Combining paintings with a history of skiing, this book starts with the birth of skiing in Scandinavia, its spread to other countries, and the part it has played in history. The book describes how we now use skis for a variety of applications and there is a chapter on avalanches, snow-making, transport and equipment and a look at the sport's future. The author's previous books include The Story of Yachting and Paintings of the America's Cup.