Book Review: The Art of Schralpinism - Jeremy Jones
The Art of Schralpinism by Jeremy Jones, 2022. pc jonessnowboarding
“At the heart of this passion is the ability to push through significant mental and physical barriers when the struggle is grand but also to have the wherewithal and awareness to recognize nature’s subtle signs that turn a green light to red in an instant, requiring you to abandon one of your life’s greatest goals. This mix of gusto and humility, fearlessness and fear, grit and sensitivity, requires a deep understanding of who you are as a person at your innermost core, as well as an intimate connection with nature and your partners, plus a deep understanding of the behaviors, characteristics, and subtleties of all things snow. This is The Art of Shralpinism.”
A Life of Glide
If you are a freeskier then why did you read a snowboarding book by Jeremy Jones?
I’m not exactly sure… it started with its appeal to shredding and navigating. Jeremy Jones is arguably one of the best big mountain riders today (if not in history) and I was interested in hearing what he had to say. I’ve also been profiling an up and coming snowboarding star and last years freeride junior world champion, Tavo Sadeg. Either way I’m glad I read the book and that’s why I think it’s important to talk about.
Jeremy Jones doing what he does best, shredding lines with nothing left but tracks and cold smoke. pc offpiste
Reasons to Review
Why should you listen to what Jeremy Jones has to say?
That’s easy. With regard to snowboarding he’s a highly-accomplished rider who built his early career on racing before moving into big mountain riding in his mid-20’s. Now with over four decades in the sport working in almost every capacity, (essentially introducing split boarding to America) Jones comments on his experiences.
What caught my attention is his deep sense of humility and respect for the mountain. It infuses into everything he does. From taking a true ‘safety-first’ approach to backcountry navigation where his motto is “The Journey is the Reward” to becoming a lifelong learner and pursuing his dreams riding big mountains. Jeremy Jones not only has supreme talent, he’s also got incredible wisdom. Wisdom he readily shares in this brilliant and insightful book.
Who’s up? Rooster tails for breakfast, Jeremy Jones’ style. pc offpiste
Mountain Wisdom
Although Jones divides it into three sections (Wisdom, Science, and Art), I like to think about it the other way around. Just as an apprentice observes the master in practice; it’s when the art and science come together with experience to form wisdom, is where I find the book most fascinating. Wisdom gained from a lifetime spent in the mountains presented in simple form. Who doesn’t want that one?
Mountain Widsom provide by Jeremy Jones, The Art of Schralpinism. pc mountaineers
Surely there are more detailed and technical manuals available. However, I would reason that the insights he shares, and the mistakes he’s made, make it a top-rate recommendation and worthy of any serious mountain student’s library.
Ego Is Not Your Amigo
Some of his Jones’s best insights are quips often mistaken for plain humor. Don’t let this one fool you either. Jones casually drops some serious knowledge about how he chooses his riding partners. In the book, he explains why it’s critical to choose carefully and which types of riders he likes the best. His key factors include:
Team player
No ego
Doesn’t take stupid risks
Stays calm and positive (through 10-day storms)
Death crust cycles
Travel beat downs
If there’s one constant Jones looks for in a good partner, it’s having the right attitude. Optimism, resiliency and working with a cool head pays off. For Jones if the person does not have the right attitude then it’s what skill they have is irrelevant. (Interesting to note: Jones also reports that he always likes to bring along a rookie on his trips because of the ‘infectious attitude’ they bring to the team.)
From an athlete who rode more than 250 days per year over a consecutive nine-year span, opinions like these make this book feel authentic, current, and directly applicable to anyone traveling and riding in the mountains.
Surf’s up on another bluebird day in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, California. pc powdercanada
Stay tuned tomorrow! We’re back with more from The Art of Schralpinism by Jeremy Jones to hear his thoughts on health and fitness and why he’s likely to eat your grandma’s lasagna while also being (mostly) vegan as well as take a peek at his simple, but important mountain checklist, “Live to Ride Another Day.”
Thank you to Tavo’s sponsors for their support this season! We appreciate all of your help in making this possible!
(**Disclaimer: I did not receive any affiliate compensation for this material.)
Jones original artwork from The Art of Schralpinism. pc backcountrymagazine