50 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits in California: Mount Shasta to Mount Whitney [Paperback]

Paul Richins Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1999

50 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits in California offers some of the finest ski and snowboard descents in California, ranging over a 550-mile span from the Cascade Range in the north to the Sierra Nevada in the south. Grouped into nine geographical regions, these summits represent the best of the best-from well-known destinations to more remote areas to a sampling of the highest peaks. Historical anecdotes about each region round out the guide for an entertaining and informative read.

Trips range from a half day to seven days, and while all can be completed on either snowboard or skis, the author makes specific recommendations for the best snowboard descents. Each trip description includes a complete narrative of the ascent and descent plus information on trip highlights, trip duration, level of difficulty, mileage, elevation gain, and access. The appendix includes a list of California's highest peaks.

This is the most complete information available in one volume, featuring the widest selection of premier ski mountaineering and snowboard routes in California. With 70 b&w photos and 60 maps.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Jam-packed with superb black-and-white photos and uncluttered maps, this book is a great choice for those visiting the area with limited time." --Back Country Magazine

About the Author

Paul Richins has a long and impressive resume as a hiker, climber, and ski mountaineer; he maintains the Backcountry Resource Center [online]. He is the author of 50 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits in California, Mount Whitney: The Complete Trailhead-to-Summit Hiking Guide, Best Short Hikes in California's Southern Sierra, and Trekking California. He lives in the Sierra Nevada foothills east of Sacramento, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898866561
• ISBN-13: 978-0898866568
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #805,512 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Snowboarding
  • #48 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Skiing > Cross-Country
  • #77 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Nature Travel > Adventure > Skiing

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for the backcountry enthusiast, January 22, 2000

By 

"thechemman" - See all my reviews

This review is from: 50 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits in California: Mount Shasta to Mount Whitney (Paperback)

If you are planning a winter/spring backcountry trip and want accurate, detailed information on routes, terrain, and level of difficulty for some of the best skiing/snowboarding terrain in California than this is the perfect book. The book is well organized, clearly written and beautifully illustrated. Everytime I pick up the book I find myself mentally planning new trips and plotting descent routes on the photographs. An added plus to the book is the wealth of information that it contains on preparing for a backcountry experience. The author covers everything from avalanche danger to equipment to bring on an extended trip. He even includes an excellent website for those who want more information. There always is a question in my mind when I read any backcountry guide about the accuracy of the information. Who wants to set out on a trip only to find out that the route maps or the descriptions don't match the terrain? The author is someone with extensive backcountry experience who has done each of the 50 trips described in the book at least once. We all sould be so lucky! Having taken two trips with the author that are detailed in the book, I can say that he did an excellent job of describing the routes and the terrain. If you are someone who is looking for backcountry ski/snowbaording adventure, this book will make your trip planning a whole lot easier. Enjoy

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 50 Classic backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits, January 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: 50 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits in California: Mount Shasta to Mount Whitney (Paperback)

Having recently purchased Paul Richins book, ³50 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits in California,² I was very impressed. Like all books published by ³The Mountaineers,² it is nothing but First Class in every way. Mr. Richins has gone out of his way to provide the rest of us with a gem which will lead one to enjoy the fantastic world of the winter Sierra.

Even if one is nothing more than an arm chair cross country skier they would find this book highly enjoyable and enlightening reading. For the more adventuresome person, Mr. Richins book would be their ultimate guide to a world of adventure. The pictures, the writing, the maps are all five star. The little extras that Mr. Richins has added throughout the book, such as writings of John Muir, and others, adds the spice to this delightful book.

Mr. Richins, since he has obviously researched, personally , all 50 of the peaks listed in his guide, has been able to make a very reliable summary of each peak, from Intermediate, Advance, to Expert. This would easily allow me to select a challenge within my ability and, along with the excellent guide of the book, make winter trips I would have never thought possible.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 50 Classic Ski and Snowboard Summits in California: Mount Sh, December 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: 50 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits in California: Mount Shasta to Mount Whitney (Paperback)

The most comprehensive guide available for anyone interested in skiing the best of the California peaks. This book will seduce the timid into a world of adventure and outdoor recreation previously thought to be for the "Big Boys" only. The experienced skier and snowboarder will appreciate the breadth of information available in one source. You'll scrunch this one into your backpack along with your topo map. Mr. Richins' writing style flows easily. His excitement for the subject will capture your outdoor spirit. His vast experience will give you the confidence and trust you need in a guide (and this guide will fit in your backpack).