Comforting recipes, mountain landscapes, winter sports… Discover seven books to read peacefully at home when the cold crystallises outdoor outings.
Aspen Life by Assouline
Nestled in Colorado in the centre of the United States, the town of Aspen has a rich history. From its beginnings as a classic mining camp, it has become a holiday resort adored by the international elite. This book, published in 2016 by Assouline, reveals photographs and descriptions of this territory, from the founding working class to the mountain landscapes and typical addresses such as the Hotel Jerome, the Wheeler Opera House restored by Herbert Bayer and Schlomo’s Deli & Grill. A true immersion in Aspen, spanning several decades.
The Alps 1900. A Portrait in Color by Taschen
Published by Taschen in 2022, The Alps 1900. A Portrait in Color reveals photographs of these European massifs, home to Mont Blanc, the Jungfrau, the Matterhorn and their glaciers. The book promises an immersion in the heart of the Alps, tracing the rise of tourism at the end of the 18th century, with the first small trains, local guides taking travellers to discover the region on mules, snow-loving skiers, charming hotels, as well as the Swiss, Italian, Bavarian and Slovenian lakes.
Chalet cuisine by La Fontaine de Siloé
It’s a mouth-watering book. Gougères au Beaufort, polenta soufflé, autumn lasagne, puff pastry reblochon, blueberry-hazelnut cake, Savoy biscuit… La cuisine du Chalet, published by La Fontaine de Siloé in 2024 from recipes by Hélène de Kervenoaël, celebrates the flavours of the mountains.
Winter gardens – A season reinvented by Eugen ulmer
Less popular than their summer and flowery versions, winter gardens nevertheless marvel at their unique aura when time seems to stand still. This book is dedicated to gardens that have been intentionally created to look beautiful in the dead of winter. The trees are colourful and the plants reveal intense hues. Jardins d’hiver – Une saison réinventée, by Cédric Pollet and published by Eugen Ulmer, highlights 20 exceptional gardens with a wealth of information for nature lovers.
Born to ski by Glénat
With the winter sports season in full swing, the book ‘Nées pour skier’ pays tribute to the athletes who are ‘one’ with the snow. Lindsey Vonn, Mikaela Shiffrin, Perrine Laffont… Glénat’s book puts the spotlight on 27 female skiers from around the world, who are as much competitors, freestylers and freeriders as they are activists and globetrotters. The texts are sensitive and powerful, and blend perfectly with the impressive images of the performances of these inspiring personalities.
In Greenland, remember the future – Living memory in a land of ice by Elytis Eds
Artist and photographer Férial has produced a book that is as beautiful as it is inspiring. In Greenland, on the expedition ship Le Manguier, she captured all the beauty of the frozen world, from the villages to the wildlife to the polar flora. As well as these magnetic snapshots, Férial shares her poetic and committed reflections on this land, particularly in the face of climate change. A deeply humanist book.
Délices en tasse by La Plage
‘More than 60 comforting and delicious hot drinks’. The description of the book sets the tone. Titled ‘Délices en tasse’ (Delights in a cup), this book published by La Plage and designed by Laura VeganPower reveals the recipes for a multitude of beverages to enjoy under your blanket by the fire. Coffees, chocolates, teas, matcha, spicy drinks… everything you need for a winter treat.
Read also: Our selection of beautiful books to take the pulse of the biggest cities
Featured photo: © Taschen
