
A seasoned mountaineer turned ski‑enthusiast recounts how a simple gift for his young daughter sparked a lifelong devotion to the snow‑capped peaks of Switzerland. In the first part of the book he shares vivid memories of early winter expeditions, the thrill of gliding down pristine alpine pastures, and the quiet beauty of high‑altitude glaciers captured in his own illustrations. Listeners will hear the charm of a bygone era when “new mountaineering” was just beginning, with anecdotes that bring the crisp air and rugged terrain to life.
The second half turns practical, offering clear guidance on the varied ski zones—from forested clearings to sun‑baked grazing fields—along with safety tips drawn from real accidents and hard‑won experience. The author explains how to read the snow, assess rock conditions, and rely on local knowledge, all framed by his affectionate observations of the Alpine environment. It’s both a historical portrait and a useful primer for anyone curious about the roots of ski‑running in the high Alps.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (435K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2017-02-13
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
b. 1859
An early writer on Alpine skiing and a scholar of French language, he left behind books that bridge outdoor adventure and literary study. His best-known work captures the excitement of ski travel in the High Alps at a time when the sport was still new to many readers.
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