The Art of Shralpinism: Lessons from the Mountains

by Jeremy Jones

Not a technical guide on snowboarding but, rather, a very personal approach to how to think about mountains, snow, and adventure, The Art of Shralpinism reflects the remarkable journey of snowboarding superstar Jeremy Jones. Drawing on the hundreds of journals he has kept over the years, Jones offers intriguing snapshots of time and place that include his own on-the-slope stories and white-out moments, as well as those of other prominent adventurers such as Jimmy Chin, Zahan Billimoria, and Christina Lusti.

Shralpinism is a compendium of lessons hard won: quick tips, sound advice, and impactful stories. Learn which aspects of avalanche training are most crucial to absorb, ways to anticipate slope behavior or recognize clean lines, how to cut a cornice or develop safety protocols, how to build a fitness routine, the art of the turn, and keys to developing terrain and skills progression. Jones discusses the importance of mentors, the necessity and intensity of practice, the nature of risk, and the shape of failure.

But at its heart, The Art of Shralpinism revels in the power of experience, the impact of stoke, and the beauty that underscores all outdoor adventure.

Genres: Adventure, Mountaineering, Outdoors, Nonfiction, Audiobook

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Kristen Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

So far it looks like I’m an outlier here, but this book did very little for me. Jones is clearly legit in his breadth of experience, and I enjoyed learning about his life, but I feel he was trying to do too much here. The result is a very superficial rendering of topics that deserve more. Every travel or adventure anecdote left me wanting for more details and depth. The avalanche and snow safety info was trite—and almost dangerous. If you are really into those topics, you know this book is not the place to learn them. If you think this book is the place to learn them, you are set up for trouble. Jones doesn’t try to promote this as a substitute for avalanche safety education, but then what’s the point of going there at all? Lastly, climate change and the need to protect our winters are real, but I knew that just as much before reading the book as after. I have no new info to better understand the issue, and no actionable advice, other than maybe sign up for his Protect our Winters nonprofit and watch more Teton Gravity Research movies? Neither bad ideas, but also not novel. Hike up instead of helicopter? (phew, solved that problem almost nobody has!)

If this book sparked something in you, but also left you wanting for more, I strongly recommend Kit DesLauriers “Higher Love: Climbing and Skiing the Seven Summits.” Epic ski mountaineering adventure/travel book, with bonus insights and reflections if you also happen to be woman and/or a mom. Read it twice last year! And Bruce Tremper’s “Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain,” may give you a fighting chance of actually accomplishing that. Otherwise, this book may be best for people very, very new to skiing/snowboarding/backcountry, looking for some cool stories and a very general overview—or passionate snowboarders who are just going to love everything this guy has a say no matter what (and with his background I can see why).

I’ll add that it was unexpected and heartbreaking to read his interview with Hillaree Nelson. She died 2 weeks before the book release date, and the interview with reference to her in present tense— in addition to a real sense of her level of intelligence and responsibility in the mountains—was poignant.

[Annica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an obvious read if you love snowboarding and the backcountry, but it is so much more. Life lessons, passion, work ethic, and love of our planet. It's well-written and has input from other athletes scattered throughout, I highly recommend it. I read it on a Kindle, but I will also buy a copy of the paperback. I want a better look at the beautiful artwork made by the author and a reminder on my coffee table to get outside and enjoy nature every day.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK in audio format though I bought the hard copy for a friend and it looks like a much better experience with pretty sweet illustrations. Would highly recommend for anyone getting into the backcountry. The advice is sometimes redundant and geared towards people really pushing the limit, but I still found it entertaining and relevant. Always fun to hear anyone talk about the thing that light's their fire / thing they are the expert on.

Main Tenets of the Church of the 7 day Recreationalists:
1. Get outside every day
2. Keep your house/life in order
3. Don't let number 2 get in the way of number 1

[Vaidas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a snowboarder nor alpinist (although I have some plans in this department) but this book does a very good job of showing authors passion for the outdoors. His advice for snowboarders most of the time is directly transferable to anyone. Optimise for the long haul. Invest in knowledge, but the first hand experience is better. Keep moving.

[Colemen Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was primarily interested in reading this book to learn more about backcountry safety. I learned a good amount, and much more. The book is a bit scattered, but that didn’t bother me. It’s sort of felt like having a conversation with Jones on a skin track. I love his enthusiasm for the mountains and his perspective on our relationship with them.

Notes:
- [ ] “There comes a time where one must risk something or sit forever with their dreams.” -Trevor Petersen
- [ ] The PWL is the main cause of deadly avalanches
- [ ] 90% of avalanches happen during or within 24 hours of a new snow storm
- [ ] there are three variables to consider before going into the backcountry: weather, snowpack, and terrain. You can’t control the weather or the snowpack, but you can control which terrain you choose to ride in.
- [ ] How to stay safe after new snow: under 30° slope, heavy trees, clean out runs, broken terrain, and small slopes.
- [ ] Roughly 30% of avalanche fatalities happen while ascending. Stay out from under slide zones.
- [ ] When to use caution: rapidly rising temperatures after a storm, regardless of starting temperature. Strong winds. CORNICES. North/Northeast aspect.
- [ ] The snowpack is always guilty until proven innocent.
- [ ] If you see, “Deep slab instability” or “persistent weak layer” in the avy report, use extreme caution
- [ ] “You only have so many steps on this planet. I want to use mine to see as much of the Sierra Nevada as possible. This is why I rarely hike the same mountain twice.”

[Amy Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read. It’s a perfect mix of information on big mountain riding and general backcountry safety, a bit of fun tidbits from Jones’ upbringing and life, and both illustrations and written depictions of some of the most beautiful mountains in the world - many of them in Alaska. It’s smart and to-the-point and has so many knowledge nuggets for riders, especially riders who venture out into backcountry terrain. It’s a must-read IMO for anyone heading into backcountry above 30 degrees, regardless of sport.

[AJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man I was really excited for this book but it just… fell flat for me. Not only was it hard to read due to design choices (one font was especially hard and then they made it a light orange colour) and layout but it jumped around all over the place with a lot of pithy phrases and mottos scattered over and over again. And most of the avalanche chapter was full of generalizations heavily rooted in Tahoe bias (tree line is not above 11,000 feet in most ranges and kinda tried to teach without actually teaching.

Bummer

[Niklas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot going on. But I enjoyed it. Is it a literary masterpiece? No. Should you read it if you are into freeriding? Absolutely.

I have not specifically liked or hated Jeremy Jones, in truth I thought him as a very ”bro snowboarder”. Which he seemed to be in his youth. But the memories show a great progression and growth in him as well.

Was it cheesy, even borderline kitchy? Yes. And it was honest as hell.

Nice book all in all. Only gripe is the avalanche part: some of it was quite outdated and not at all methodical. Points for honesty though.

[Dylan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has zero practical value but instead is an outlet for Jeremy’s ego to run wild.

“The mountains have no ego” according to this book, but Jeremy sure does.

The entirety of this book is just Jeremy bragging about how he has conquered mountains his whole life and how we should be like him. It’s a marketing piece to his brand and his lifestyle. I’ve been a big fan of his brand and his mission, but this book was hard to read.

[Christopher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inspired me to take a look into avalanche safety courses but I’m not doing the type of stuff he’s doing. The author seems like a great and sweet guy. I’ve never heard of a professional snowboarder swear off helicopters because it’s bad for the environment. I also love how he specifically thinks of ways to make women feel safer in the field. If I’m suddenly more into climbing backcountry mountains, I’ll revisit.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this and there were some cool takeaways from it that I have or can apply to my riding. Because I'm a Jeremy Jones fan I give it four stars but if I didn't know the author it would probably be 3 (worth the read). It was similar to the Trad Climbers Bible but just didn't hit the way that did. Overall an enjoyable read if you're a fan of snowboarding or skiing or Jeremy Jones.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Great book. An absolute encyclopedia for mountains, snow, sport, and philosophy. Of course centered around backcountry snowboarding and the life and history of Jeremy Jones, but many wonderful interviews and worthy topics sprinkled throughout the book.

Listened to the audiobook, but it’s worth having this book in print to reference time and time again.

[John Brentlinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part-instructional, part-memoir; this book is both inspiring and informational about backcountry snowboarding, how to approach it smartly, and how a changing climate has and continues to impact the sport. Snowboarding is something I’d love to pick up someday, and this book did a good job of stoking some of that interest.

[Lauren Bergen · Rating 3 out of 5]

”Ride for tomorrow - tomorrow is a good day too.”

This was fine, but

1) unclear who the real audience was intended to be (maybe resort riders starting to get into the backcountry?), and

2) would have greatly benefitted from a better editor. It was oddly repetitive and is an another example of an outdoors audiobook with incorrect pronunciations.

[Spencer Hoge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read for snowboarders (and skiers). If you’re a backcountry rider or interested in the backcountry there’s a lot of technical knowledge that can be a great supplement to avy training/protocols. My favorite parts were the more philosophical and biographical pieces.

I listened to the audiobook, but plan to buy a hardcopy to refresh myself every winter.

[Keith Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

You need not be a snowboarder to read and cherish this book. This book is more than a guide to survival of the backcountry. This is a guide to the survival of a sane and civil society, let alone a Planet Earth where human life may possibly survive. Thank you Jeremy Jones. The world owes you a greater respect than you are getting.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book scared the shit out of me and inspired me. It's certainly going to be a reference as I expand my forays into the backcountry but the personal stuff and the risks are the highlight. It inspired me to do my AIARE 1 course and I have a new respect for the mountains and the snow.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you split board this is a great read. I don’t get out on my board as much as I would like. Read this was a great way to mentally get out. Mr. Jones mix express his passion for what he does and gives the reader concrete explanations of the skills and training he has and continues to develops.

[Sam Boswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good educational read. Worth it for anyone interested in getting into the backcountry or just in general for sliding on snow.

Stay safe out there and play for ever!

“To simply have the great luxury of frolicking in the wild places”
- Jeremy Jones

[Sean Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top 10 all time book. Required reading for any snow connoisseur or outdoor recreator. Learn how to live life fully from one of the most badass snowboarders and environmental advocates in American history.

[Lindsay Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this read! Packed with incredible stories, hard-earned wisdom, and inspiration for every aspect of life. Whether you’re into snowboarding, skiing, or just love the mountains, this one’s a must. Insightful and down-to-earth reflections from a true legend.

[Talley Fenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comments were made, but no explanation of why/how. Jones should have used his experience to tell the story a bit better. Including more intelligent conversations would have worked a bit better for me. meh.

[Edmund Rudell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book even if your a skier. Puts a lot of perspective on human powered ski and snowboard travel.

[Kyle Zeitounian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging, well-written, funny, genuine and fun to read. Throughly enjoyed reading Jeremy Jones's thoughts on the sport, the mountains, and life.

[Peter Warnock · Rating 3 out of 5]

It would’ve been so much better without the politics.

[Crystal K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun inspiring read

[David Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Liam Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for the outdoors and snowboarding. A lot of great stories and wisdom from his countless experiences, fired me up for my next season.

[Tracy Rymph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reinvigorated my love of the mountains 🗻

[Ab · Rating 5 out of 5]

great guide into snow sports with personal anecdotes and stories from jeremy!