Topher Donahue

"Rock Climbing Anchors offers a complete and profusely illustrated course of instruction that will prove to be of life-saving value for all rock climbing enthusiasts from the absolute novice to the seasoned professional." -- Midwest Book Review Seminal book updated by author of the acclaimed Advanced Rock Climbing Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions 400 new color photos demonstrate techniques For this new edition of Rock Climbing Anchors, climber and writer Topher Donahue carefully reviewed each technique and lesson, making them even easier to understand and learn. Key updates include: Improved content hierarchy, reading efficiency, and technique emphasis Pros vs. Cons comparison lists Technological advances and changes in gear and standards Graphic illustrations of forces, movement, "right" vs. "wrong" technique, and more New section on anchor considerations for the climbing gym New distinction between "anchor" and "placement" or "piece"

Thousands of rock climbers have learned the sport using Craig Luebben's seminal and bestselling text, Rock Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills. Now Craig's friend and fellow climber Topher Donahue brings the content up to current standards and includes technological advances, while preserving Craig's comprehensive approach. An award-winning climber in his own right, Topher uses his writing and photography skills to simplify the complex world of modern climbing technique and reveals the thought process behind safe and practical climbing methods. This second edition includes European climbing techniques that offer alternatives to those traditionally taught in North America. Topher has also incorporated new lessons derived from accidents due, in part, to the increased popularity of climbing.

Take the snowiest mountains in Canada, add two Austrian immigrants, an army of adrenaline-addicted skiers (kings, queens, billionaires, average people and everyday ski bums) and throw a helicopter into the mix for an unforgettable story of mountain adventure. The tale begins when two childhood friends - Hans Gmoser and Leo Grillmair - leave post-war Austria and travel to Canada in search of adventure. They stumble upon employment taking skiers across the vast glaciers and through the thick forests of Western Canada. When skiers start asking the immigrant mountaineers if it would be possible to use a helicopter to reach the best high-altitude powder, the two find themselves catapulted into a project brimming with more adventure, success, tragedy and fame than they could have dreamed. Complete with archival and contemporary photos, this is the inside story of the people, thrills, accidents and innovations behind the evolution of a sport from a dangerous, ramshackle and lawless enterprise into a multi-million dollar industry offering reliable access to one of the world's most exciting forms of recreation.