Once in while a definitive reference book comes along and sits as the default text in a collection. Ultimate Skiing is such a book. It's not an ABC learn to ski book. It's a book for skiers who are serious about understanding the sport and seeking autonomy in their own progress.
It looks at the technical fundamentals of skiing covering such topics as; the phyics of the sport, why and how do skis turn; lateral balnce; fore and afte balance; edging etc. etc. There is a useful section on boot fitting and the book closes with chapters about the tactical and technical aspects of skiing in challenging conditions e.g. bumps, powder, crud, ice and steeps. There are occasional insights into the techniques of some of the world's greatest skiers and the photomontages throughout the book are helpful and clear.
All in this is an outstanding comprehensive ski book and should form part of the library for any keen recreational skier or instructor.