Teach Yourself to Ski

I purchased this book in the 70s, after having only skied once (including one lesson), at the recommendation of a ski shop clerk. I replaced the ski instructor with this book, and was literally skiing parallel (wide stance) within four days. I still refer to the book today, because the directions continue all the way up to expert ski racing (a level I haven't attained). With today's great new sidecut skis, maybe it will only take you 3 days. If you learn best by reading directions, this is the book for you. It is very detailed and explicit about exactly what to do. I just wish I could find something similar about snowboarding.