Ski Touring in California

This book provides wonderful reading and is excellent in terms of illustrating technique and describing touring locales. This book is a great read when you can't get away to the mountains and will "transport" you there and capture your imagination. When you get on the tour, take the book with you, it has great maps and is a great resource. There are so many wonderful tips stated in such wonderful ways. Beck is awesome!

I sold this book when I worked in a Mountaineering store about 30 years ago. I read it and it became one of my Mountain "Bibles". I still have it.Within a few years the Author and I met and eventually climbed a little together. During a Winter ascent of Mt. Shasta our team got stuck in a "white out" on Bolum Glacier. Dave's abilities saved our butts. I am certain I would not have made it off the peak without his guidance. If you want the flashy guys, there are a ton of them out there these days. Dave is not a braggart like most of the new supposed "extreme" guys.Dave is rather soft spoken and was dynamiting Avalanche slopes before any of the "heroic" extreme guys were born.Dave, his book, and training seminars are the real deal. If you want solid knowledge follow Dave's path. It saved me.I don't know where Beck is now. But, if Dave ever reads this, I'd like to say, "Thanks, Buddy".

Dave Beck pioneered the now-classic High Route across the Sierra backcountry in Sequoia National Park on cross-country skis. He also founded Sierra Ski Touring and is now based in the Southern Tahoe area. His guide book reflects his informal, friendly style and is packed with good advice in the beginning.Each tour is well-described with difficulty (mileage, elevation, etc.) and has easy-to-follow directions. The book also describes what you see on the tour and the tour's special attractions.The book is sadly out of print, but lots of used copies are available. If you find one, I would grab it. After all, the mountains have not changed since he wrote the book!