Most people think winter camping means being cold, pure and simple. But that doesn't have to be the case. Chris Townsend tells how to travel, camp, and enjoy the winter backcountry-how to choose equipment and clothing, load a pack or sled, pitch a tent, build a snow shelter, stay warm-in short, how to live comfortably in the snow. In addition, Townsend teaches the basic skills of wilderness skiing along with such refinements as the kick turn, the telemark turn, and skating. He covers the use of climbing skins; the repair kit; skiing with a heavy pack; negotiating glaciers and mountain terrain; reading the snow; stream crossings; navigation and water; and avoiding avalanches, frostbite, hypothermia, and injury. Gear and worldwide destination appendices are also included.