Ultimate Library is back after a brief hiatus – and this week they’re sharing 11 riveting reads that are perfect for snowscapes and mountains – so guests staying with us at Karma Bavaria take note! That said, these winter reads with their snowclad settings work just as well wherever you find yourself – from Peter Mathieson’s beautifully written classic of nature writing The Snow Leopard to Nigella Lawson’s revelling in little everyday joys (The Joy of Small Things) to Sarah Pearce’s spine-tingling thriller The Sanatorium, these books are reason enough to head to the hills!
1. Living in the Mountains by Phaidon
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.
2. The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse
‘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.
3. The Joy of Small Things by Hanah Jane Parkinson
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.
4. The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen
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.
5. Climb Your Mountain by Ranulph Fiennes
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.
6. Winter by Karl Ove Knausgaard
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.
7. Mountains of the Mind by Robert Macfarlane
‘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.
8. The Alps: Hotels, Destinations, Culture by Sebastian Schoellgen
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.
The Alps: Hotels, Destinations, Culture by Sebastian Schoellgen
9. In the Mountains by Ned Morgan
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.
10. Killing Dragons: The Conquest of the Alps by Fergus Fleming
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.
11. To Heaven’s Heights: an Anthology of Skiing in Literature by Ingrid Christophersen
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.
To Heaven’s Heights: an Anthology of Skiing in Literature by Ingrid Christophersen
