Shaped by Snow: Defending the Future of Winter

by Ayja Bounous

"Those who love winter will love this book. But as we steadily erase the season that sets us free from friction, Shaped by Snow will appeal to anyone who has ever looked up and thrilled at the first flakes fat in the autumn sky."
—BILL MCKIBBEN

Skier and debut author Ayja Bounous explores threats to the winters and watershed in the face of climate change and the far–reaching impacts of a diminishing snowpack on the American West—not only from ecological and economic perspectives, but also in regard to emotional and psychological health, as she realizes how deeply her personal relationships are tied to the snow–covered mountains of Utah's Wasatch range.

AYJA BOUNOUS is a Utah native and avid skier. She holds an MA in Environmental Humanities from the University of Utah and bachelor's degrees in Music and Environmental Studies from Santa Clara University. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.

225 pages, Paperback

Published November 19, 2019

Reviews

[Mark Bailey]

Fabulous trip through a tremendous backyard and update on my own earlier experiences in often the same way and places. But with climate change and pressing crowds today, I share with Ayja the hurt of loss.

[Rae]

Snowbird Ski Resort. Family legacy. Global warming. Nature writing and memoir. Rock Canyon eminent domain.