Free-Heel Skiing: Telemark and Parallel Techniques for All Conditions (Mountaineers Outdoor Expert Series)

Even though its primarily a book on telemark skiing it covers alpine skiing big time. Its last edition is dated 2001 and I only could read the last part of the book on line but it was great reading and well worth the time. Gotta get me a copy for under 12 bucks . Great book. Never heard of this book or author before.

His approach to skiing is very much to my liking. Instead of boosting his ego and ranting on others his focus is on skiing. His explanations are very simple and his consepts very easy to understand. He covers all kind of skiing conditions and terrain. Everything from flat groomers to bumps, crudd, slush, powder and steeps. Constantly refering to the basics in the beginning of the book and giving the reader lots of options not limiting the skier to only one technique. Its a well thaught through manual. This book is what I consider true all mountain technique. But telemark has always been more of an all mountain techniqe since its so closely related to cross country and hiking. Its also always been more athletic. Never seen an park and ride telemarker or one with very arrogant approach. Its more technique oriented than alpine skiing. This might be the reason the book is so good: he speaks to people that listen. People that want to learn and dont want to get hung up on details or nitpicking with no end. He puts lots of focus on upper body and balance. Therefore its as much alpine skiing as it is telemarking. I think every epic member could benefit from this book.

[by tdk6]