Whether you’re joining us at Karma Bavaria or planning travel elsewhere in the Alps, this unique massif straddling eight countries is one of the most spectacular on the planet thanks to its vertiginous snowclad peaks, picture postcard villages and of course world class ski runs. But as darkness settles, what better way to get cosy by the fireside than with a book – especially when it’s curated for the mountains. Enter Ultimate Library with 11 books that fit the bill – from Phaidon’s architectural classic Living in the Mountains to Peter Mathiesen’s classic Himalayan travel book the Snow Leopard to Robert McFarlane’s beautiful history of mountaineering, Mountains of the Mind.
11 Books to Read in the Alps this Winter
1. Living in the Mountains
Embark upon an architectural adventure in this breathtaking survey of contemporary homes, each with a deep connection to the landscapes and vistas of the mountains. Featuring structures and summits in North America, Europe, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand and beyond.
— Phaidon
2. The Sanatorium
‘This spine-tingling, atmospheric thriller has it all: an eerie Alpine setting, sharp prose, and twists you’ll never see coming. A must-read.’ (Richard Osman). Unexplained disappearances at a sinister hotel (and former sanatorium) in the Swiss Alps interrupts detective Elin Warner’s much-needed holiday in Pearse’s disturbing closed-community thriller
— Sarah Pearse
3. The Joy of Small Things
Surrounded by pearly-white blankets of snow, the beauty of simpler things is never more apparent. This little book includes everyday exultations and inspirations to help you through dismal days. Parkinson is a specialist in savouring the small pleasures of life, viewing everyday things with a fresh and joyful perspective. Her book is funny and frank, and will transport you to unexpected places of comfort and happiness.
— Hanah Jane Parkinson
4. The Snow Leopard
The unforgettable story of Matthiessen’s 250-mile trek the dazzling Tibetan plateau of Dolpo in the high Himalayas. On his arduous, sometimes dangerous, journey of exertion, blisters, blizzards and quaking cold, he searches too for a glimpse of a snow leopard – a creature so rarely spotted as to be almost mythical
— Peter Matthiessen
5. Climb Your Mountain
Legendary explorer, adventurer and mountaineer Sir Ranulph Fiennes reflects on seven decades of incredible achievement and imparts the motivational wisdom and lessons he has gathered from his experiences – from crossing both Polar ice caps on foot, climbing Everest and the Eiger, serving in the SAS and circumnavigating the world along its polar axis.
— Ranulph fiennes
6. Winter
The charming and achingly beautiful second volume of Knausagaard’s autobiographical quartet based on the seasons. In Winter, Knausgaard prepares for his daughter’s arrival and takes stock of the world, seeing it anew, and ruminates on everything from the moon to winter boots, messiness, owls and birthdays. A cosy, moving read that beautifully captures the enchanting elements of the season.
— Karl Ove knausgaard
7. Mountains of the Mind
‘The most exhilarating history of mountaineering … a riveting read’ (Jeremy Paxman). A fascinating investigation into our imaginative and emotional responses to mountains, elevated by Macfarlane’s exquisite and evocative writing. As a reader it’s difficult not to be drawn into his excitement for his subject matters – he not only makes you want to keep reading, he makes you want to climb or lose yourself or roam or hike, and experience some of what he’s experiencing.
— Robert Macfarlane
8. The Alps: Hotels, Destinations, Culture
A stunning collection of luxury boutique hotels and an authoritative guide to the most exclusive Alpine destinations in Europe. Hotel expert Sebastian Schoellgen presents a uniquely curated selection of 84 family-run hotels in France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Germany in over 180 exquisite photographs, accompanied by lively storytelling and practical information for every traveller.
— Sebastian Schoellgen
The Alps: Hotels, Destinations, Culture by Sebastian Schoellgen
9. In the Mountains
Mountains are steeped in poetry, symbolism and mystery – inspiring explorers to scale every peak, walk the valleys, ski the slopes or take in the crisp air and feel renewed once more. These rooftops of the world offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits that can even be brought into our everyday lives, from spending more time outdoors, to walking on uneven ground and enjoying the medicinal benefits of mountain herbs.
— Ned Morgan
Non-Fiction Reads
10. Killing Dragons: The Conquest of the Alps
The riveting stories of some of history’s greatest explorers to conquer the soaring peaks of the Alps. Fleming recounts the spectacular exploits of the men whose centuries-old fear of the mountain range turned quickly to curiosity, then to obsession, as they explored Europe’s frozen wilderness.
— Fergus Fleming
11. To Heaven’s Heights: An Anthology of Skiing in Literature
An eclectic collection of ski stories from world famous authors, from Ernest Hemingway to Sylvia Plath, A.A. Milne and Garrison Keillor. This anthology celebrates skiing as a means of transport, communication, hunting, exploring, and latterly as an Olympic sport and leisure activity enjoyed by millions. For children and adults alike, these stories encompass accidents and avalanches, magic and mystery. Plus, the book proceeds will go to snowsports charity Snow Camp
— Ingrid Christophersen
To Heaven’s Heights: An Anthology of Skiing in Literature by Ingrid Christophersen
