Examines the relationship between skiers and the Alpine environment since the late nineteenth century. It argues that skiing and winter tourism modernized the Alps in both material and perceptual terms while the Alpine landscape itself challenged skiers to alter their practices and philosophies of sport, leisure and nature, harmonizing Alpine skiing with modern cultural values and social practices in the twentieth century.
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Introduction
PART ONE. TAKING ROOT
1 An Uphill Climb
2 A Civilizing Force
3 A Family Feud
PART TWO. MODERN MOBILITIES
4 Joy in Movement
5 Ecstasy in Speed
6 Modernity in Sport
PART THREE. LANDSCAPES OF LEISURE
7 Consuming Alpine Skiing
8 The Pursuit of White Gold
Epilogue
Bibliography
Index