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The 43 Best Skiing Books and Snowboarding Books (Ranked + Reviewed)

Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Molly Egan

best skiing books
best skiing books

If you are a ski or snowboard enthusiast looking for the best skiing books – you will find your new favorite book. This book list includes it all – Olympic legend insights, ski history, backcountry, climate change, alpine skiing, snowboarding experiences, ski culture and adrenaline junkies.

Are you looking for a book for your next book club, coffee table, or ideas for your ski and snowboard enthusiast? This ultimate skiing list is for you!

Crack open a book an envision your snow adventure!

Top Picks for the Best Skiing books:

Read below to run through the best skiing books. If you are looking for other ski gifts then peruse this list of best ski gifts.

Skip ahead to the overall list of best skiing books here.

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1. Powder Days by Heather Hansman

Powder Days is a vivid memoir of a season spent chasing powder across North America. The US ski bum and ski culture insights are comical and spot on!

Her storytelling of alpine skiing makes her book one of the best skiing books. Ideal for those who appreciate the cultural aspects of skiing.

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2. The Man Behind The Maps by James Niehues

The Man Behind The Maps is a stunningly illustrated book showcasing the work of legendary ski map artist James Niehues. Ideal for lovers of downhill skiing, art, and skiing history.

His art is the trail map of all North American ski resorts!

3. Aspen Style by Aerin Lauder

Aspen Style by Aerin Lauder is a visually stunning book that takes readers on a tour of Aspen’s chicest homes and glamorous ski resorts, sure to inspire stylish winter getaways.

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4. Powder: The Greatest Ski Runs on the Planet by Patrick Thorne

A book detailing the best ski runs worldwide, including insider tips and stunning photography. Ideal for those seeking inspiration for their next ski trip.

5. The Ultimate Ski Book: Legends, Resorts, Lifestyle & More by Gabriella Le Breton

A comprehensive guide to skiing, including history, destinations, techniques, and lifestyle tips. Ideal for beginners and experts alike. Transport with this compilation of one of the best skiing books.

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6. Skiing Sun Valley: A History from Union Pacific to the Holdings

A book about the rich history of Sun Valley, Idaho, one of the first ski resorts in the United States. Ideal for those interested in skiing history and American culture. One of the best skiing books covering the history of charming Sun Valley.

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7. DEEP: The Story of Skiing and The Future of Snow by Porter Fox

A book exploring the environmental, economic, and cultural impact of skiing and snowboarding. Ideal for those interested in environmental and social issues related to winter sports.

8. Chasing Epic: The Snowboard Photographs of Jeff Curtes

A collection of stunning photographs showcasing the beauty and thrill of snowboarding. Ideal for snowboarders and photography enthusiasts. Envision mastering snowboarding with these images.

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9. Tracking the Wild Coomba: The Life of Legendary Skier Doug Coombs

A biography of Doug Coombs, one of the most influential skiers ever. Ideal for those interested in skiing history and biographies of famous skiers.

10. The Stylish Life: Skiing by Gabriele Le Bratton

A book about the fashion and lifestyle of skiing, including stunning photographs of famous ski resorts and celebrities. Ideal for those interested in the glamour of skiing culture.

11. Climb to conquer: The untold story of World War II’s 10th mountain division by Peter Shelton

A book about the history of the 10th Mountain Division, a group of elite skiers who fought in World War II. Ideal for those interested in military history and skiing culture. Hands down an essential book of the best skiing books.

12. Picabo: Nothing to Hide

A memoir by Olympic skier Picabo Street detailing her personal and professional struggles and triumphs. Ideal for those interested in personal narratives and ski racing.

13. Shaun White: Airborne

An autobiography by the legendary snowboarder Shaun White detailing his life and career. Ideal for snowboarding fans and those interested in sports biographies.

14. Rise: My Story by Lindsey Vonn

A memoir by Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn detailing her life and career. Ideal for ski racing or ski team fans and those interested in sports biographies.

15. Vintage Skiing: Nostalgic images from the golden age of skiing by Ray Atkeson

A book showcasing vintage photographs of skiing from the early 1900s to the mid-20th century. Ideal for those interested in skiing history and vintage photography.

16. MONTANA: Skiing The Last Best Place

A book about the skiing culture of Montana, including ski history, destinations, and insider tips. Ideal for those interested in skiing in Montana or exploring lesser-known ski destinations.

17. Mountains by Magnum Photographers

A collection of stunning photographs of mountains worldwide, including skiing and snowboarding shots. Ideal for photography enthusiasts.

18. Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth by Jim Steenburgh

This book explains why Utah’s snow is the lightest and driest in the world and gives exciting insights into mountain meteorology. This is an excellent gift for anyone wondering about snow sense and who likes to ski Utah.

19. 100 Slopes of a Lifetime: The World Ultimate Ski and Snowboard Destinations by National Geographic

A guide to the world’s best ski and snowboard destinations that includes insider tips, stunning photos, and exciting stories.

20. Vail, (Colorado): Triumph of a Dream

A fascinating book about the creation and development of Vail, one of the world’s most popular ski resorts.

21. Hunting Powder: A Skier’s Guide to Finding Colorado’s Best Snow by Jordan Lipp

A guidebook to Colorado’s hidden ski gems, including local insights, insider tips, and great photographs.

22. A Colorado Winter by John Fielder

A beautiful coffee table book that showcases Colorado’s winter landscape, including stunning photos of skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports.

23. A History of Skiing in Colorado by Abbott Fey

An informative book that explores the fascinating history of skiing in Colorado and how it shaped the state and the ski industry.

24. Ski Inc. 2020 by Chris Diamond

An insider’s look at the ski industry and how it has changed over the past few decades.

25. Higher Love: Skiing the Seven Summits by Kit DesLauriers

An inspiring memoir about DesLauriers’ journey to ski down the highest mountain on each of the seven continents.

26. (Sick): A Cultural History of Snowboarding

A comprehensive look at the cultural and historical impact of snowboarding, including its evolution from a counterculture movement to a mainstream sport.

27. The Story of Modern Skiing by John Fry

This book Charts the development of skiing as a sport, including the evolution of equipment, technique, and skiing culture.

28. Freedom found: My Life Story by Warren Miller

An entertaining and inspiring memoir from the late Warren Miller, widely regarded as the godfather of ski films.

29. Powder Burn: Arson, Money, and Mystery On Vail Mountain

About a true crime story that explores the arson fire that destroyed Two Elk Lodge at Vail, Colorado, in 1998 and the mystery surrounding the crime.

30. Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die: Downhill Experts Share the World’s Greatest Destinations by Chris Santella

A beautifully illustrated guidebook to the world’s best ski and snowboard destinations, including insider tips and expert recommendations.

31. Alpine Cooking: Recipes and Stories from Europe’s Grand Mountaintops

A fantastic cookbook that celebrates the culinary traditions of the European Alps, including delicious recipes and fascinating stories.

32. Thirty Years in a White Haze: Dan Egan’s Story of Worldwide Adventure and the Evolution of Extreme Skiing

An entertaining memoir that chronicles Dan Egan’s skiing adventures around the world and the evolution of extreme skiing.

33. Bode: Go Fast, Be Good, Have Fun by Bode Miller

A memoir from one of the greatest skiers in American history covering his life on and off the slopes. A full color biography on this Olympic gold medalist.

34. Deer Valley: The Quest for Excellence

A beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of Deer Valley, one of the world’s most luxurious ski resorts.

35. Après All Day: 65+ Cozy Recipes to Share with Family and Friends

A cookbook that celebrates the après-ski tradition with delicious recipes for comfort food, drinks, and desserts.

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36. White Planet: A Mad Dash through Modern Global Ski Culture By Leslie Anthony

A fascinating exploration of the global ski culture, including its history, environmental impact, and future.

37. Deep Powder Snow: Forty-Years of Ecstatic Skiing, Avalanches, and Earth

A captivating story of skiing, avalanche danger, and natural beauty over four decades in Jackson Hole and beyond by lifelong powder seeker and journalist Jackson Hogan. A touch on backcountry skiing.

38. In the Spirit of Aspen

A photographic tribute to the iconic ski resort featuring its history, culture, and lifestyle, with contributions from top athletes, artists, and locals.

39. Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain

A comprehensive guide to understanding and mitigating avalanche hazards, with practical advice and case studies from experts in the field. A must-read for anyone considering backcountry adventures.

40. Inspired: Pursuit of Progress by Kelly Clark

The inspiring story of Kelly Clark, Olympic snowboarding champion, and her journey towards excellence, overcoming obstacles and empowering the next generation of athletes.

41. The Fall Line: How American Ski Racers Conquered a Sport on the Edge

A gripping account of the rise of American ski racing from its humble beginnings to its glory days and the challenges and sacrifices of the athletes who made it possible.

42. Squallywood, A Guide to Squaw Valley’s Most Exposed Lines

A guide and coffee table book meticulously detailing over 150 ski and snowboard lines at Squaw Valley. It’s a comprehensive resource, offering insights, tips, and a visual feast for enthusiasts exploring the challenging terrain of Squaw Valley.

43. The God of Skiing

It is a compelling mix of fantasy and autobiography of legendary Tack Strau set in the 70’s in Jackson. Cleverly shows the skier’s soul, ski culture and many call the greatest ski novel.

The 43 Best Skiing Books

  1. Powder Days by Heather Hansman

  2. The Man Behind The Maps by James Niehues

  3. Aspen Style by Aerin Lauder

  4. Powder; the greatest ski runs on the planet by Patrick Thorne

  5. The Ultimate Ski Book: Legends, Resorts, Lifestyle & More by Gabriella Le Breton

  6. Skiing Sun Valley: A History from Union Pacific to the Holdings

  7. DEEP The Story of Skiing and The Future of Snow by Porter Fox

  8. Chasing Epic: The Snowboard Photographs of Jeff Curtes

  9. Tracking the Wild Coomba: The Life of Legendary Skier Doug Coombs

  10. The Stylish Life: Skiing by Gabriele Le Bratton

  11. Climb to conquer: The untold story of World War II’s 10th mountain division by Peter Shelton

  12. Picabo: Nothing to Hide

  13. Shaun White: Airborne

  14. Rise: My Story by Lindsey Vonn

  15. Vintage Skiing: Nostalgic images from the golden age of skiing by Ray Atkeson

  16. MONTANA: Skiing The Last Best Place

  17. Mountains by Magnum Photographers

  18. Secrets of the greatest snow on earth by Jim Steenburgh

  19. 100 slopes of a lifetime: the world ultimate ski and snowboard destinations by National Geographic

  20. Vail, (Colorado): Triumph of a Dream

  21. Hunting Powder: A Skier’s Guide to Finding Colorado’s Best Snow

  22. A Colorado Winter

  23. A History of Skiing in Colorado by Abbott Fey

  24. Ski Inc. 2020 by Chris Diamond

  25. Higher Love: Skiing the Seven Summitsb by Kit DesLauriers

  26. (Sick): A Cultural History of Snowboarding

  27. The Story of Modern Skiing by John Fry

  28. Freedom found: My Life Story by Warren Miller

  29. Powder Burn: Arson, Money, and Mystery On Vail Mountain

  30. Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die: Downhill Experts Share the World’s Greatest Destinations by Chris Santella

  31. Alpine Cooking: Recipes and Stories from Europe’s Grand Mountaintops

  32. Thirty Years in a White Haze: Dan Egan’s Story of Worldwide Adventure and the Evolution of Extreme Skiing

  33. Bode: Go Fast, be Good, Have Fun by Bode Miller

  34. Deer Valley: The Quest for Excellence

  35. Après All Day: 65+ Cozy Recipes to Share with Family and Friends

  36. White Planet: A Mad Dash through Modern Global Ski Culture By Leslie Anthony

  37. Deep Powder Snow: Forty-Years of Ecstatic Skiing, Avalanches, and Earth Wisdom

  38. In the Spirit of Aspen

  39. Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain

  40. Inspired: Pursuit of Progress by Kelly Clark

  41. The Fall Line: How American Ski Racers Conquered a Sport on the Edge by Nathaniel Vinton

  42. Squallywood, A Guide to Squaw Valley’s Most Exposed Lines by Robb Gaffney
  43. The God of Skiing by Peter Kray

Best Skiing Books Conclusion:

If you are a ski or snowboard enthusiast looking for the best skiing books – you will find your favorite book here.

These books are great for alpine skiing, ski bums, mastering snowboarding, breathtaking slopes, ultimate skiing, ski performance, practical tips, personal insights, or back-country skiing!

You can’t beat the insights of Olympic legends Lindsey Vonn, Bode, Peekaboo Street, and Sean White!!

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