WINNER: 2025 International Ski History Association (ISHA) Baldur Award

"Soulful coming-of-age memoir..."-- Seth Masia, president, ISHA

"Gripping wallop of adventures, family, and gravity." -- Alex Lee, The-High-Route.com

"A book you need to read." -- Cam Burns, Powder.com

(Case laminate edition, jacket is laminated to the front and back boards.) In his riveting memoir, renowned mountaineer Lou Dawson shares a tumultuous coming-of-age journey, from the flatlands of Texas to the Colorado mountains, steeped in the counterculture revolution of the 1960s. Amidst the towering peaks, Lou discovers an enduring love for alpine sports: scaling cliffs, topping summits, skiing powder snow. However, as the avalanches fall and lifestyle choices veer, his pursuit of adrenaline becomes a poignant struggle for meaning in a culture where nothing succeeds like excess.

This deeply moving narrative invites readers to join Lou as he navigates a precarious path toward fulfillment, showcasing his transformation from a reckless, thrill-seeking youth to a devoted father determined to build a stable foundation for his family.

Lou Dawson's extraordinary journey, both through the mountains and the recesses of his heart, serves as a timeless exploration of self-discovery and spiritual growth, offering readers a poignant glimpse into the transformative power of the wild, and the indomitable strength found within. Illustrated with 82 classic images. (This is the Ingram case laminate printing, suggested retail $24.95.)