Martin VolkenBackcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes Washington

I previously bought "100 Classic Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes in Washington" by Rainer Burgdorfer and was disappointed by the vague descriptions and near-useless maps and was wary of the same issue with this guide, but happily I was very wrong.This only arrived today, but I'm really impressed with what I've seen so far - this looks to be one of the best outdoor guides I've seen for any activity. The descriptions seem to have a old level of detail, and I appreciate the route summaries breaking down the difficulty to overall, ski, fitness, and technical (alpine climbing), as well as commitment levels, (where as Burgdorfer's book has only one skill level that somehow encompasses climbing, fitness, and skiing skill levels). The highlight over the Burgdorfer book are the maps! The maps in the 100Classic are poorly printed and barely-readable -- I've tried translating maps routes in the 100Classic book to the green-trails topo maps I have on hand to limited success -- whereas these new maps are clear relief-shaded topo maps that don't make me reach for the green-trails. They are clear and are well marked. There are a number of aerial photos of routes and they are nicely marked with routes which makes for a nice bonus of the routes that have them.

This is a super comprehensive book that provides just the right info to explore the Washington backcountry. The one thing I'd like in a future version is more easy tours that can be done as day trips, especially during challenging avy conditions. In any case, highly recommended!

This has been a joy to read. It surprised me because it started out with a detailed history of back-ountry in the PNW, and the trails and mountains that were summited via backcountry skiing, in order. A full timeline of the people who first took on these peaks, when backcountry was all there was. This is more than a trail guide, it's a BC history guide of WA. Get this book.

Maps, pictures don't lend themselves to ebooks. I like to flip through paper pages when I'm planning trips. Love the book, but I'll probably buy a paper copy to go with the kindle book I bought.

I have a collection of backcountry guide books for the Northwest, but the detailed routes described were much better than my other sources. My only regret was a paucity of easier routes, but all in all, this book is a game changer!

Well written, easy to follow, gives longer more advanced tours than previous guides.

If you want a great guide, written by a guide then buy this book!

It is a very informative book and a great attempt to cover the major routes in the State. The maps were very helpful.