Pipedream Around The World in 50 Slopes

This armchair travel book details the amazing history behind 50 of the best, or in some cases, most surprising ski trails in the world.

Veteran ski journalist Patrick Thorne has unearthed the incredible stories behind 50 unique runs, from the utterly unmissable to the totally unexpected. Discover the two different Alpine ski areas that claim to be Hannibal's route through the mountains with his elephants; the controversy around Sarenne in France, which attracts half a million skiers every winter but cannot truly be considered 'black'; and why Belalp in Switzerland hosts an annual witch-themed festival that sees costumed skiers take to the slopes. Away from Europe, the book features offbeat and fascinating global ski destinations such as Scotland, Iran, and even North Korea.

Complimented with practical information and hand-drawn trail maps, it is the perfect gift for the skier in your life.