Winter Sports: A Woman's Guide »

Cross-country skiing,snowshoeing,snowboarding,and skating adventures: Iseult Devlin has done it all. She and other women athletes,professionals as well as weekend enthusiasts,share their experience and savvy about the wonderful world of winter sports in this unique woman-friendly guide. Covering the territory from A to Z,from getting started,getting equipment,getting in shape,and getting the family involved,to step-by-step illustrated techiques and a comprehensive list of resources for further reference,Winter Sports: A Woman's Guide makes the joy of snow sports more accessible than ever before.

When was the last time you played in the snow?

Remember all the fun you had as a kid in the wintertime? Battling the elements as you ice skated or built a snowman. The beauty of nature and the cold,crisp air made you feel alive and invigorated. It's never too late to recapture that feeling. Don't let another winter pass by without experiencing the excitement that winter sports have to offer. If you've always wanted to get out and try cross-country skiing or snowboarding but don't know where to start,this comprehensive guide is for you. Share in author Iseult Devlin's love of winter sports,and hear how women of all ages overcame their personal obstacles and made outdoor activity in winter a permanent part of their lives.

If an occasional snowball fight is as exciting as your winter gets,then this book is for you. You'll learn how to get started,what to wear to stay warm and dry,how to rent equipment,and how to find easy-to-use and family-friendly locations. Also included are clinics,classes,and camps specifically for women.

Which sport is right for you? Try themall and find out!

Snowshoeing: An easy,inexpensive,and "do-anywhere" activity. Take a walk in a peaceful winter forest or power-trek over snow-covered trails at a nearby ski resort.

Cross-country (Nordic) skiing: You don't need a lift ticket to try this—with a little snow,your local golf course becomes the perfect ski trail!

Downhill skiing: Experience the rush that comes from schussing down a trail you've never tried before.

Snowboarding: It's not quite the same as surfing . . . but it's close!

Skiboarding: The latest hybrid sport—combines skiing,snowboarding,and skating.

Ice-skating: You loved it as a kid; now you can brush up on your figure skating,and discover the thrills of speed skating and women's ice hockey.

So pick a sport (or two,or three) and come on out and play!

Acknowledgments
Introduction: Why I Love Winter
Chapter 1: Being Active
Winter sports are easier than ever
How and why they got started
More reasons to get out and get moving
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Where to find out about winter sports
Where to go to get started
Finding out more about winter sports
Start off right: take a lesson
Start easy and work your way up
Get in shape
Chapter 3: Staying Warm: Clothing, Accessories, and Gear
Layering: it's as easy as 1-2-3
Accessories
Getting gear
What about gear just for women?
Chapter 4: Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing at a winter resort
Getting started
The basics
Buying gear
Roughing it or not
Chapter 5: Cross-Country Skiing
Where to go
What to expect at a touring center
Techniques
The basics
More advanced skiing: skating and backcountry
Buying gear
Chapter 6: Downhill Skiing
The adventurous winter sport
Conquer the challenge
Arriving at the resort
Renting gear
The basics
Riding the lifts
Buying gear
(and more...)