Best Downhill Skiing Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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Downhill skiing is an exciting and challenging winter sport that requires skill, technique, and a lot of practice. For those who are passionate about skiing, there are many great books available that provide valuable tips, tricks, and advice for improving their skills on the slopes. From beginner's guides to advanced techniques, these books cover everything from selecting the right equipment to mastering the art of carving. They also offer insights into the history and culture of skiing, as well as profiles of some of the sport's most legendary athletes. Whether you're a seasoned skier or just starting out, these books are a must-read for anyone who loves the thrill of downhill skiing.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Stretching: 40th Anniversary Edition Cover #TOP 1
Stretching: 40th Anniversary Edition
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Training for the Uphill Athlete Cover #TOP 2
Training for the Uphill Athlete
ftb score rating icon 9.8
The Stylish Life Cover #TOP 3
The Stylish Life
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Downhill Skiing Books

Anderson, Bob
Anderson, Jean
Shelter Publications
Oct 6, 2020
Stretching: 40th Anniversary Edition Cover
Stretching: 40th Anniversary Edition

The 40th-anniversary edition of "Stretching" is the ultimate guide to improve posture and prevent injuries. With over 3¾ million copies sold worldwide, this book offers stretching routines specific to various groups, including sports enthusiasts, travelers, children, gardeners, and people in wheelchairs. The new section titled "Stretches for the Digital World" is a must-read for those using cell phones and computers. It provides tips for better posture and stretches to do in an office environment. Bob Anderson, the author, has taught millions of people his simple approach to stretching, making this book the most user-friendly on the subject. The book is a bible of the stretching gospel, and it's a must-have for anyone looking to stay fit and healthy.

Training for the Uphill Athlete

House, Steve
Johnston, Scott
Jornet, Kilian
Patagonia
Mar 12, 2019
Training for the Uphill Athlete Cover
Training for the Uphill Athlete: A Manual for Mountain Runners and Ski Mountaineers

The book "Training for the Uphill Athlete" presents a rigorous and individualized approach to training and coaching for mountain sport endurance athletes and coaches. Written by Steve House, Scott Johnston, and Kilian Jornet, the book translates theory into methodology, providing scientifically backed and athlete-tested wisdom for distance running, ski mountaineering, skimo, and skyrunning. The book features a mix of theory, application, and experiential essays, making it accessible for beginners and competitive athletes alike. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone serious about uphill training and offers a unique perspective on endurance sports in the mountains.

Breton, Gabrielle le
Teneues
Sep 15, 2015
The Stylish Life Cover
The Stylish Life: Skiing

The Stylish Life: Skiing by Gabriella le Breton is a stunning book that takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the history of skiing. It covers everything from the sport's origins in China and Scandinavia to its evolution into a fiercely competitive spectator sport and aspirational lifestyle. With beautiful photography and insightful commentary, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves skiing or is interested in the culture and history surrounding the sport. Overall, The Stylish Life: Skiing is a unique and impressive addition to any coffee table or bookshelf.

Powder: The Greatest Ski Runs

Thorne, Patrick
Quercus
Oct 7, 2014
Powder: The Greatest Ski Runs Cover
Powder: The Greatest Ski Runs on the Planet

Powder: The Greatest Ski Runs on the Planet is a visually stunning guide to the most impressive, thrilling, and scenic ski runs around the world. It includes classic runs in popular destinations like Chamonix, Whistler, and Jackson Hole, as well as offbeat and exotic locations such as the Himalayas, the Atlas Mountains, and Antarctica. Written by Patrick 'Snowhunter' Thorne, a ski expert who has skied every skiable location on the planet, Powder is the ultimate bucket list for any snowsports enthusiast. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves skiing and snowboarding and wants to experience the most breathtaking runs the world has to offer.

#TOP 5

Ultimate Skiing

LeMaster, Ron
Human Kinetics
Oct 13, 2009

The Ultimate Skiing book by Ron LeMaster is a comprehensive manual on ski technique that takes you beyond The Skier's Edge. LeMaster's insights and techniques are based on his years of experience as an instructor, coach, and ski technique expert. The book covers everything from the basics of skiing to advanced techniques for maneuvering through the steepest slopes, monster mogul fields, and deep powder. With full-color photo montages and 3-D diagrams, the book provides a visual understanding of the correct techniques for every condition and terrain. Overall, Ultimate Skiing is an excellent resource for skiers of all levels looking to improve their skills and take their skiing to the next level.

#TOP 6

I Don't Want To Grow Up

Stillman, Scott
Jan 13, 2021
I Don't Want To Grow Up Cover
I Don't Want To Grow Up: Life, Liberty, and Happiness. Without a Career. (Nature Book Series)

The book "I Don't Want To Grow Up: Life, Liberty, and Happiness. Without a Career." by America's bestselling author is a part memoir, part philosophy, part how-to, and part prayer for a better future. The author offers a glimpse into his childhood and early trials and tribulations with money and success. The book challenges the societal norm of equating happiness with successful careers and encourages readers to embrace their inner dreamers, artists, and life seekers. The author beautifully weaves nature into the narrative, making it a nature book in its essence. This book is a must-read for those who doubt conventional wisdom and continually search for newer, better ways to live.

#TOP 7

Unbound: A Story of Snow and Self-Discovery

Jagger, Steph
Harper Wave
Feb 6, 2018
Unbound: A Story of Snow and Self-Discovery Cover
Unbound: A Story of Snow and Self-Discovery

Unbound: A Story of Snow and Self-Discovery by Steph Jagger is a captivating memoir that follows the author's journey of breaking free from the life she had built and embarking on a year-long adventure to ski four million vertical feet. Through this journey, Jagger discovers her true self, learns how to love, and lives authentically. The book is electrifying, heartfelt, and full of humor. It inspires readers to remove their own restraining devices and pursue the life they are meant to lead. Unbound is a must-read for anyone looking for a wild and reflective memoir about finding oneself.

Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die

Santella, Chris
Hansen, Matt
Stewart, Tabori & Chang
Oct 15, 2013
Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die Cover
Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die: Downhill Experts Share the World's Greatest Destinations

Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die is a must-read for any winter sports enthusiast. The book takes readers on a journey to some of the most breathtaking skiing and snowboarding destinations around the world, including Aspen, Chamonix, and Whistler Blackcomb. Author Chris Santella provides readers with insider tips and historical perspectives from leading experts in the sport. The book is filled with beautiful photography, making it a great coffee table book for any winter sports lover. Overall, Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die is an informative and inspiring read that will leave readers itching to hit the slopes.

#TOP 9

Crazy for the Storm: A Memoir of Survival

Ollestad, Norman
Ecco
May 11, 2010
Crazy for the Storm: A Memoir of Survival Cover
Crazy for the Storm: A Memoir of Survival (P.S.)

Crazy for the Storm: A Memoir of Survival (P.S.) is a captivating memoir of Norman Olstead's survival story at the age of eleven after a plane crash, intertwined with his complicated relationship with his father. The book is a literary masterpiece and a coming-of-age tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The author's writing style is elegant and cinematic, with short, punchy chapters that make it a page-turner. The father-son relationship and the father's life philosophy about surfing and skiing are also highlighted. Overall, Crazy for the Storm is a powerful book that showcases the strength of the human spirit.

#TOP 10

All-Mountain Skier : The Way to Expert Skiing

Elling, R.
International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press
Oct 17, 2002
All-Mountain Skier : The Way to Expert Skiing Cover
All-Mountain Skier : The Way to Expert Skiing

The All-Mountain Skier: The Way to Expert Skiing by R. Mark Elling is a comprehensive guide for skiers who want to master advanced techniques in challenging conditions. Elling, a certified Level III Alpine Instructor and Level II Backcountry Guide, shares his extensive experience and advice in this self-instructional program. The book covers the latest equipment, including shaped skis, boots, bindings, and footbeds, to help readers perform like professionals on any terrain. With tips from other expert skiers and step-by-step instructions, this book is a valuable resource for any skier looking to improve their skills.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is downhill skiing hard to learn?

With proper instruction, learning to ski is not difficult. You can start enjoying the mountain atmosphere, and the whole experience of skiing, just after your first day on the slopes.

2. Is 55 too old to learn to ski?

It's never too late to learn to ski. Lessons are an absolute necessity if you are learning to ski at any age. A professional ski instructor will make learning to ski fun and help you to master the basics and stay safe. You'll enjoy yourself and look forward to a good time on the slopes.

Editor's Notes

During our downhill skiing book research, we found 729 downhill skiing book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,049 customer reviews through our big data system to write the downhill skiing books list. We found that most customers choose downhill skiing books with an average price of $17.96.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.