Short Swings!
This will be my 64th consecutive year on skis, a factoid I should have mentioned at a recent ski industry event where each of the 50+ people gathered for lunch were asked to say something brief about what they do.
I was the oldest in the room and spoke about older skiers and how we comprise 20% of the US skiing population. I sensed they were more interested in desert. Now when I get the question, I mention my 64th consecutive ski season. It gets their attention. Many of us have lived through a significant period of skiing history. As we enter 2017-18, I encourage you to share your skiing experiences with the kids. That is, if they’ll put down the phone, take off the speakers, and pay attention.
Free Subscription to Skiing History Magazine
International Ski History Association
On the subject of skiing history, the International Skiing History Association is offering readers a free one-year subscription to the digital edition of Skiing History Magazine. It’s a $29 value. Published bimonthly, Skiing History has been documenting all aspects of skiing for many years. It is a gem. To subscribe, go to https://www.skiinghistory.org/join, scroll to Digital Membership, select 1 Year-Digital Only, add to cart, enter coupon code SENIORSKI17, checkout, then set up your account. P.S. Once you’ve subscribed, you’ll have access to the archives to 2009.
Seniors Ski Free at 111 U.S. Resorts
See the full article on the 2017-18 list of resorts where can seniors ski free. Most resorts provide free skiing at age 70, but its also available to those in their 60s.
Bromley, Cranmore, Jiminy Peak Introduce Airline-Style Ticket Pricing
Jiminy Peak, Cranmore Mountain, and Bromley have introduced variable ticket-pricing. Similar to air ticket pricing, the system rewards skiers who purchase early with lower prices. Consult each resort’s online pricing chart to lock in the best deal. One sacrifice for lower cost: no refunds.
CALIFORNIA
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe was the first Tahoe resort to open this season. It began daily operations on November 11.
Gondola to Link Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows
If the plan overcomes resistance from environmental advocates, the base-to-base gondola will be ready for the 2019-20 season. The gondola would eliminate the need to drive or bus between mountains.
CANADA
Crowd funding investors are responding positively to Red Mountain Resort’s (Rossland, B.C.) pitch against the trend for big corporate ownership of ski resorts. Using the slogan, “Fight the Man, Own the Mountain,” the resort’s web-based campaign drew pledges for C$508,500/$394,000 the first day. The campaign closes Dec.1 with a minimum target of C$1.5 million.
COLORADO
Colorado Ski Country USA’s Kids Ski Free programs offer free and discounted lift tickets for children, specialized lessons and rental discounts at member resorts. There’s a 5th and 6th Grade Passport Program covering most of the state’s resorts and many other free skiing benefits at individual areas. To learn more visit http://www.coloradoski.com or area websites.
IDAHO
Lookout Pass opened Nov 4 with 28″ at the summit and 16″ at its base.
Opening dates:
Sun Valley: Nov. 23
Silver Mountain Resort: Nov. 24
Schweitzer Mountain Resort: Dec. 1
Brundage Mountain: Dec. 8
Tamarack Resort: Dec. 8
Bogus Basin: Dec. 9
Pebble Creek: Dec. 16
MONTANA
Teton Pass Ski Resort will be closed this winter.
UTAH
Beaver Mountain in northern Utah got 20″.
Park City ended night skiing for recreational skiers.
Park City Area Lodging Association is offering a $300 Delta Gift Card with three-night stays at Lodges at Deer Valley, Silver Baron Lodge, Goldener Hirsch Inn, Signature Collection, or Trail’s End Lodge between December 1 and April 8.
Opening Dates
Alta Ski Area: November 22
Brian Head Resort: November 17
Brighton: Early As Possible
Cherry Peak: December 18
Deer Valley Resort: December 2
Eagle Point: December 21
Nordic Valley: December 9
Park City Mountain: November 17
Snowbasin Resort: November 22
Snowbird: November 22
Solitude Mountain Resort: December 2
Sundance Mountain Resort: December 8
VERMONT
Vermont resorts are offering a variety of ways to save on tickets. Visit the resort sites for more details.
Okemo’s annual Ski and Snowboard Swap benefiting Okemo Mountain School is scheduled November 17-19.
OTHER
Bode Miller will be an Olympic commentator. It will be the first Olympics since 1998 that he hasn’t competed.
SeniorsSkiing.Com Salutes Our Veterans
Thank You For Your Service.
For a history of the 10th Mountain Division from Snow magazine, click here.
Now Available: 2017-18 List of 112 US Resorts Where Seniors Ski Free
This Season, Free Skiing Will Be Available To Senior Skiers At 112 Resorts Across 26 States.
The list of resorts is available to SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers. The annual SeniorsSkiing.com report was first issued for the 2015-16 season.
The number of resorts reporting free skiing privileges for seniors increased slightly from last season. Most provide free skiing at age 70.
According to recent National Ski Areas Association statistics, 20% of the nation’s total skiing/boarding population are 52 and older (1,843,000). Those 52-62 total 1,220,000 participants; 62-71 total 510,000, and 72+ total 113,000.
Each resort establishes its own age threshold for free skiing. People in their 60s ski free at nine resorts in six states. Those 70-79 have a choice of 62 resorts in 22 states, and those 80 and older ski free in 40 resorts in15 states.
The three states with the most areas offering free skiing are New Hampshire with 11 and California and Michigan, each with 10. New Mexico, New York, and Pennsylvania each have 8 resorts with free skiing. Maine has 7, Vermont has 6, and Washington has 5.
Three resorts, Alta Sierra (California), Welch Village (Minnesota), and Sugarbush (Vermont), have a minimum age of 90 to ski free.
Many resorts have a range of discounts for older skiers purchasing lift tickets and other products and services. The editors of SeniorsSkiing.com advise looking online or asking before making purchases.
The free list is available to SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers. Existing subscribers have immediate access to the list by clicking Community in the menu bar and then Subscriber Only Content in the dropdown box. New visitors to the site must enter their email address to have access.
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