An exploration of extreme skiing with heart-pounding accounts of people who risk their lives on the fastest, steepest slopes. Often obsessed and possibly crazy, extreme skiers and snowboarders have the time of their lives facing death-defying challenges. The extreme skiing life is made up of insane jumps, bone-breaking speeds, and world records--not to mention the wild off-mountain social world, the flamboyant gear and slang, and, of course, the remarkable history of the racing champions and events that is its backdrop. Wayne Johnson, former competitive skier and acclaimed novelist, takes us into the cult of extreme skiing. If you've ever wondered what kind of nut would willingly choose to fly off a twenty-story ski jump, or have ever dreamed of living outside the usual boundaries, or just like to read about people having life-expanding adventures, here is a thrill ride that will leave you breathless.--From publisher description.