Volken&';s new book Backcountry Skiing (with co-authors Scott Schell and Margaret Wheeler) is indeed a magnum opus. Not only is this one of the most current backcountry skiing how-tos I&';ve ever seen, but it covers an amazing gamut of information...[an example is] chapter 2 "Decision-Making in Avalanche Terrain." Again, an incredibly detailed effort that could easily be used as a text book for outdoor education...[or] chapter 4, "Uphill Movement," which again gets incredibly detailed. If you&';re new to the game, I&';d say this chapter alone makes the book worth the price...If you can&';t learn something from this book, you&';re either brain dead or terminally arrogant. Highly recommended. Good gift for a backcountry skier or alpinist of any ability level."--Lou Dawson "WildSnow.com " --This text refers to the paperback edition.