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Former Michigan Tech competitive skier and student journalist, mining engineer, and novelist Larson brings his diverse talents to the page in this hybrid mix of journal entries, short stories, and biographical narrative. Non-skiing readers will envy the author's pursuit of an adventurous lifestyle made possible through his lifelong love affair with the winter sport. Skiers will recognize and appreciate the great effort and courage it takes to pursue Larson's dreams of competitive racing and of his pursuit of a career that supports his favorite pastime. From his roots in northern Michigan's copper country to his professional posts in the Scottish highlands, the author has embraced life on the slopes in many regions of the US, UK, Europe, and Asia as the primary facet of his fascinating life.
At times, the interwoven timelines in this robust book can be confusing, but Larson does his best to guide readers through the fifty-year journey by dividing his narrative into themed chapters and sections that cover distinct eras of his life. Larson's siblings shared his love of skiing, and he naturally passed on his love of skiing to his two daughters, who frequently accompanied him on holiday ski trips. He devotes a section of the memoir to a heartfelt narrative about teaching his daughters to ski and muses upon the generational aspect of the sport. Larson writes: "One cannot deny that... having parents, brothers and sisters doing the same skiing day after day, year after year, even generation after generation is a catalyst. The top of the skiing pyramid through the generations is well documented…. Of course, living in a ski area or ski town or ski region helps." Anyone who loves life in the high forest and mountain environments will appreciate the enthusiasm that Larson brings to his subject in this unique book.