SKI TOURING IN NEW ENGLAND.

ByLance Tapley '66. Lexington (Mass.): StoneWall Press, 1973. 192 pp. $6.95.

In his four-part book the author presents a range of topics including the historical development of the sport, a brief technical digest, where to tour in New England, topped off with a concluding section "Special Things." One immediately senses true feeling for the out-of- doors with a gradual development of values beyond touring itself. Discussing areas where he has toured, Tapley captures most vividly the scene and local personalities as they mesh to give it that added dimension. In Rudi Mattisech's introduction he comments that author and photographer bring touring into focus as the sport it is meant to be, when he says, "it is a sport which permits anyone to enjoy outdoor recreation in the beautiful winter sunshine."

Through Part Two he presents the practical technical applications to touring besides a few well chosen words on waxing. It is well researched without being overly technical - as he points out that touring should be natural. A cross-country skier would tend to a more detailed analysis of the technical movements, but Tapley acknowledges a few lessons may be necessary but such should not be overly regimented. His reference to the Daniel method of going downhill (Warren Daniel '22, Occum Ridge Road) is particularly apropos.

The section where he discusses places where one may tour is of course significantly important to the total concept of touring and a must in any book. The "where to go" is current as of the winter of '73. Tapley has again given excellent descriptions, particularly of the aesthetic qualities and of the personalities of prominent individuals at the areas responsible for the touring programs.

The last phase of the complete cross-country book relates to a number of subjects common to touring, namely Winter Camping, Nutrition, Training, Racing, Mountain Touring, Ecology. It treats each subject in a direct manner, void of superfluous dialogue, with direct applicability. Two areas appeared particularly appropriate - First Aid and Ecology. He discusses two pertinent subjects, Frostbite and Hypothermia, about which there are many misconceptions. Throughout the book he has emphasized that touring should be natural and devoid of falsities. As a form of recreation bringing one closely to the realities of nature, he praises touring, "not just for the good it does the body but for what it does to the spirit" and summarizes in his quotation from Emerson concerning self-reliance and solitude - "never before have these values been more neglected than today with our mass society and technological dependence."

Throughout his dissertation Tapley presents excellent information needed by the tourer; more importantly he develops a philosophical relationship, with the outdoors, a great deal more than the more traditional approach to the subject.

Since I first read Ski Touring in NewEngland, another digest of the book has been called to my attention, that written by Paul Doherty in his weekly column "The Northwoodsman" in the Berlin Reporter. In summary he says, "Actually this is a fine book for the person who is thinking about taking up the sport, as well as interesting reading for the person who already is a cross-country ski buff." Certainly Lance Tapley has captured in words what to me has been a very vital part of my own life's experience in the outdoors.

Mr. Merrill was Dartmouth's ski coach beforehe became Director of Outdoor Affairs. He ispresident of the Eastern American Ski Association and has coached the US cross-country andNordic Olympic teams.