Skiing Technique Books
Everything the Instructors Never Told You About Mogul Skiing
by Dan DiPiro
Published by Authorhouse (August 31, 2005)
In this short but concise self published effort through Authorhouse, former pro-bumper Dan DiPiro describes in pictures and words the proper bump technique for all skiers. Although the book is written towards a zipper line mentality, the basics and foundations of proper bump technique are the same whether you hammer the zipper line, enjoy naturally formed bumps, or only dabbled into the bumps occasionally on the side of groomed trails. DiPiro is highly critical of the PSIA and any other person or organization that advocates use of traditional "race technique" to be applied to bump skiing including one or two cheap zingers against racing in general. However, DiPiro mostly stays on topic in delivering the key bump techniques needed to successfully navigate any bump line with style and ease. Every skier that desires to be an "All Mountain Skier" needs to have a variety of techniques available in their skills set for various conditions and terrain challenges that the mountain will present. DiPiro's excellent book provides a great foundation for unlearning bad habits and understanding the correct skills set unique to mogul skiing that every skier that enters the bumps should develop.
Tao Te Ching
attributed to Lao Tsu with translation by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English
Published by Vintage (Reprinted August 28, 1989)
One of the most important texts in Eastern Philosophy compiled in China thousands of years ago on a list of Skiing Technique books? Absolutely! The teachings attributed to Lao Tsu are essential to any sport or active pursuit. The foundation of the philosophy involves following a path or way of least resistance that is most natural. While not discounting active hard work to improve skill, the book posits that it is not the mountain you must seek to overcome, but rather yourself. For example, here is an excerpt: "He who overcomes others has force; He who overcomes himself is strong." The book contains much mysticism mixed in with sound advice in finding harmony amongst a world of people that are dissonant. This very web site's name is derived from the approximate translation of the word "Tao", or "The Way" which is combined with snow to suggest a journey both physical and spiritual into the realm of winter snow sport. While this book will not teach you any technique directly related to skiing, you will hopefully find wisdom and mystery that will adjust your approach to learning both the mountain and yourself and how to unify both together in the harmonious dance that is skiing.
Tao of Pooh and Te of Piglet Boxed Set
by Benjamin Hoff
Published by Penguin (Boxed Edition, November 1, 1994)
As with much philosophy, original source material is often difficult to read and/or understand for the lay person first coming to the subject. Enter secondary texts which compile the information and wisdom produced in primary sources and provide readable and understandable books on the subject. Do not let the childlike appearance of Pooh in the title scare you off, this book brings together the most important teachings of Taoism in delightful passages that take much of the mystery out of the primary sources. Specific concepts are defined and described most unlike the primary source material of the Taoism classics. This is the best introduction to Taoism and provides many excellent concepts that skiers that constantly find themselves battling the mountain would benefit from. Again, you will not find any skiing technique in this title, but you will find life technique that when applied completely and thoroughly to your live approach can elevate your skills to a higher level while also elevating your spirit as well.