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

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Summary: 50 Classic backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: 50 Classic backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: A must for the backcountry enthusiast
Review: 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

Rating:
Summary: 50 Classic backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits
Review: Mr. Richins book is a veritable treasure-trove of information. From well researched check-lists to clear descriptions of everything from how to get to the trailhead to routes on the peaks; this book covers it all! Mr. Richins love of the Sierra Nevada shines through these pages. He invites his readers to share his love of the winter Sierra and imparts knowledge that makes it possible for expert and novice alike to enjoy these mountains. History of the Sierra Nevada is woven in throughout the book, creating an interestng counterpoint to the climbing routes. A must for the backpack on winter trips in the Sierras! Something to read by headlamp on those long nights in the tent!

Rating:
Summary: Great book on skiing in the backcountry
Review: Mr. Richins book is a veritable treasure-trove of information. From well researched check-lists to clear descriptions of everything from how to get to the trailhead to routes on the peaks; this book covers it all! Mr. Richins love of the Sierra Nevada shines through these pages. He invites his readers to share his love of the winter Sierra and imparts knowledge that makes it possible for expert and novice alike to enjoy these mountains. History of the Sierra Nevada is woven in throughout the book, creating an interestng counterpoint to the climbing routes. A must for the backpack on winter trips in the Sierras! Something to read by headlamp on those long nights in the tent!

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Summary: 6,000, 7,000 and 8,000 foot Ski and Snowboard Descents
Review: Some of the finest skiing and snowboarding can be found in the mountains of California. The temperate winter climate along with the fabulous spring weather and abundant snowfall combine with splendid scenery to provide limitless opportunities for the backcountry traveler. California's conditions are difficult to beat--a deep snow pack, winter powder, and some of the best spring corn snow found anywhere.

Skiing or snowboarding California's backcountry summits is a unique and unforgettable experience providing all-manner of adventure and enjoyment: a skier's paradise stretching nearly the length of the state. From the 14,000 foot glaciated summit of Mount Shasta (in the north) to Mount Whitney (in the south), this unbroken chain of mountains, spanning over 550 miles, offers an endless variety of skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

The skiing and snowboarding season in California extends from November to July. The silky smooth, velvet, corn snow of spring, is perhaps, the best found anywhere in the world. Just as the backcountry ski season in other regions of the U.S. is melting away, California's magnificent spring skiing is at its pinnacle. From well-known destinations to some of California's highest and most remote ski mountaineering peaks, "Fifty Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits" includes descents of six peaks over 14,000 feet and 25 summits over 13,000 feet.

Fifty Classics was written for the intermediate backcountry skier as well as the advanced and expert skier seeking to push to their limits. The guide includes a nice mix of intermediate, advanced and expert ski and snowboard descents. It features single-day trips near the road to remote summits located in some of the most unbelievable terrain imaginable, including wonderful powder summits of winter and exquisite corn snow of spring.

Fifty Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits includes an 8,000+ foot descent of Mount Shasta, perhaps the longest continuous run in California, along with many other descents of 5,000, 6,000 and 7,000 feet. A small sampling of some of the peaks included in the book include: Mount Shasta, Shastina, Lassen Peak, Bloody Mountain, Matterhorn Peak, Mount Lyell, Mount Ritter, Mount Dade, Mount Tom, Mount Humphreys, The Thumb, Mount Goddard, Mount Darwin, North Palisade, Mount Sill, Mount Williamson, Mount Brewer and Mount Whitney.

Hope you enjoy reading the guide and are able to experience the joys of backcountry ski mountaineering in California. You will not be disappointed. Your thoughts and comments on the book are greatly appreciated.

/s/ Paul Richins, Jr.

Rating:
Summary: 50 Classic Ski and Snowboard Summits in California: Mount Sh
Review: 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).