The Essential Guide to Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing in the United States,
by Charles Cook, Henry Holt and Company, Inc., New York, NY, 1997, ISBN: 0805041133.
The bulk of this guide is just that, a guide to the more popular by areas commonly
available by state. However, the first portion of the book contains a wealth of
information on everything connected with cold weather recreation. The author covers the
usual fundamentals of equipment for both sports as well as how to dress, safety in the
woods and on the winter roads, winter camping and even a few words on visual pollution by
wearing "loud" colored apparel.
Since this guide covers 38 states, most of which one would suspect, however, the author
lists areas in states with marginal snow as well as areas in places one would not normally
associate with winter sports such as the Great Plains and Arizona to name a few. The
listings are primarily areas with designated, marked and groomed trails. Easily accessible
back country areas with designated but not maintained areas are included. His listings are
necessarily limited in each state for the obvious reason of space and, as the author
notes, "those areas that responded to his inquiries for information".
This book would make an excellent companion to someone who travels (with skies or
snowshoes) and wants to find places to practice his or her sport without wasting time
looking for suitable areas. The descriptions are adequate for first time use plus each
area (both public parks and private ski touring centers) has a contact listed for up to
the minute information.
Reviewed by Pete Senterman, January 1998
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