Powder Days

Ski Bums, Ski Towns and the Future of Chasing Snow

By: Heather Hansman

Narrated by: Jennifer Jill Araya

*An Outside Magazine Book ClubPick*

"A sparkling account."—Wall Street Journal

An electrifying adventure into the rich history of skiing and the modern heart of ski-bum culture, from one of America's most preeminent ski journalists

The story of skiing is, in many ways, the story of America itself. Blossoming from the Tenth Mountain Division in World War II, the sport took hold across the country, driven by adventurers seeking the rush of freedom that only cold mountain air could provide. As skiing gained in popularity, mom-and-pop backcountry hills gave way to groomed trails and eventually the megaresorts of today. Along the way, the pioneers and diehards—the ski bums—remained the beating heart of the scene.

Veteran ski journalist and former ski bum Heather Hansman takes readers on an exhilarating journey into the hidden history of American skiing, offering a glimpse into an underexplored subculture from the perspective of a true insider. Hopping from Vermont to Colorado, Montana to West Virginia, Hansman profiles the people who have built their lives around a cold-weather obsession. Along the way she reckons with skiing's problematic elements and investigates how the sport is evolving in the face of the existential threat of climate change.

Ski or politics?

The book was good from the beginning but soon derailed half way in & became a book about politics.

Fun listen for this old ski bum!

First of all I want to thank Heather for writing this. It was quite nostalgic for me personally. I was a "ski bum" in the mid to late 90's in Beaver Creek so a lot of this story hit home personally for me. It brought back memories of Lapping Grouse Mountain with that "try hard" attitude that Heather often refers to just so I could kinda keep up with my world class bump skier friends who skied that mountain everyday.
Sadly, I was in Vail before and during the transition from being a private company to going public. The "work hard" but mostly laid back job I had changed immediately to always worrying about the numbers. Things like free Health insurance and bus passes disappeared. The author is spot on in her concerns about how the industry has changed the culture of life in ski towns.

This was a fun read for me due to having so many of the same experiences as the author. I think most skiers and snowboarders will love hearing these stories about Heathers real life experiences living and trying to make a life in this passion that many of us share.

Please dismiss the 1 star "woke agenda" reviews as a reason not to get this. I don't fully agree with some of the authors views in some chapters however I do think these issues are important to think about.

Thank you Heather for writing this. It almost felt like I was reading a story about my own life. I apologize for the poorly written review. I've only had like 8 beers BUT I KNOW PEOPLE WHO DRINK WAYYYY MORE!!! LOL

Interesting concept turned sob story

The first few sections are engaging and well written. I cannot stress this enough.. the rest of the book is a sob story about how the author had to grow up instead of acting like a child the rest of her life. Boohoo

I listen to this every ski season

Honestly, This story is like therapy to me. When I start to feel crazy for fixating on weather apps or wishing for snow.. it reminds me that I’m not alone .

My favorite book ever

This book was amazing taking me to different places talking about problems talking about benefits talking about amazing things it was a great book