Still Skiing, The Freedom Years

“Still chasing winter, just doing it differently, why more older skiers are refusing to hang up their boots”. 

I’m at the stage of life when some of our old ski buddies are giving up the winter sport they once relished, citing dodgy knees or creaking hips, or even metallic ones. But as my husband and I cruise through our sixties, pleasingly, with all our original body parts still intact we’re keen to give this skiing business a red-hot crack for as long as we can. 

With four other seniors in tow and Epic Passes all round encouraging us to spread our wings, we recently embarked on an epic trip of our own- three weeks, three European countries and 17 ski days to test our endurance. 

A few of us are nursing various sporting injuries, but that’s not enough to deter us. If anything, it spurs us on. Keep moving, keep fit, keep bending those knees. We notice a surprising number of seriously senior skiers on the slopes in Europe, many well into their 80s and beyond. On a chairlift in Andermatt, I strike up a conversation with a craggy-faced local.

“This is my 76^th season skiing here,” he says grinning like a school boy. “It’s just like walking.”

We don’t go as hard or fast as we once did, nor do we feel compelled to stay on the slopes all day. We start late, finish early and even stop for lunch if we want. Hell, some days we don’t even ski at all and embrace lodge or village life instead. No guilt, no judgement, and nothing to prove.

“It’s very liberating having an Epic Pass,” says one of our group. “I’ve already paid for it so it doesn’t matter how many hours or days I ski. I’m just here for the fun.”

We all are. And if we happen to keep ageing at bay at the same time, that’s a welcome bonus.

Tips for Senior Skiers

Get ski-fit before you go
Build strength in quads, calves and core, and don’t forget adductors (inner thighs) for stability and yes, getting back up if you fall. 

Check airline baggage allowance
If taking your own gear, ensure your fare, including connecting flights, allows for sports gear or extra weight. Airport surprises aren’t fun. 

Bring your own ski boots
Comfort matters. Well-fitted boots you know will always beat rentals and having your own saves time and money. Skis? Up to you, but modern hire gear is excellent if you don’t fancy lugging around your own. 

Stay close to the lifts
Aim for ski-in ski-out accom or easy access. Less trudging in boots makes life more fun. 

Take a refresher lesson
A tweak in technique can really lift your skiing and save energy.

Pace yourself
Start gently, stop when your body tells you to and before fatigue sets in. Most injuries happen when you’re tired.

Respect altitude
Hydrate, take it easy on day one and give your body time to adjust. Altitude sickness can genuinely ruin a trip.

Consider private transfers
Door-to-door transfers between resorts makes life easy, and if shared between friends can be just as cost effective as public transport.

Play safe
Make sure your insurance covers skiing, including all medical and evacuation. And helmets, of course. In some places, it’s compulsory.

Stay longer in fewer places
Two bases done well often beats done quickly.

Book accommodation with recovery in mind
Think lifts, spas, onsen, good food., and minimal walking. Recovery is part of the ski day now.

Warm up properly
Every day, not a quick stretch- A proper 5–10 minute warm-up. It makes a noticeable difference to performance and confidence.