Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Books

Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Books

I have listed on this page the few cross-country ski and snowshoe books I could find.  There are not many titles on these sports, and little info specific to Canada. Some mention techniques for beginners; others are more of a guide on where to go.

(I will be adding my own Ontario Ski Trail Guide to this list hopefully by Nov. 2023.)

Also included are a few hiking/travel guides to discover new places in the province. These books are a great source of ideas for future outings. Is there a road trip on your mind? Or do you just want be a armchair traveller and dream about far-flung adventures in the comfort of your warm cabin.

Naturally not all destinations will be suitable for Nordic skiing or snowshoeing (you know that). But I encourage everyone to consider the potential of trekking around most areas. Pack your ski gear and snowshoes in the trunk. If the snow conditions are right, you can make a loop just about anywhere. 

bookcase with books

Cross-Country Skiing: Building Skills for Fun and Fitness

  • Detailed book for beginners
  • From gear, waxing & training to route finding & winter camping
  •  Step-by-step photos demonstrate techniques
  • Covers the basics & more advanced racing skills

Buy on Amazon.ca

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Allen & Mike’s Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book

  • Revised and even better they say!
  • Winter traveling & camping skills for a winter environment
  • An easy read with hilarious cartoon illustrations
  • Practical guide to planning backcountry skiing and camping

Buy on Amazon.ca

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High Performance Nordic Training

  • Take your skiing to the next level
  • Optimize your athletic development
  • Test your skills and plan a training program
  • Improve race preparation and performance

Buy on Amazon.ca

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Two Skis and a Rifle: An Introduction to Biathlon

  • Extensive history of this Scandinavian sport
  • Details on training, equipment, rules of the sport
  • Specialized rifles, skiing race strategies
  • Venues and race events
  • Advice on training without doping

Buy on Amazon.ca

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Ski Trails in the Canadian Rockies

  • Detailed guide book for planning a trip to the Rockies
  • Lists 150 trails to consider
  • 5th edition, full colour,  376 pages
  • Extra info on snow conditions, gear, avalanche and emergency procedures
  • Includes ski hut locations and lodging suggestion

Buy on Amazon.ca

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The Trail Beckons 100 Years of Cross-Country Skiing in the Gatineau

  • Local Nordic ski trail development
  • Gatineau Park, Quebec history
  • Author has skied here since 1957
  • Plenty of insight and trivia
  • (Available only as a Kindle edition)

Buy on Amazon.ca

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A Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies

  • 2nd edition with 75 snowshoe treks
  • From flat beginner treks to intermediate mountain peak climbs
  • Includes – Waterton, Banff, Crowsnest Pass & Highwood
  • 512 pages of colour photos and maps

Buy on Amazon.ca

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Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies

  • A book for more seasoned trekkers
  • 100+ snowshoe destinations
  • Detailed info, maps, skill and hazard ratings for each trek
  • Trips extend from Waterton to the north end of Banff  National Park

Buy on Amazon.ca

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Celebrate Winter

  • An Olympian’s Stories of a Life in Nordic Skiing
  • Author John Morton is a USA athlete, ski coach, team leader
  • Origins of Olympic Biathlon
  • Stories about competing, coaching and enjoying skiing

Buy on Amazon.ca

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Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast

  • 50 Classic Ski and Snowboard Tours in New England and New York
  • Where the best runs, the best powder is
  • Stats, maps, photos, how to get there
  • History, gear, safety tips
  • Some insight for Nordic skiing too

Buy on Amazon.ca

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Epic Snow Adventures of the World

  • A Lonely Planet edition
  • 50 epic adventures
  • Pre-order book for Aug. 2023
  • Authors who have skied the routes
  • Plenty of insight and inspiration to travel
  • Travel advice, maps, photos

Buy on Amazon.ca

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Higher Love: Climbing and Skiing the Seven Summits

  • Kit DesLauriers climbs and skis them all
  • A woman’s candid tale of danger and thrills of good luck and bad
  • 386 pages of inspiring outdoor adventure
  • Well written and editied

Buy on Amazon.ca

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Nature Hikes: Near-Toronto Trails and Adventures

  • A guide to 39 Ontario conservation areas
  • Potential locations for snowshoe and X-ski outings
  • Colour photos and improved maps
  • Details on each location with trekking tips

Buy on Amazon.ca

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Backroads of Ontario

  • 30  interesting car routes across Ontario
  • Plan a road trip and discover new places, history and architecture
  • 320 pages full colour, maps and directions – 6th edition
  • Ron Brown is a prolific,engaging author

Buy on Amazon.ca

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Unforgettable Ontario: 100 Destinations

  • A book full of travel ideas
  • 100 interesting places to visit in Ontario
  • Provincial Parks, touristy towns,  heritage villages, museums…
  • (these are not necessarily ski or snowshoe destinations)
  • Authors has another book – Unforgettable Canada: 125 Destinations

Buy on Amazon.ca

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Lonely Planet Epic Hikes of the World

  • Discover 50 inspiring hikes in 30 countries
  • Locations and themed routes around the world
  • From easy to epic hiking adventures
  • An armchair hiker’s dream book
  • Maps are basic, but there are links and leads to make future plans
  • Other Lonely Planet books – Epic Bike Rides in Europe, or America

Buy on Amazon.ca

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