Take a Look, it’s in a Book

Top 5 Books for Skiers (And the Snowboarder Who’s Just Here for the Good Reads)

So, you’re a skier, huh? Cool, cool. You do that whole “flying down mountains with sticks strapped to your feet” thing while wearing those super stylish one-piece suits or those ridiculous ski goggles. I get it—you’re all about the carving, slalom turns, and trying to beat the gaper gap at the lodge. But here’s the thing: skiing is hard work, and sometimes, after a solid day of shredding the gnar, you need a little downtime to recover. What better way to do that than with a book? Sure, you could just watch ski videos, but hey, snowboarding has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to reading recommendations, and I’m here to share those with you.

So grab a hot cocoa, sit back, and let’s talk about the top 5 books that will elevate your ski game (or at least give you something to do while you’re waiting in line for the lift).

1. “The Ultimate Skiing Handbook” by Rob Boyd

This book is basically your ski bible. If you’ve ever wanted to stop looking like a wobbly penguin and start feeling like a chiseled downhill champion, this book is for you. It’s filled with technique tips, from how to execute the perfect parallel turn to how to make sure you don’t end up in a tree well (because we all know how those can go). And let’s be real—when you’re deep in the woods and you’re doing double blacks that are way too much, you’ll wish you’d read this book before taking on those insane slopes.

This book might be for skiers, but don’t worry, snowboarders—we can still use some of these carving skills to impress the ski crowd.

2. “Downhill Slide: Why the Corporate Ski Industry Is Bad for Skiing” by Hal Clifford

Alright, let’s get a little bit deep. This one is for the skiers who aren’t afraid to question the whole ski industry. You know, the ones who stand in line at the chairlift and think, “Wait, why am I paying $100 for a lift ticket when the slopes aren’t even that great?” This book lays down the cold hard facts about how corporate interests have turned ski resorts into money-making machines, and how it’s impacting the skier’s experience.

Now, I’m not saying you need to become a full-blown eco-warrior, but this book might just give you a fresh perspective the next time you’re hitting the slopes at places like Boyne Highlands, Crystal Mountain, or Nubs Nob in Michigan. As a snowboarder, I’m just here for the ride, but hey, solidarity, am I right?

3. “Snowboarding: Skills, Tricks, and Techniques” by Mike Naylor

Wait, what? A snowboarding book on a list for skiers? Yeah, you heard me. Here’s the thing: snowboarders are masters of style—and let’s face it, sometimes skiers could use a little bit of that swag. This book is packed with sick tricks and techniques that you can totally translate to your skiing game. Want to know how to look smooth while you’re carving up that powder? This book has you covered. You’ll be the skier who looks like they’ve been snowboarding for years (minus the wipeouts). And if you happen to have a snowboarding buddy tagging along, at least you’ll have something to talk about when you take a break at Shanty Creek or Mt. Bohemia.

4. “The Ski and Snowboard Handbook” by Chris Santella

Alright, this one’s for you serious skiers who want to level up. Want to know how to maximize your form and make sure you’re not looking like a newbie out there? This book is for you. It’s got everything: from tips on how to master moguls (seriously, who even likes moguls?) to how to survive rocky terrain without totally eating it. This book doesn’t mess around. If you’re serious about getting that perfect powder turn, you’ll find plenty of tips that even snowboarders will respect. Heck, I’m tempted to read it myself.

5. “The Art of Skiing: The Ultimate Guide to Skiing with Style” by Andy Kilmartin

Okay, so this is the book that’s going to help you look cool on the slopes. We all know that skiing is about performance, but let’s not forget that it’s also about looking good while you do it. This book is your secret weapon to becoming the most stylish skier on the mountain (I mean, next to me, of course, because you know snowboarders do it best). From choosing the perfect gear to how to strike a pose while doing that perfect triple axel (okay, not really, but you get it), this book is basically a how-to for being a total ski icon. And don’t worry, if you’re a snowboarder reading this, there are definitely some style tips we can all steal.

In Conclusion: Time to Hit the Slopes (And the Books)

So there you have it—five books for skiers that’ll help you get better, learn more about the sport, and maybe even give you a few laughs when you think about how much style you can bring to the slopes. And hey, snowboarders, I know you like to think you’re too cool for books, but these reads are worth checking out. The next time you’re chilling at Big Powderhorn, Boyne Mountain, or Caberfae Peaks, grab one of these books and take a little breather. After all, you can only ride so many black diamonds before you need a solid reading session to calm down, right?