You don’t stop skiing when you get old.

You get old when you stop skiing.

Recently saw that bumper sticker statement on a few posters and T-shirts. 

It’s a wishful truism for senior skiers, cheering us on our snowy descents as we ascend to yet another year and another season.

But like almost every other overly simplistic proclamation, it simply doesn’t hold up under thoughtful examination.  

If you’re reading this, you’re probably trending upward in age. And, more likely than not, you’re an avid skier. And, unless poor health or some other factor has entered your life you have no intention of giving it up.

I’d be dishonest if I told you it has not entered my mind. I’m about to hit twin sevens, and what I was able to do on skis in the past , indeed, may remain there. 

In other words, I’m slowing down.

It’s not easy to lower personal expectations. But I realize that by doing so I may be able to extend my days and seasons on snow.

Maybe this is part of my pre-season jitters. Every Fall I experience a touch of anxiety. As a kid, it was about improving my skiing skills. As an adult, it was more about where and when I’d be on the hill. Over the past few seasons, it’s been more about how long it will take to get my legs back. 

I have no plan to stop skiing. And I have no way to stop getting old.

Perhaps it’s best to accept what we have when we have it and, like another T-shirt reads, Just stop thinking about it…and ski.

Great Snow; Closed Areas

Kitzbuel. Austria

Austria’s Tirolean areas (Stubai, Hintertux, Soelden, Kauneral, Pitztal, and Kitzbuel) have excellent conditions but are closed until November 30 due to Covid. Some will remain open for professional racers.

Indoor areas in the UK also are closed, effective November 4.

Vermont Issues Covid Operational Guidelines

Vermont just issued guidance spelling-out a cautious and through approach to managing Covid. Out-of-state long term workers will require quarantine and testing. The number-of-out of state weekend workers and volunteers such as patrol and instructors will be reduced. Comprehensive contact tracing will be implemented for workers and guests. This will require daily completion of electronic forms. Social distancing and masks will be required in lines and on lifts. Windows on enclosed lifts will be open. Day lodges will operate at 50% capacity and guests will be limited to 30-minute stays. Contactless systems will be in place for ticket sales and rentals. Click here to access the complete document.

SeniorsSkiing.com Classifieds

It’s our new service to help readers sell, buy, travel, rent, meet, etc. Currently someone is offering a 2 BR condo in Winter Park for $150 a night. Another person has a room available in a 3 BR condo near Beaver Creek for $665 per week. There’s a pair of Apex Boots for $425, and Rossignol Antelope MH waxless Nordic skis with Salomon bindings for $50. Lots of good deals on skis, instructions, etc…even a ski-worthy Mercedes Sprinter van. Posting ads is easy and inexpensive. Sign up by November 12 and get 4 weeks of advertising for $1. Click CLASSIFIEDS on dark blue menu bar.

How do you wear a face mask with a helmet?

Frequent contributor Harriet Wallis emailed raising that interesting issue. This season, most US ski areas will require face masks on lifts and in lines. Personal experience with disposable surgical masks is that ear loops disconnect easily from the paper mouth/nose covering. KN95s are less subject to tearing, as are the less effective (in terms of virus-trapping) cloth masks. Are they to be worn on the inside or outside of your neck or face warmer? Do we pull them down or remove them when we get off the lift? How will areas requiring masks monitor compliance? Will that be left to Lifties? Patrol? Others? Reminds me of the curse: May you live in interesting times.

BOOTSTER for Holiday Gifts

The Bootster is a simple, compact shoehorn for ski boots. It helps the skier’s foot slip effortlessly into the boot – even when the boot is cold and the shell is stiff. It’s small and easily carried in parka pocket. Having used The Bootster as a holiday and birthday present for other older skiers, I know that it is well-appreciated, virtually indestructible, and gets a lot of use. $25. Click on adjacent Bootster advertisement for details and to order.

VIVE Wear Compression Socks

VIVE Wear is an orthopaedic surgeon-developed compression sock combining baby alpaca, merino wool, nano silver plates, and nano copper wire. The company website explains how the metal components enhance healing. I recently tried a pair on a wet and nasty day. EXTREMELY comfortable and added nice spring to my step. No doubt these will serve as excellent ski socks. Reasonably priced. Click here to visit site.

Nothing to do with Skiing Dep’t

Internal shell of ram’s horn squid. Source: New York Times

Researchers exploring Australia’s Great Barrier Reef last week made two never-before-seen discoveries using a remotely operated vehicle: a ram’s horn squid in its natural environment and a coral reef taller than the Empire State Building. The squid is the only living squid that has an internal coiled shell. It also has a single, searching eye and can emit a lime-green light.

A Different and Wonderful Ski Documentary

Every now and then a different kind of ski film pops up on the screen. North Country is a 21-minute documentary about Lahout’s, the oldest ski shop in the U.S. The film tells the story of the store’s founding in 1920 in Littleton, New Hampshire, and how Joe Lahout, returning from combat in WWII and with a deep passion for skiing, emphasizes ski gear and clothing. His three sons — lawyers and other profesionals move back from big city careers to grow the family business. Now, a third generation has returned to continue the growth. Great vintage footage. Wonderfully and sensitively told.