From coffee table photo books to a ski snack cookbook to a gripping new backcountry survival story, these are the best new books to give a skier.
It’s hard shopping for skiers during the holiday season. Most dedicated skiers like to choose their own gear, so picking out big-ticket items—like bibs or jackets or skis—for someone else can be challenging. (That’s what Flylow gift cards are for, so don’t forget that’s always an option.) But you can’t really go wrong choosing a thoughtful book that’s geared toward those who love the mountains. We rounded up some of our favorite recently published books—ranging from coffee table art and photos books to a gripping new backcountry survival tale to a cookbook you’ll use daily—that every skier on your list will appreciate.
For the Flylow Fan
We recently came out with our first Flylow coffee table book, a celebration of 20 years of doing business as an independent, homegrown, mountain raised brand. The book, called Homegrown, features stories and adventures from Flylow’s team, origin stories from the founders, and a look back at some of our most classic gear from the last 20 years. For anyone who’s a long-time Flylow loyalist, this book is sure to hit home. ($95; purchase here)
For the Aspiring Photographer
Veteran ski photographer Wade McKoy recently self-published a photo book that covers the last 45 years of his career in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Called The Arc of Skiing Jackson Hole, the 384-page book features over 500 images of some of the best skiers in the Tetons from the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s, and today, starting with Doug Coombs and the Jackson Hole Air Force to next-gen skiers like Kai Jones and Cait Zeliff. ($139; purchase here)
For the Foodie
Writers and skiers Lily Krass Ritter and Max Ritter just came out with their second cookbook, called Ski Snacks. The best part of this cookbook is it’s made by dialed-in skiers who know that you can’t just stuff anything in your pocket for a powder day and expect it to keep its form, so the recipes are portable, packable, and durable enough for your backpack or pocket. Recipes include tasty dishes like chocolate chairlift cookies, energy balls, cinnamon roll flatbreads, chocolate-dipped pocket bacon, and baguette sandwiches inspired by the Alps. ($23; purchase here)
For the Backcountry Skier
The Way Out: A true story of survival in the Heart of the Rockies is a newly published book by Colorado-based journalist and skier Devon O’Neil. It tells the true, disastrous story of a 2017 backcountry hut trip near Leadville, Colorado, that ended in a confounding mystery and tragic loss and deeply impacted many families in the small town of Salida, Colorado. O’Neil has spent four years reporting this story, which comes to life thanks to sources brave enough to finally speak their truth. This is a must-read for any backcountry skier who understands the risks and rewards of venturing beyond. O’Neil is also doing a book tour in Colorado; check out his upcoming events. ($27; purchase here)
For the Adventure Storyteller
Mountain Gazette is one of our favorite outdoor magazines: beautiful, glossy, oversized, and with some of the best imagery and storytelling you’ll find in the outdoor media world. To celebrate 60 years of independent journalism, the magazine is putting out a 500-page hardcover anthology called Print Ain’t Dead that features the writing of Hunter S. Thompson, Edward Abbey, Ingrid Backstrom, Jeremy Jones, and more. You can pre-order the book now, it ships in December. ($45; purchase here)
For the Art Appreciator
Skier and artist Chris Benchetler just debuted his new film, “Mountains of the Moon,” a collaboration with the Grateful Dead, and alongside the film, he also made hardcover art book. The book features images from renowned photographers from the making of the film, like Chris Burkard and Christian Pondella, plus artist’s statements and original artwork from Benchetler, as well as behind-the-scenes insight into how the film was made. ($120; purchase here)