A New Book from Nat Geo for Skiers, Travelers, and Dreamers

100 Slopes of a Lifetime is a new book from National Geographic for skiers, travelers, and dreamers. Featuring ninety-nine alpine and nordic ski destinations from across the globe (Whistler Blackcomb double dips), the book is equal parts travel guide and aspirational life list.

It’s really easy to argue with any sort of “best of” list, especially at this time of year when lists of the year’s best books, music, movies, and so on are being subjectively compiled. And if you’ve skied anywhere in North America, it’s likely that you’ve probably skied at least one of these mountains.

Your opinions may differ from those of author Gordy Megroz. Mine certainly do. But that’s okay because, hey, it’s his list and being a National Geographic book, the photos are spectacular and some of the destinations are both exotic and unexpected.

For example, Mauna Kea Volcano on the island of Hawaii (aka, the Big Island) is included despite state land use rules which recognize the sacred significance of Mauna Kea to native Hawaiians and limit access to the peak. With hundreds of significant archaeological sites on Mauna Kea, skiing — when there is sufficient snow — is available only on highly-restricted terrain. Megroz outlines additional caveats and limitations, and makes no claim to have skied Mauna Kea himself. Still, together we can dream.

More realistic recommendations are also included with ski resorts in nineteen US states and three Canadian provinces making the list. Many of the big, marquee North American resorts are included, although there are some surprises in terms of recommendations for heli-skiing, cat skiing, a smattering of backcountry, and cross-country skiing.

Altogether, mountains in twenty-four countries, plus Antarctica, are listed. And this extensive variety is why the volume will also appeal to travelers and dreamers. I mean truly, who doesn’t want to read about skiing in Kashmir or Greece, for example, when the text is punctuated with gorgeous images?

Divided into four parts — intermediate, advanced, expert, and cross-country — each entry includes brief mountain stats, descriptions, and information on the featured “must try trail.” Again, opinions will differ regarding the suggested runs, but even if you don’t read a single word, the photography will inspire.

One of three books in a series, the other two volumes, 100 Dives of a Lifetime and 100 Hikes of a Lifetime, look equally enjoyable. Still, these books are more than coffee table art. Presented in an easy-to-handle 9″x9″ hardcover volume that opens wide and lays flat, 100 Slopes of a Lifetime will keep you entertained this winter when you’re not skiing, help you plan your future travels, and inspire some dreams.

It may even motivate you to create your own list of the slopes of your lifetime.

Enjoy!

To facilitate this review, I was provided a review copy of 100 Slopes of a Lifetime. All opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends.

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