Author Connie Lawn with husband Charles at Utah’s Snowbasin Resort last year.
Bulletin - You are never too old to ski! In fact, skiing (like other things in life) just gets better as you get older. You may find skiing gives you more zest in life, has terrific health benefits in terms of fitness and circulation, and can indeed be a “fountain of youth.”

Senior skiing has enormous advantages. Besides being fun, it can be cheaper (and skiing can be a very expensive sport, as we all know). Most ski areas issue senior lift passes, which are at the same price level as the junior ones. Some areas will discount anyone with an AARP membership, although some of them try to make you wait until you are 65. Be persuasive and talk them down! Some areas give seniors free skiing, although the times may be restricted.

Another terrific organization exists for senior skiers. It is called “go50,” a global “over 50” ski club. It is an online discount ski club for skiers and riders aged 50 and up. For a fee of $50 a year, members get a discount card that provides hundreds of dollars worth of special ski discounts. Their web is www.go50.org. One of the founders is Bill Chaffee, a hotshot skier and ski coach from the West who now lives in Massachusetts. Cofounders are Jim Buckley and Sharon Bray. Go50 was founded two years ago, and continues to expand its national and international discounts.

In general, senior skiers, who may have fewer family responsibilities, can have more fun and time for skiing. They don’t have to fixate about getting hurt (which does happen) and being unable to care for young children at home. They can be free to travel and spend as much time on the slopes as possible. Senior skiers can work part time at the mountain. They serve as members of a ski patrol or serve as ski ambassadors. The latter cruise the mountains with groups of visitors, showing trails and providing assistance to skiers lost or in trouble. In some areas, the part time workers are paid. But, in all of them, free skiing is exchanged for work. At times, free or discount ski equipment is also provided.

Nearly all ski areas have special programs for senior skiers and boarders, in addition to the discount prices. The Canyons, a spectacular area in Utah, gives a rate of $38 a day to seniors 65 and over. A season pass is unlimited and goes for $360 a year, if purchased early. If not, it goes up to $525. For those prices, you have access to an incredible mountain - home to many of the Olympics events. In New Mexico, where there are many retirees, Taos sponsors a special senior ski week several times a season. The instructors are all over 50. They focus on ways skiing techniques change as people age.

In addition to senior skiing, most areas have adaptive ski programs for disabled skiers. They may apply to seniors in some cases. These programs provide everyone with the opportunity to enjoy the snow and, if you hit it right, the bright sunshine and incredible, spiritually uplifting aspect of the mountains. In fact, I always say the spiritual side of skiing should never be ignored. Always take time to appreciate the view, nature, and meditate or pray while you are on top of the mountains. (Sometimes it helps on the way down!)

In addition, approach skiing with a sense of humor. In New Zealand, I met a terrific group called “one ski in the grave skiers.” They ski as often as they can, until their nineties or above. But, they are not fanatics. They spend a lot of time sitting outside in between runs, relaxing, talking, sipping a drink, and contemplating life. Surely, theirs is the correct attitude. Perhaps we should start more chapters around the world!

Remember, you are never too old, fat, tired, or out of shape to ski! But, you should find your health improves if you engage in such a magic and rigorous sport. After all, these are your golden years - live them up!