Small Press Saturday: Rocky Mountain Books

Covers for Nuptse & Lhotse Go to the Rockies and Explore Canada by Jocey Asnong.

Spring is in the air, so it makes sense to introduce you to Alberta’s own Rocky Mountain Books for Small Press Saturday!

While Rocky Mountain Books has been around since 1979, I had my first close contact with them in 2016 when I was organizing multi-author events for Indigo Signal Hill. I had a great chat with Don Gorman, publisher, and we put together a fabulous event with RMB authors Gillean and Tony Daffern, Brandon Pullan, Alan Kane, Larraine Andrews and Andrew Nugara, and Jocey Asnong that sold a bunch of books. 

I was immediately impressed with the quality of book that Rocky Mountain Books publishes, both the physical book and the content of the books. When they started in 1979 they focused on guidebooks for hikers, climbers, and skiers. They continue to publish quality guidebooks for these outdoor enthusiasts. But the Rocky Mountain Books of today publishes so much more. They have a broad list of books on a variety of subjects, yet maintain a strong and interesting focus on outdoor living and nature. They have books about environmental consciousness, mountain history, travel, adventure, indigenous culture, photography, and have a delightful selection of children’s books. And as an Albertan, I truly love their books with a regional focus.

I love nature and the outdoors, even though I am more happy staying in these days, but I also love living vicariously through others, and Rocky Mountain Books has books that help me do that. I have zero interest in actually climbing mountains and possibly plummeting to my death, but at the Indigo event, I had to buy The Bold and Cold by Brandon Pullan. Reading about the history of some classic climbs in the Canadian Rockies from the comfort of my living room was compelling, interesting, and safe – seriously, I will never go mountain climbing.

So, if you are looking for outdoor adventure this spring, you should definitely check out the guidebooks that Rocky Mountain Books has to offer. And if you are passionate about nature, wildlife, and conservation, there are a variety of incredible books to engage and challenge your learning and thinking. Check them out today!

Happy Reading and Happy Adventuring!

— Stacey