by Jonathan Wiesel
Price: $15.95/ Canada $24.95
ISBN: 1-56261-484-3
John Muir Publications, Santa Fe, N.M. 1-800-285-4078 or (505) 982-4078, ext. 29
Jonathan Wiesel’s “Cross-Country Ski Vacations” is a detail-laden guide book to 125 of North America’s nordic resorts, lodges and ski centers written primarily for skiers. But the book also provides an excellent view into the workings of successful nordic centers for ski area managers and their employees.
Wiesel, who has written extensively about cross-country and has been involved in the industry in various positions since 1971, has done all the leg-work by researching nordic areas from Alaska to Quebec. He details his discoveries in succinct yet revealing descriptions, tackling everything from package rates to children’s programs and from special distinctions to amenities.
The 218-page book includes both color and black-and-white photographs and contains practical information on skiing with children, dressing properly and choosing equipment (among other topics) in an opening chapter entitled “Preparing for Your Winter Adventure.”
But before launching into the details for having fun on cross-country skis, Wiesel does a good job debunking some myths (i.e., cross-country skiing is boring and only for young “pain-is-gain” male athletes) and writes convincingly about the benefits and joys of the sport that can be realized by skiers of all ages and abilities.
Before getting to the resort descriptions, Wiesel separated the ski centers he visited into four regions and wrote brief reviews of each in terms of weather, topography and unique characteristics. His individual entries on ski areas and inns begins with the location’s history, geography or flora and fauna to lend a portrait of the surroundings before he delves into the details of how and why to go. He is spare with his wit but generous with his wisdom.
The closing line of the introduction to Garland resort in Lewiston, Mich., is a good example of the author’s incisive reviews: “This is not the place if you’re looking for hills, but it’s a delight for beginners, lovers, and sybarites.” Likewise, the introduction to Teton Ridge Ranch in Tetonia, Idaho, contains a touch of the author’s self-deprecating humor: “Most writers—even ski journalists— ultimately succumb to the temptation to embellish their prose. … But some destinations deserve superlatives, and, despite its license plate, Idaho has more than just ‘Famous Potatoes.’ “
Each review also includes information on Websites, airports and train stations, maps, activities and entertainment and dining options. Sections on skiing illustrate the resort’s trail network and note how much of it is groomed and whether skating, backcountry and telemark skiing are also possible. Naturally, the length of trails is included as well as the percentages of easier, more difficult and most difficult skiing. A nice touch is Wiesel’s inclusion of the altitude range covered on trail networks and his comments on interesting trail features as well as the quality of rental fleets.
The result is a handbook—complete with an appendix of sources and a listing of resorts arranged by special features—that is appropriate for rank novices as well as accomplished skaters and classic technicians. Wiesel’s handling of the subject matter also makes the book valuable to have on hand as a retail item and as a resource for an area’s nordic and marketing personnel.
