In only six inches of snow, in any place, and at any age, anyone can take part in cross-country skiing. It combines safe, low-impact activity with a complete cardiovascular workout: there is simply no healthier total body conditioner. In this guide Jules Older examines technique, equipment, preparations, safety, and ski touring centres, all in a conversational and entertaining style that emphasises the importance of going at your own pace and enjoying the outdoors.

CLICK HERE to download a sample route from Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Washington Ski and snowboard adventures can be found year-round when you know where to look — start here! * Only Mountaineers Books offers guidebooks for backcountry ski routes in Washington, and this is the newest and best available! *Backcountry skiing is one of the fastest growing winter sports * Written by the authors of the bestselling instructional text on the sport, Backcountry Skiing Washington’s Cascades, Olympics, and Mount Rainier are prime destinations for backcountry ski and snowboard adventure, and no one is better qualified to write this guidebook than Martin Volken and his team at Pro Guiding Service, based in the Cascade foothills. The all-new guidebook includes 80 routes throughout the state — plus one in British Columbia! — Ideal for intermediate to expert skiers or snowboarders. It features routes ranging from accessible day trips suitable for relative beginners to more challenging multiday traverses. It’s a guide to the very best routes available to skiers and boarders throughout the state. Each route includes the following elements: * Starting elevation and high point * Elevation gain and loss * Route distance * Time required * Recommended skill and fitness levels * Best season to ski * Maps and permits info * Driving directions, from nearest major town or junction * Detailed route description * Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes: Washington also includes an introduction by legendary Northwest skier Lowell Skoog.