Zen and the Art of Skiing
Zen and the Art of Skiing
by Denali Schmidt
Release Date: 4/10/15
ISBN: 9781942549055
How do you clear your mind so that you are still enough to be completely focused with no fears and no distractions? Denali Schmidt asked this question when he was 17 years old. He was a natural athlete but strove for excellence in extreme sports, especially freeride and backcountry skiing. He decided to dedicate himself to the inner discipline of meditation. Denali's intention was to streamline his energy and concentration to unblock his mind, visualize the feats he wanted to accomplish and succeed in performing them without injury. He uses his emerging skills as an artist and writer to record and share his steps on this journey. Denali illustrates Zen and the Art of Skiing with words, original drawings and his personal insights on his struggle to achieve a seemingly impossible goal.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Denali Schmidt was an artist and adventurer. Well known for his alpine climbing ascents including Mt. Aoraki (at age sixteen), Board Peak and a new route on his namesake Mt. Denali.
Schmidt graduated from California College of the Arts at the top of his class and created many beautiful works of art. He consistently showed his work around the San Francisco area.
In 2013 Denali along with his father, famed mountain guide Marty Schmidt, were attempting a double assent on two peaks in Pakistan. It was there, on the second peak; k2 that Denali Schmidt was killed in an avalanche. His remains were never found. Many of his artworks were prolific and critics of an exhibit with his works said this. A foundation was created in his name and continues to gift art supplies in his name.
REVIEWS
“Excellent read and original thoughts and insights. Good for adolescents as well as adults. Inspiring!”
