This book provides a comprehensive look at the snowboarding phenomenon, including its history; techniques and equipment; biographies of the sport's pioneers, athletes, and heroes; key sites and events; and future directions. While snowboarding didn't become a commercial success until the early 1980s, the roots of the modern snowboard go back to at least 1964, when Sherman Poppen invented the "Snurfer" by bolting two skis together and adding a rope for stability. Today snowboarding is one of the most prominent and appealing youth sports. Want proof? Professional snowboarder and two-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White was the highest paid athlete entering the 2010 Winter Olympics with an estimated annual salary of $10 million. The book is a highly accessible and extensive overview of snowboarding, providing an introduction to the sport and lifestyle of snowboarding; a historical timeline of the rapid growth of snowboarding; techniques and equipment used; and a discussion of key places and events, such as Alaska, Winter X Games, and the Winter Olympics.

A guide for both skiers and snowboarders to the slopes and resorts of the US and Canada, covering over 100 destinations from world-class mountains to local gems. There is in-depth coverage of the ski areas, including piste reviews, suggestions for backcountry forays, details of boardparks and tips on avoiding crowds. The guide also provides informative and colourful reviews of the other attractions that make up a ski trip - hotels, restaurants, bars, spas and shopping.