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.