Powder Days

Ski Bums, Ski Towns and the Future of Chasing Snow

De: Heather Hansman

Narrado por: Jennifer Jill Araya

*An Outside Magazine Book Club Pick*

"A sparkling account."—Wall Street Journal

An electrifying adventure into the rich history of skiing and the modern heart of ski-bum culture, from one of America's most preeminent ski journalists

The story of skiing is, in many ways, the story of America itself. Blossoming from the Tenth Mountain Division in World War II, the sport took hold across the country, driven by adventurers seeking the rush of freedom that only cold mountain air could provide. As skiing gained in popularity, mom-and-pop backcountry hills gave way to groomed trails and eventually the megaresorts of today. Along the way, the pioneers and diehards—the ski bums—remained the beating heart of the scene.

Veteran ski journalist and former ski bum Heather Hansman takes readers on an exhilarating journey into the hidden history of American skiing, offering a glimpse into an underexplored subculture from the perspective of a true insider. Hopping from Vermont to Colorado, Montana to West Virginia, Hansman profiles the people who have built their lives around a cold-weather obsession. Along the way she reckons with skiing's problematic elements and investigates how the sport is evolving in the face of the existential threat of climate change.

Ski or politics?

The book was good from the beginning but soon derailed half way in & became a book about politics.

Skiing Woke!!

Umm… good story until it turns to social justice. The author lost me in Section 4 after what was an interesting read about ski towns, ski bums and spending her quality years after college doing something she loves. Couldn’t it just be about that? Why does social justice find itself in literally everything - it’s painful and I can’t believe people aren’t sick of it. What a waste of a story.

good memoir

I liked this because I love skiing. Not sure if it is the most representative memoir, but she does try hard to touch on weather Darth Vail, and other big issues.

Interesting concept turned sob story

The first few sections are engaging and well written. I cannot stress this enough.. the rest of the book is a sob story about how the author had to grow up instead of acting like a child the rest of her life. Boohoo

I listen to this every ski season

Honestly, This story is like therapy to me. When I start to feel crazy for fixating on weather apps or wishing for snow.. it reminds me that I’m not alone .