Fjord’s Mountain Mission is a new book, written to inform and educate children with the help of Fjord, the avalanche rescue dog. Based on the real-life adventures of Fjord, the avalanche rescue dog that worked in the Pyrenean Mountains, with his handler and book’s author, Caroline Elliott.
Fjord, the avalanche rescue dog - Book Review
Introducing a new book on snowsports safety written to inform and educate children with the help of Fjord, the avalanche rescue dog.
‘Fjord’s Mountain Mission’ is a new illustrated book for children, combining the life of a rescue dog and his handler, Caroline, with safety tips for kids to take to the slopes
Written by Caroline Elliott, qualified French Ski Patroller, and avalanche dog handler
Endorsed by the International Ski Federation (FIS), International Ski Patrol Federation (FIPS), and snow safety brand ORTOVOX
Part of the profits (20-30%) to go to snow safety charity, Fjordsar
Officially launched on Wednesday December 8, 2021
Readers can learn about the adventures of their working days in the mountains, from routine tasks to electrifying avalanche rescues as part of Ski Patrol. Throughout the chapters, coloured information boxes will help children to understand different aspects of their work. The book is colourfully illustrated by Evgenia Malina, a UK-based graphic artist originally from Almaty, the mountain city in southern Kazakhstan. The illustrations form a major part of the book and bring Fjord and all the other characters involved, to life in a fun and refreshing way.
Caroline Elliott, author and Ski Patroller, said: “Mountains have always loomed large in my life, always there on my horizon beckoning me towards them. But whilst awe-inspiring and life-enhancing, mountains also demand respect as there are potential dangers for those with a lack of knowledge. I have slowly gathered all my snow adventures together along with precious memories of my incredible avalanche dog, Fjord. Little by little, I created this book for children, a book all about how to stay safe in winter resorts. “I want everyone to feel the deep joy I have felt there, but I also want everyone to be safe. I don’t have all the answers and neither does this book; it is though based on tried and tested knowledge from years of experience working in the mountains”. Fjord’s Mountain Mission is endorsed by the International Ski Federation (FIS), International Ski Patrol Federation (FIPS), and snow safety brand ORTOVOX. About Caroline Elliott
Caroline has followed a unique career path and is one of the few British females to go to the French Ecole National de Ski et d'Alpinisme in Chamonix where she gained the Pisteur Secouriste 2éme degré in 2011. Not satisfied with this accolade, she trained further in the French system to become a controlled bomber for avalanche control and as an Avalanche Dog Handler with the ANENA in 2012. Starting the community interest company FjordSAR CIC in 2020, Caroline's wealth of experience and passion is now focused on educating youngsters so that they can enjoy the mountain environment as safely as possible.
About Evgenia Malina
Evgenia was born and grew up in Almaty, a city in the foothills of the Alatau mountains in Kazakhstan. She worked as a graphic designer for 15 years including at the international advertising agency Leo Burnett. She has continued as a freelancer since moving to the UK and changed her career to illustrating. She enjoys drawing humorous characters in a sketchy effortless style.
Comments about the book from well-known winter sports and mountain personalities
Jenny Jones - Olympic bronze medallist / Triple X Games gold medallist, TV presenter.
“This book is a lovely way to highlight the bond between a dog and a human and how their work in the mountains can save lives. The snowy mountains are a fantastic place to play but, as many of us know, can have hidden dangers. This story highlights how snow patrol teams constantly keep people safe from the hidden dangers of the mountains and rescue those injured or in trouble. I have a massive appreciation for all those who work in this field, especially our four-legged friends.”
Chemmy Alcott - Former Alpine World Cup and Olympic ski racer, ski coach, and TV presenter.
“Being a mother and a ski racing coach, I value safety and enjoyment on the slopes. I love taking risks, you don’t choose a life as a downhill ski racer and wrap yourself in cotton wool; you would never reach your maximum potential. I always weighed up whether the risk was worth the rush. This book will help children make good decisions too.”
Menna Fitzpatrick MBE, a visually impaired Alpine ski racer and Para Olympian & Major Jennifer Kehoe MBE, her sighted guide.
“The mountains are special to us - our happy place where we feel free but...we know there can be hidden dangers. Menna can’t always see the dangers so we work as a team to keep each other safe. Fjord’s Mountain Mission is a great way to learn about the skills that everyone needs to help them enjoy the mountains safely. We hope you enjoy the book as much as we did and it helps you to chase your dreams in the mountains like we continue to do.”
Cathy O’Dowd - 1st woman in the world to climb Everest from both sides.
“Snow is beautiful, snowflakes falling in their millions from the sky, each one unique. But snow can also be dangerous, we don’t want to get buried underneath it! And that’s where Fjord and his human can help us. They can teach us how to enjoy the fun and avoid the risks. And they can come and find us if something does go wrong. This is the story of a dog and a human working together to keep us all safe as we enjoy the beauty of the winter.”
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Fjord's Mountain Mission, discovering the varied day-to-day role of ski patrol was really interesting and so much more involved than first imagined. Working dogs such as Fjord play a huge part in mountain rescue, incredible how much training, dedication, and skill is required. Highly recommend it for families planning a visit to winter ski resorts. The book is filled with colourful illustrations, very informative, and easy to read.
Fjord's Mountain Mission is available from good book stores including Waterstones.
Publisher: The Snow Print Company, ISBN: 9781739813505 RRP: £14.99 www.waterstones.com/book/fjords-mountain-mission/caroline-elliott/evgenia-malina/9781739813505