As a former U.S. Ski Team member, 2006 Olympic skier and mother to two young shredders, Libby Ludlow set out to create something that had never been done before: craft a children’s alphabet book about the splendid world of skiing. She joined forces with Nathan Jarvis, Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) certified ski instructor and renowned illustrator, to bring the sport off the slopes and into the home. The Park City, Utah-based team created a book that not only honors the mountain culture but also helps young readers and rippers understand the sport’s language they will learn on the hill.

“I know how joyful it is to share your passion with children,” Ludlow says. “I hope [parents and adults] get that bonding experience of sharing something they love. The book is the medium, so you get to share your love for skiing even when not on the hill.”

Before the book was published in 2019, Ludlow knew she wanted to capture skiing’s spirit, culture and concepts. She shares she made an excel sheet full of all the topics she wanted to cover: safety, gear, outdoor appreciation, falling and frustration expectations, and instructional topics. It did not take long for the retired racer to realize she only had 26 pages to convey this dreamy sport’s importance. And she succeeds. Every word on every page was strategically chosen.

A-B-Skis makes parents’ and coaches’ lives easier with every letter. For example, Ludlow writes, “I is for independence … proving you’re a big kid now, carrying your skis all alone.” This establishes the concept of carrying your own equipment before the kids even step foot on snow. Or, like other moments throughout the book, if the young ones are already acquainted with the idea, the imagery reinforces the words. Later, Ludlow writes, “U is for uphill, look before you go. When you see the coast is clear, give a push and start off slow.” Here, and throughout the hardback, Ludlow emphasizes safety and ski etiquette, while Jarvis’ creations dance and texturize the pages.

Ludlow proudly reveals the rhyming in the book makes it on to the slopes. Children often come back to the ideas they learned on paper and sing them on the snow. This helps young ones delight in their turns when their avid imagination can be distracting.

Cover to cover, A-B-Skis is a charming resource, complete with a responsibility code for kids and pro tips. This is a book made by people who truly know skiing, and aid in initiating positive experiences on skis.

“Our hearts bleed skiing and it comes through in the book,” Ludlow emphasizes.

Check out their other heartwarming winter picture book, Goodnight Chairlift.

THE BEVERAGE

CLARK & CO’S DISTILLING SPIRITS + HOT COCOA

Cozy up with A-B-Skis and a cup of local, non toxic spirits. Chris Schmalz is the co-owner of Clark & Co’s Distilling in Palisade and reveals their current festive flavors: Enstrom Toffee Bourbon, Sugar Cookie, Gingerbread and Candy Cane. All of these winter spirits are perfectly paired in hot chocolate or coffee. Hold the spirits and caffeine for the little ones. Schmalz recommends the toffee bourbon with old fashioned, topped with a chocolate drizzle.

All of the ingredients are locally sourced. The spirit base is either corn from Grand Junction or peaches, pears, cherries and plum strips from Schmalz’s farm in Palisade, Orchard River View. There are absolutely no artificial sweeteners or preservatives. These flavors are here to help you savor the winter fun and enhance your holiday cheer.

Originally published in the Winter 2024-25 issue of Spoke+Blossom.

Our Book + Beverage For Winter 2024-25