and goggles and race to your nearest bookstore. If the image of Randall in a canoe or on a donkey wasn t enough then one of him trying to impress finely tuned youngsters on the mountains of Mont St Bernard are enough to wake the silent carraige on the train ( as somewhat embarrasingly happended to me!) Russians, wine, close encounters, late nights and typically random Randall stumbles make this another witty and honest portrayal of la vie dans les Alpes de nos jours. Any critisism ? 288 pages too short. Roll on the next one Another A+, Sir., 21 Jan 2007
It is a fact widely accepted by friends and family that although I am an enthusiastic starter, willing to give everything a go, it is with less zeal that I finish anything...("Where are you heading with this I hear you cry?")...that is until I read this book...(See I always get there in the end). In fact the end came rather too quickly for my liking. I couldn't put the book down. Indeed this has happened with all of Will Randall's books. This latest offering is no less warm than those based in sunnier climes and just as insightful and entertaining. In fact Will Randall's "Oh go on then, why not?" attitude to life and the challenges it presents in all his books, has inspired me to moved to a country where I don't speak the language and see if I too can have some funny adventures- for those of you interested, there have been several to date!
Anyway back to the point. I heartily recommend this book. It will leave you warmer than a couple of pints of vin chaud and itching to get your skis on! I want to go skiing now!, 16 Jan 2007
I enjoyed this book. Anyone who likes Bill Bryson and has been anywhere near the slopes will love this. its full of stories of boozy nights, random Russians and skiing misadventures. its not as personal as some of his others- you just get the sense that he had the time of his life and he was lucky enough about being able to write about it- but he does a good englishman abroad. pocket sized 3d map, 12 Jan 2008
A handy sized pocket sized map of the 3 valleys showing exactly where the ski runs lay in the different valleys and lifts etc. And its waterproof except the little booklet that comes with it.
One thing to note is this map and the accompanying booklet are 2 years out of date 2005/06 season.
Hence 4 stars only.
Would recommend, 09 Jan 2008
I bought one of these before my first trip to the 3-valleys. Really useful for all the reasons you would expect. Easier to find where you are, where you want to go etc. Much tougher than a paper map, but you would expect at least that given the extra cost.
If you've been to the resort before, then I don't really think this will be that useful, but for first-timers it made navigation much less of a drag. Got to be seen to be believed...., 28 Jan 2006
You know when you look at a piste map and sometimes you cant tell if the run is going up or down. Well with the help of 3D maps not only can you tell where the run is going but also the lay out off the whole Valley. The maps are waterproof and don't turn to mush in your pocket. Easy to pull out and to fold back. These maps just rock. If you are off to the alps get one of these it is well worth it. First-Rate Alpine Ski guidebook, 17 Oct 2005
Alpine Ski Montaineering contains excellent information, maps, and photos in a sensible format - flexible plastic covers, which goes into your rucksack. Of course, you do need local maps for detailed navigation, but this book pulls together the plan for the day and provides an overview. The route descriptions are not overlong, but this helps keep the size of the book down. I have skied some of this terrain, and look forward to more. I really look forward the the volume which covers the far East, from Innsbruck on past Grossglockner.
Mad Dog skiing..., 08 Mar 2007
this guide is indispensible on the mountain as it gives you great day trip itineraries - takes the stress out of planning a route, or the boredom of just doing the same old slopes. Also has really great info on where to eat lunch so that you don't get a crappy deal in some self-service place. very very useful, i highly recommend it as an essential piece of kit for your holiday.
All you need to read, 28 Oct 2003
An excellent book this. This is the sort of book (like Tom Patey's One Mans Mountains), that, after you read it, you are immediately fired with enthusiasm and want to go to the places you have just read about. This (Scottish Ski Mountaineering) is a subject with few books - Malcolm Slessers "Scottish Mountains on Ski" is good, although a bit dated re equipment. And out of print! But Donnie Bennets book , like all his writing is first class. (Just as an aside, the late V A Firsoff also wrote extensively on S-M, his "On Ski in the Cairngorms" being particularly good) Even if you never don a pair of touring skis, any outdoorsman worthy of the name will enjoy reading this - and the pics are first class. Buy it!
A must for any ski mountaineer in Scotland, 25 Nov 1999
A guide to many of the best routes for ski mountaineers in Scotland and a wonderful source of inspiration. But beware that the photos give a false sense of likely snow cover and weather - the author once told me that it took him some 20 years to gather the photos he used to illustrate a slide show with the same title. My only critisism is the section on equipment which suggests that nordic skis are not really suitable for many of these tours - completely wrong and contradicted by some of the photos (eg Ray Simpson telemarking in Tailors Burn, Ben MacDhuie).
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Customer Reviews
A must for every serious skier, 17 Sep 2008
This is a very well written, well documented, no nonsense book which was recommended to me initially by UK French Alps specialist PeakRetreats.co.uk as they use it themselves. It does not have details of as many resorts as other books but the ones it covers are well researched. Fantastic guide not just for experts, 11 Apr 2007
Great guide that's useful for practical information as well as fun just to read. The fun formatt with lost of great photos, to the point fact boxes and casual text style make it not just a guide book but also a great read. Excellent for researching new destinations you haven't been to yet. As a beginner I was very happy to see that all levels of snowboarders are catered for in the guide. Highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in snowboarding! Global guide, 19 Dec 2006
Very good layout, very good photos and very good text. The stats on the right hand side also add important information. The resorts are written by people who've been there - it shows. It won't fit in your pocket - I have one that does and it's rubbish. Many years of knowhow by people in the know. Highly recommended !! great snowboarders guide, 14 Dec 2006
What a great resource this book is for beginners and experienced showboarders alike. It's packed with all the information you need to know, some that you don't (but might make you laugh), tips and suggestions, maps, graphs and easy to read ratings of facilities. Chuck in some great stories from some of the big names and some great photography and it's a pretty much indispensable guide to all the resorts you thought you knew, but will now know much better, and to all the resorts you never knew even existed, but can now visit with confidence. Great Snowboarding Guide, 28 Nov 2006
Enjoyed Snowboarding the World. Very well laid out with great design. Easy to find all the top snowboarding resorts by region. Pictures are great, with some area maps. Area reviews have all the key information distilled into a brief essense, yet still keeps some inside local knowledge. Now to somehow figure out how to visit all the resort listed! If "SNOW" is your pasion, then this guide is for YOU!, 28 Nov 2006
This guide is on equal par with its brother in the Footprint series "SURFING EUROPE"
If you like the snow and want to get the low down on what's hot and what's not, how to get there, what to do when you get there, what to expect when you go exploring, reference maps, hundreds of fantastic vibrant pictures, reference to the best accommodation options, weather graphs and statistics, an essencial clubs n pubs guide to each location, the best Internet cafes have been sniffed out for your convienence and even a spot of history thrown amongest the vast aray of easy to desifer bible of Snow!
In my eyes this is the best snow guide to ever hit our shelves!
If you don't own a copy go buy one now! You wont regret it!
If you one of those winter daydreamers who are forever wondering where to be at the right time and to score conditions you can only dream of. Well this is the book for you. It gives you the inside first hand experience that is invaluable to a traveller's itinerary plan. You know what location will suit you before you start booking.
If you are one of those people who insist on knowing what to expect before you get to your destination. Then this guide will open your eyes to all the secrets before you have left the comfort of your front room.
If you have no idea where you want to spend your winter holiday and you wanted to shred some of the most beautiful mountain ranges this planet has to offer, you would use this book as your reference to research all of your avenues! From one end of the earth to the other, they have it covered!
From my own personal experience:
They wrote about my local ski fields in NZ and basically hit the nail on the head with their descriptions, advice, culture, conditions and stories. I would say that it seems consistent through the entire guide.
To back up my review I have just bought 5 copies to pass onto my friends and family as an ideal Christmas gift.
Happy shopping
Peace
Chris Kirkham (NZ) A valuable addition to your snowsports knowledge, 05 Mar 2007
Great read. A very informative book and a must for anyone from complete newcomers to either sport to seasoned riders/skiers looking to improve their workouts and exercise routines for maximum impact on their snowboarding or skiing. Just as it says in the blurb above: flexibility, endurance, strength, balance and plyometric training are all introduced to the reader, and expanded upon to include examples as to why each of these is important in both sports. Exercises are demonstrated by use of extensive, step-by-step photos, with information on muscles worked etc., as well as suggestions to increase effectiveness as you progress.
The book seems to have a slight snowboard-dominant slant in terms of the balance exercises involved, though this may just be because I am a snowboarder rather than a skier and have therefore read it in that way. Just as a note - if you are just starting out snowboarding and looking at this book to get fit as you learn, it would go great with Kevin Ryan's "The Illustrated Guide to Snowboarding". I read this book before I started riding 6 years ago and it was extremely useful (it doesn't focus on fitness as such but is an essential learning aid).
Encore, 23 Jan 2007
Whether this is your first or 4th Randall read I urge you to don your hat and goggles and race to your nearest bookstore. If the image of Randall in a canoe or on a donkey wasn t enough then one of him trying to impress finely tuned youngsters on the mountains of Mont St Bernard are enough to wake the silent carraige on the train ( as somewhat embarrasingly happended to me!) Russians, wine, close encounters, late nights and typically random Randall stumbles make this another witty and honest portrayal of la vie dans les Alpes de nos jours. Any critisism ? 288 pages too short. Roll on the next one Another A+, Sir., 21 Jan 2007
It is a fact widely accepted by friends and family that although I am an enthusiastic starter, willing to give everything a go, it is with less zeal that I finish anything...("Where are you heading with this I hear you cry?")...that is until I read this book...(See I always get there in the end). In fact the end came rather too quickly for my liking. I couldn't put the book down. Indeed this has happened with all of Will Randall's books. This latest offering is no less warm than those based in sunnier climes and just as insightful and entertaining. In fact Will Randall's "Oh go on then, why not?" attitude to life and the challenges it presents in all his books, has inspired me to moved to a country where I don't speak the language and see if I too can have some funny adventures- for those of you interested, there have been several to date!
Anyway back to the point. I heartily recommend this book. It will leave you warmer than a couple of pints of vin chaud and itching to get your skis on! I want to go skiing now!, 16 Jan 2007
I enjoyed this book. Anyone who likes Bill Bryson and has been anywhere near the slopes will love this. its full of stories of boozy nights, random Russians and skiing misadventures. its not as personal as some of his others- you just get the sense that he had the time of his life and he was lucky enough about being able to write about it- but he does a good englishman abroad. pocket sized 3d map, 12 Jan 2008
A handy sized pocket sized map of the 3 valleys showing exactly where the ski runs lay in the different valleys and lifts etc. And its waterproof except the little booklet that comes with it.
One thing to note is this map and the accompanying booklet are 2 years out of date 2005/06 season.
Hence 4 stars only.
Would recommend, 09 Jan 2008
I bought one of these before my first trip to the 3-valleys. Really useful for all the reasons you would expect. Easier to find where you are, where you want to go etc. Much tougher than a paper map, but you would expect at least that given the extra cost.
If you've been to the resort before, then I don't really think this will be that useful, but for first-timers it made navigation much less of a drag. Got to be seen to be believed...., 28 Jan 2006
You know when you look at a piste map and sometimes you cant tell if the run is going up or down. Well with the help of 3D maps not only can you tell where the run is going but also the lay out off the whole Valley. The maps are waterproof and don't turn to mush in your pocket. Easy to pull out and to fold back. These maps just rock. If you are off to the alps get one of these it is well worth it. First-Rate Alpine Ski guidebook, 17 Oct 2005
Alpine Ski Montaineering contains excellent information, maps, and photos in a sensible format - flexible plastic covers, which goes into your rucksack. Of course, you do need local maps for detailed navigation, but this book pulls together the plan for the day and provides an overview. The route descriptions are not overlong, but this helps keep the size of the book down. I have skied some of this terrain, and look forward to more. I really look forward the the volume which covers the far East, from Innsbruck on past Grossglockner.
Mad Dog skiing..., 08 Mar 2007
this guide is indispensible on the mountain as it gives you great day trip itineraries - takes the stress out of planning a route, or the boredom of just doing the same old slopes. Also has really great info on where to eat lunch so that you don't get a crappy deal in some self-service place. very very useful, i highly recommend it as an essential piece of kit for your holiday.
All you need to read, 28 Oct 2003
An excellent book this. This is the sort of book (like Tom Patey's One Mans Mountains), that, after you read it, you are immediately fired with enthusiasm and want to go to the places you have just read about. This (Scottish Ski Mountaineering) is a subject with few books - Malcolm Slessers "Scottish Mountains on Ski" is good, although a bit dated re equipment. And out of print! But Donnie Bennets book , like all his writing is first class. (Just as an aside, the late V A Firsoff also wrote extensively on S-M, his "On Ski in the Cairngorms" being particularly good) Even if you never don a pair of touring skis, any outdoorsman worthy of the name will enjoy reading this - and the pics are first class. Buy it!
A must for any ski mountaineer in Scotland, 25 Nov 1999
A guide to many of the best routes for ski mountaineers in Scotland and a wonderful source of inspiration. But beware that the photos give a false sense of likely snow cover and weather - the author once told me that it took him some 20 years to gather the photos he used to illustrate a slide show with the same title. My only critisism is the section on equipment which suggests that nordic skis are not really suitable for many of these tours - completely wrong and contradicted by some of the photos (eg Ray Simpson telemarking in Tailors Burn, Ben MacDhuie).
150 glorious years in 250 pages, 20 Jan 2007
This is a masterly compilation of the AC's 150-year history, told through the achievements of its illustrious members and others, particularly in the two 'golden ages' of Alpine-style mountaineering. The first, in the mid 19th century, was epitomised by Whymper, Stephen, Mummery and others, who hired the best local Guides and make the best use of them, eventually climbing as unassisted Amateurs. Between the Wars, Shipton, Tilman and others explored the greater ranges, unsupported, for months on end. The second age has been since WWII, with landmark ascents of the 8,000 metre peaks, first Annapurna, then Everest and Kangchenjunga, the only one to be first climbed by Britons (Band himself, with Joe Brown). A new generation of British Alpinists such as Bonington, Boardman & Tasker, Fowler and Venables have continued the tradition, while finding new ways to expand the boundaries of the possible.
George Band's book is meticulously researched, beautifully illustrated, and well-written, by a man now well into his 70s. After being called up as the youngest member of John Hunt's 1953 team, he got to know and climb with many of the world's finest Alpinists, and his personal experience shines through the text. Inevitably, stirring stories have been edited for space - Herzog's Annapurna epic gets only one page - but the book achieves a good editorial balance, and is refreshingly free from jargon. Among many rarely-seen illustrations is a charming study of Hunt in conversation with Geoffrey Winthrop Young.
There's the odd slip - Reinhold Messner is variously categorised as West German (p155) or Austrian (p192), whereas he was born in the South Tyrol, part of Italy. Otherwise, the book delighted me, as I am sure it will thousands of 'armchair mountaineers', not to mention those whose names grace its pages.
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