Aloft - (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

There is a reason why the Canadian Rockies are some of the most photographed mountains in the world. Rugged peaks encircle glacier-fed lakes, rise up like protective walls around tree-filled valleys, and offer a stunning backdrop to open alpine meadows. They have been photographed from the valley bottoms, from the shores of famous lakes, and from the summits of prominent peaks. They are accessible by vehicle, boat, gondola, skis, and hiking boots. But a lucky few have photographed the Rockies from the air.

In the most comprehensive collection of aerial photos to date, Aloft: Canadian Rockies Aerial Photography by Paul Zizka gives the reader a unique bird's-eye view of this prized mountain range. From vast glaciers to winding rivers, animal overpasses to lakes that look like brilliant spills of turquoise paint on the landscape, these images provide a rare look at mountains that are as grandiose from the skies as they are from their better-known vantage points.

Review Quotes

"What a gift! Soaking in the pages of Aloft is reminiscent of childhood dreams of flying. Even the most experienced of hikers will find themselves exploring familiar locations with a new perspective - a perspective that punctuates the grandeur and beauty of the Canadian Rockies and brings new appreciation for these towering jewels that grace the landscape." --Wayne Simpson, author and photographer of Resilient: The Portraiture of Wayne Simpson

"In Aloft, celebrated Canadian nature photographer Paul Zizka takes us into the skies to provide a fresh, dazzling perspective of some of the Canadian Rockies' most iconic locations, including Lake Louise, the Three Sisters and Mount Assiniboine. Photographers and Rockies enthusiasts alike will enjoy this feast for the eyes." --John E. Marriott, author of The Kootenay Wolves and photographer of What Bears Teach Us and The Pipestone Wolves

"Drawn to the vertical appeal of the Canadian Rockies landscape, Paul Zizka has, over the past twenty years, carried us along with him on his hikes and climbs to some of the most spectacular vantage points in the world. It would be tempting to ask what is left to see, until we experience the aerial perspective on these mountains in Aloft. Aerial photography, especially in mountains, is challenging for photographer and pilot alike. The rushing winds and biting cold at high elevations quickly affect a camera's lens and a photographer's fingers, not to mention the noise of the aircraft, radio headset communication and the constrained workspace. Despite these challenges, Paul has beautifully captured stunning scenes of familiar and lesser known locations in Canada's beloved Rockies as only someone with his extensive knowledge of this landscape could." --Scott Forsyth, author of The Wild Coasts of Canada