SKI TALES, They Learned to Ski at Monster Mountain

About the Book

SKI TALES, They Learned to Ski at Monster Mountain is the first in a series of illustrated outdoor snow riding adventure books written for children and adolescents aged 4-14. Illustrator, Jerry Wilson, brings out the personalities of the characters in his action-packed style.

The reader meets the diverse group of quirky neighborhood friends who have the love of snow in common.  It’s a “snow day,” and they have the chance to learn to ski like the oldest of the group, Daron.  The setting, “Monster Mountain,” is a fictional resort with plenty of vertical thrills for skiers and snow-riders of every level.  Trail names like “Frankenstein” and “Yeti,” reflect the monster theme of the resort.  To bring realism to the tale, the author draws from her personal skiing experiences and from observing ski school classes and ski racing training sessions at a local ski resort. 

The plot takes the reader through the experiences of this group of beginner skiers, as they learn the basics of technique and tactics, including stance, turning, and stopping.  When Daron (the oldest and a somewhat experienced skier) violates the Responsibility Code, he separates from the group and a search ensues.  The story encourages courteous and cautious skiing and introduces a few basic ski lessons and the concept of ski racing.

The book teaches the National Ski Areas Association’s “RESPONSIBILITY CODE” in a humorous and entertaining way and the Code is reprinted at the back of the book for reference.  The book is an ideal gift for new skiers.  It encourages their interest in learning to ski and emphasizes safety and courtesy to preserve the beauty and enjoyment of the sport for all.

About the Author

Julianne Weinmann was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in July of 1951.  And at the age of 54, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming an author.  In 2003, Julianne launched a new website for skiers, Ski Tales, combining her love of skiing with her computer and writing skills, proving you can do what you love and find a marketing niche to serve.  Although she started writing as an adolescent, her works were read only by close relatives and friends.  For many years, she created oral stories for her niece, who begged to hear the latest exploits of her favorite character, “Daisy.”  Julianne attended St. John’s grammar school and then excelled in English and Creative Writing at St. Dominic Academy.  In 1973, she graduated from Boston University, magna cum laude, and began a career as a high school English teacher. In 1978, Julianne changed course and set out to meet the challenges of business. And after over twenty-five years in corporate management, working for telecom giants like AT&T and MCI, she became a seasoned marketing professional.

Throughout those years as a corporate manager, Julianne longed to be an entrepreneur.  So in 1994, she left the security of corporate life to start Venture Creative Marketing Services.  She produced a weekly radio program called “Taking Care of Business,” which aired on local station WRNJ in Hackettstown and published a monthly marketing Newsletter, the Venture Advisor.  And in 2003, her latest brainchild, www.skitales.com  and her company, Weinmann Publishing, were born.

Julianne is married to Gene Weinmann and they have a Brittany named Jake and a cat named Tinkerbell.  They live in Port Murray, New Jersey.  Please visit her at her website www.skitales.com, and click on “Our House” to become more acquainted with Julianne and her family!