Synopses & Reviews
Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Dieand#151;the 10th book in the popular Fifty Places seriesand#151;takes readers to some of the worldand#8217;s most inspiring skiing/snowboarding destinations: the Chugach Mountains (Alaska); Aspen, Crested Butte, and Steamboat Springs (Colorado); Tuckerman Ravine (New Hampshire); Rusutsu (Japan); Chamonix (France); Portillo (Chile); and Whistler Blackcomb (British Columbia). Based on interviews with leading experts, the book chronicles the rich history of these sports and the people who have mastered them, including Tommy Moe, Jonny Moseley, Billy Kidd, and Greg Harms. Above all, Santella provides readers with the gorgeous scenery, the glamorous ambiance, and the always thrilling experience of visiting mountains from the Alps to the Rockies, whether itand#8217;s aprand#232;s-ski in Cortina or helicopter rides into virgin Alaskan powder.
Praise for Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die
and#147;Even the reader who gets no farther than the couch can feel transported to the snow-covered peaks, mogul fields, and sparkling expanses sculpted by the bookand#8217;s avalanche of quirky nuggets, insider tips, and historical perspectives . . . After writing nine other Fifty Places guides, author Chris Santella has the drill down.and#8221;and#160; and#151;Reuters.com
and#147;Whether youand#8217;re an expert looking to hit the double diamond moguls or a beginner who wants a gentle slope just in case stopping is an issue, these spots have a little something for everyone.and#8221; and#151;The Daily Beast
and#147;For powderhounds, Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die by Chris Santellaand#160;($25) looks at snow sports destinations around the world.and#8221; and#151;Associated Press
Review
andldquo;A delightful ramble along the stream of fishing history.andrdquo;
Synopsis
Amateur or expert, every angler dreams of landing "the big one," but that's only part of the appeal of fly fishing. Because even when hours pass without a bite, nothing beats the rugged beauty of the surroundings. For both armchair travelers and avid outdoorsmen who may have already started a checklist of their own, Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die maps out the meccas of the fly-fishing world.
Through in-depth interviews with the sport's acknowledged gurus, author Chris Santella goes beyond standard guides to convey the very essence of the recommended locations. Readers can vicariously cast mouse patterns to fifty-pound taimen in the wilds of Mongolia, wrangle with wily permit off the Florida Keys, and match the hatch on Montana's Armstrong's Spring Creek. Jardines de la Reina, Cuba (tarpon), the Zhupanova River, Kamchatka (rainbow trout), and the Rio Negro, Brazil (peacock bass) are also included.
The essays include a cultural and natural history of each site, along with colorful anecdotes based on the author's and authorities' experiences. With breathtakingly beautiful photos of the spots, many by celebrated fly-fishing photographer R. Valentine Atkinson, the book also provides adventurous anglers with enough travel-and-tackle information so that they, too, can start planning excursions to go fish around the globe.
Synopsis
The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies recounts the history of a sport that dates back 2,000 years, focusing on milestone flies from the first feathered hook to contemporary patterns using cutting-edge materials. Among the countless fly patterns created over the centuries, these 50 have been carefully chosen to represent the development not only of the flies themselves, but also of fly-fishing techniquesandmdash;and of rods, lines, and reels. These iconic flies also chart the spread of this addictive sport from its modern origins on the chalk streams of southern England and the rivers of Scotland to the U.S., Europe, South America, Australia, and now to every country in the world. Filled with profiles of the key characters involved, tying tips, photographs and illustrations of the flies, and detailed explanations of the techniques used to fish them, The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies is a fascinating companion to the evolution of this fascinating sport.
Synopsis
In
Fifty Places to Paddle Before You Die, the newest addition to the Fifty Places series, Chris Santella explores the best destinations for the diverse sport of paddling. The book features the worldandrsquo;s top spots for kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Destinations include the Grand Canyon, Alaskaandrsquo;s Kenai Peninsula, Baja California, Indonesiaandrsquo;s Komodo Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula, as recommended by paddling experts. Compelling travelogues are complemented by beautiful and vibrant photographs of the locations and travel tips to help readers experience the destinations for themselves.
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About the Author
Chris Santella is a freelance writer and marketing consultant based in Portland, Oregon. A frequent contributor to the New York Times, he is the author of 15 books, including the Fifty Places series from Stewart, Tabori and Chang. Two of his fly fishing booksandmdash;Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die and Fifty More Places to Fly Fish Before You Dieandmdash;are being developed for a TV series that will air on the World Fishing Network.