``The Best of The Alps,'' Jay Cowan's New Collection of Photographs and Descriptions of 11 Alpine Resorts Across Europe, Is Now Available in Bookstores and at Bluetrain.com.

ASPEN, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 1999--

"The Best of the Alps," a stunningly beautiful collection of more than 250 color photographs of, and descriptive text about, 11 romantic Alpine resorts in five European countries by award-winning author and photographer Jay Cowan, is now available in selected bookstores and online at www.bluetrain.com for $24.95 plus shipping and handling.

Cowan and wife, Harriet Garth, have photographed and written about Chamonix, France; Cortina, Italy; Davos, Switzerland; Garmisch, Germany; Grindelwald, Switzerland; Kitzbuehel, Austria; Lech, Austria; St. Anton, Austria; St. Moritz, Switzerland; Seefeld, Austria; and Zermatt, Switzerland for 30 years, but nothing in their travels could have prepared them for the "European Winter of '99."

They were in the Alps finishing up their book only to find themselves in the midst of one of Europe's worst winters ever -- violent blizzards, avalanches, tunnel fires, closed airports and train stations.

"It was a challenge and an adventure," said Cowan, "and fortunately for us, we shot some of our best photos and met some of the most interesting people we've ever encountered during our travels."

"The Best of the Alps" makes for a magnificent virtual Grand Tour of the Alps at the end of the 20th century. The "Far West Skiers Guide" calls "The Best of the Alps" a "must-have for any outdoors sports enthusiast who enjoys both summer and winter activities in the mountains." Brent Gardner Smith, in "Roaring Fork Sunday," describes "Best of the Alps" as a "book of dreams ... that will spur idealistic and far-reaching conversation over any coffee table."

For review copies and more information, contact: Sabine Huemer at Image Doctors; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; [e-mail].