Snow Sports Leaders: Klaus Obermeyer
“It’s Easier To Ski Than To Walk.”
Klaus Obermeyer is a skiing legend and innovator. The 97 year old founded Sport Obermeyer Ltd based on insights about ski wear while working in the late 40’s as an instructor in Aspen. One of his many innovations was the down ski parka, stitched together from a goose down comforter. Other product innovations include high-altitude suntan lotion, turtlenecks, nylon wind-shirts, and mirrored sunglasses. In 1961, the first Sport Obermeyer factory warehouse opened in Aspen, and innovations continued with “soft-shell” jackets, double lens goggles, pre-shaped gloves, the first waterproof, breathable fabrics, a built-in ski boot canting system and fashion-conscious, technically responsible skiwear.
Klaus Obermeyer
What are the most significant changes you have observed in the world of skiing?
Skis have gotten shorter and wider. Their advantage is that you can float at lower speeds in deep snow. They make it easier for everyone to ski deep snow. They also allow those who climb mountains to use a lot more of the mountain with or without the lifts.
During your time, which well-known skiers have had the most impact on ski fashion?
Maria Bogner probably.
Please comment on the role of form and function in ski apparel?
For ski apparel to function well, for example, ski parkas, they need:
- – To be waterproof and breathable;
- – To have stretch material in places where stretch is needed;
- – Be lightweight;
- – Look terrific
For many years, you have been a role model for older skiers. Do you think equipment and apparel manufacturers would benefit from using older models and showing older people in their advertising and marketing?
The older models are slowly dying out and the young ones are tomorrow’s old ones. I think age makes no difference as far as technical performance of clothing.
What advice would you give older skiers who are still healthy but thinking about hanging up their boards in favor of other activities?
I think one should never give up skiing as it keeps the legs in good shape and even improves your walking after you’re over 80.
What advice would you give ski area operators to encourage older skiers to remain in the sport?
Have parking places for older skiers so you don’t have to walk so far in those awful ski boots.
Of all people past and present with whom would you like to ride the lift?
With the best looking girl!
Please add any comments not covered above.
Skiing and boarding are sports that are absolutely unique and wonderful. The make you appreciate the incredible beauty of being outdoors in the mountains and give you tremendous choices of how fast to go, where to put your turns, and where to jump to get a zero G feeling. In the end it’s easier to ski than to walk.
Klaus in his earlier days
SeniorsSkiing Guide: Sun Peaks, BC, Senior-Easy Big Mountain
When You’re No. 2, The Saying Goes, You Try Harder.
Skiers and snowboarders rise above the clouds on the Crystal Chair at Sun Peaks. Credit: John Nelson
That’s true of Sun Peaks Resort, Canada’s second largest ski area behind behemoth Whistler-Blackcomb 200-plus miles away in the coastal mountains.
This excellent resort near the British Columbia city of Kamloops offers three mountains to ski, a well-designed, bustling village and even a fair bit of off-piste, side country powder to hike. Add to that a sunnier climate, lighter snow and lower prices and Sun Peaks looks better and better compared to its rival to the west.
You’ll find bargains here as well. Seniors 65 and older receive a 20 percent discount on ticket prices at Sun Peaks, and that’s on top of the favorable exchange on the strong U.S. dollar.
A snowboarder shreds fresh snow on the Crystal Chair at Sun Peaks. Credit: John Nelson
Snow, terrain and more
- Location: Sun Peaks is about 35 miles from Kamloops, a city of 85,000 in what’s known as “Thompson Country” of B.C.’s inland mountains. It is the closest inland resort to the Vancouver metro area (about five hours away by car), and the Kamloops airport gets several daily flights from major Canadian cities.
- Snowfall: The mountains here receive far less snow than the coastal range, but Sun Peaks still gets more than 230 inches a year. Snowmaking helps keep some of the lower slopes covered.
- Terrain, lifts: The three mountains at Sun Peaks serve predominantly intermediate terrain on its whopping 4,270 acres. About 68 percent of the resort is rated beginning or intermediate, and 32 percent is rated expert. The Gil’s Zone side-country area offers expert skiers the chance to find untracked lines after a short hike off the top of the Crystal and Burfield lifts.
- Vertical: 2,893 feet from a village base at 4,117 feet. The hikable summit of Tod Mountain (7,060 feet) adds few hundred vertical for those willing to sweat for their freshies.
Lot to lift access
- Parking: Parking is scattered in several lots near the bases of each mountain; in addition, accommodations generally offer heated parking garages.
- Public transportation: A bus service operates on weekends from Kamloops. In addition, an airport shuttle runs from Kamloops to Sun Peaks, and an inter-resort shuttle operates between Whistler, Big White and Sun Peaks.
- Accommodations: The village at Sun Peaks is well designed; you can ski among the shops, condos and hotels to the lifts. Several ski and stay deals are offered by the resort.
Culture
- The vibe: This is the friendly interior of B.C., so you won’t find any of the Whistler-Blackcomb snobbery here. As with many resorts in Canada, a strong Australian presence is apparent nearly everywhere you go among workers and vacationers.
- Dining: 22 dining spots are scattered around the resort and village. Several restaurants deliver great meals, including the excellent Voyageur Bistro and the rocking Bottoms Bar and Grill.
- Mountain life: Winter activities abound, with Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and skating. Of the interior B.C. resorts, Sun Peaks has the best four-season set-up, with a golf course and excellent mountain biking during the summer.
Bottom line
- Sun Peaks has a robust village scene that delivers a resort experience at the fraction of the cost of skiing at Whistler-Blackcomb..
- Canada’s second largest ski area has ample terrain to explore over the course of a ski stay.
- With 2,000 hours a year of sunshine, your chances of getting a goggle tan are pretty good.
A well-designed village offers dining, shopping and accommodations at the base of Sun Peaks. Credit: John Nelson
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John Nelson is a freelance outdoors writer based in Seattle. Follow his blog at skizer.org.
Cross-Country At Historic, Cozy PA Lodge
The Lodge At Glendorn Named Number One Resort Hotel In US.
Now this is what a comfy lodge looks like. Winter sports, good food, excellent accommodations at Glendorn.
Credit: Glendorn Resort
When I first said to our friends that we were having my wife’s 50th birthday party several years ago in Bradford, Pa. they cringed and all remarked, “In the middle of the winter in the icebox of Pennsylvania?” They were sure surprised when they all drove through the wrought iron gates and entered a winter wonderland from yesteryear.
The Lodge at Glendorn not only is a nationally known Relais and Chateaux property, but it was acclaimed by Travel and Leisure as the Number One Resort Hotel in the nation in their recent Best Awards of 2016. This historic 1500 acre property which abuts the Allegheny National Forest has been lovingly and painstakingly restored by its owner ( and curator) Cliff Forrest and his lovely wife Tracy.
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing on miles of trails is a feature of Glendorn Resort.
Credit: Glendorn
The property was once a retreat created by the oil and gas financier C.G Dorn in 1927 as a place for relaxation for his family. The original cabins were created for each family member and the spacious log lodge was the central family gathering for dinners and holidays. In 1995, it was opened to the public and in 2009, the property was up for sale. Due to the vision of Cliff and Tracy Forrest, they purchased Glendorn and have lovingly restored its original grandeur with 16 luxury cabin and lodge accommodations.
Cliff Forrest, a senior skier, hunter, and golfer, is an active outdoors person who founded Rosebud Mining Co. in 1979. Rosebud is currently the third largest coal producer in the state as well as the 21st largest producer in the country. Cliff’s success has made it possible for him to invest in this truly unique property which has many opportunities year round for seniors.
Aside from being an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing property, the hiking, and sporting clays opportunities exist year round. But in our experience, there is nothing as enjoyable or scenic as taking in Glendorn in the winter. The cozy atmosphere of the cabins and the lodge with the crackling fireplaces and first class cuisine make the winter experience one to remember. My wife and I have enjoyed Glendorn in the fall with the beautiful leaves of the Allegheny National Forest greeting us along the way, but the snowshoeing and cross country skiing available on the well-marked trails of the resort offer an exercise opportunity that is unparalleled. All the equipment you would require is available at the resort including cross country skis, snowshoes, and skates.
S’mores by the bonfire on a Saturday night under the stars.
Credit: Glendorn
On Saturday evenings, the resort employees provide a bonfire up at the lake with s’mores and beverages with the opportunity to ice skate. We also take advantage of the close proximity of Holimont Ski Club which is 40 minutes to the north and is open to the public weekdays for fabulous alpine skiing with the equally famous Lake Erie fluff blowing in and covering the slopes with a light, delightfully pleasant skiing experience. Ellicottville, New York is the quaint town adjacent to the ski areas with a fabulous brew pub, Ellicottville Brewing, and many other dining establishments and outdoor recreation shops. Again, it’s an easy drive from Glendorn adding to the total winter experience. My wife and I have been making it an annual affair for her birthday. It is truly top rate.
For Reservations and Rates click here or call 1800-843-8568.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the main lodge and picnic lunches for outdoor activities are available upon request.
Access: Three hour drive from Pittsburgh, PA, two hours from Buffalo, NY, five hours drive from Philadelphia.
Holimont lift tickets weekdays only: Adult Full Day, $56.00; Seniors( 70+) $50.00 full day. Groups of 15 of more who register two weeks in advance are offered a $39.00 lift ticket weekdays only. The property is closed to the public on the weekends unless a club member is a sponsor. Alternate opportunity is Holiday Valley Resort.
Photos courtesy of the Lodge at Glendorn
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