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International Mountain Day 2020 and Stories of Ice

Lynn Martel's new book about Canada's mountains is a great way to learn about Canada's vast glaciers

Since 2003, the United Nations has designated December 11th as “International Mountain Day” to call attention to the world about the importance of mountains to life.

International Mountain Day is dedicated to raising awareness about opportunities and challenges facing mountain regions, as well as building alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and places around the world.

As 50 per cent of biodiversity hotspots are found in mountains, 2020’s theme is” Mountain Biodiversity.

This year, Canadian writer and climber Lynn Martel brings us Stories of Ice Adventure, Commerce and Creativity on Canada’s Glaciers, published by Rocky Mountain Books. We can’t think of a better way to learn about Canada’s mountains than with Martel’s new book.

“Lynn Martel’s Stories of Ice is a fascinating and eclectic mix of tales about multiple aspects of glaciers: artistic, scientific, economic, recreational, touristic, historical and even spiritual,” said Chic Scott, author of Pushing the Limits, Powder Pioneers, Deep Powder and Steep Rock and numerous other books.

“Here in Canada we are richly endowed with glacial ice, but unfortunately it is disappearing quickly. This personal and informative book is a must read for anyone interested in the effects of climate change.”

The people behind the stories range from a mother/daughter duo who spent five months skiing across icefields from Vancouver to Alaska to scientists discovering biofilms deep inside glacier caverns to protesters camping for weeks to protect their beloved local glacier.

Western Canada’s glaciers are dynamic, enigmatic, exquisitely beautiful, sometimes dangerous environments where people play, work, run businesses, explore, and create art every single day.

With gorgeous images by some of the country’s best outdoor photographers, Martel’s book shares the excitement, the mystery, and the wonder of Canada’s glaciers and poses questions about their future. Find it at your local book store or at Rocky Mountain Books here.

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