Free Senior Skiing Under Threat In NH
State Legislature Considers Ending Decades Of Free Senior Skiing At Cannon Mountain.
Cannon Mountain is a state-owned area, famous for its aerial tram and free skiing for 65+ seniors.
Credit: Cannon Mountain
Since 1973, state-owned Cannon Mountain has been the only ski area in New Hampshire to offer free skiing to seniors 65-plus. This year, a second attempt to end free skiing for seniors was introduced to the legislature. The change would mean seniors would pay a discount of two-thirds ticket price on weekends and one-third on weekdays. Free skiing is currently only available during the week.
Supporters of the repeal of free skiing say that the additional revenue is needed to help the NH Division of Parks and Recreation become self-sufficent, a requirement of 1991 legislation. Opponents say that many seniors in the region are far from wealthy and view the change as a “tax” on seniors who usually ski during the week when the slopes are nearly empty.
In a close vote, the bill, SB 411, was passed by the House and now goes to the House Ways and Means Committee for review before coming back to the House for a final vote.
There are currently about 97 ski areas that offer free skiing in North America, according to the National Ski Area Association. A handful of small resorts start free skiing at 65, while the majority offer the privilege to 70+ skiers. An adult ticket currently cost $75 at Cannon; the senior discount would mean a $50 weekend ticket and $25 for weekday.
SeniorsSkiing.com has recommended that the free skiing benchmark should be raised from 65 to 70, still providing access to skiing for the many skiers in the region while creating a reasonable discount for 65-70. A season pass reflecting a deep discount for 65-70 is also recommended. We hope the State Legislature of New Hampshire acts with a sense of compromise and fairness in this matter.
What are your thoughts?
Take A Course From NOLS: True Adventure Awaits
These High Activity Courses Are Challenges For Active Seniors.
NOLS Horsepacking Course teaches you horsemanship, packing and camping skills.
Credit: Kelsey Week/NOLS
When it comes to a non-snow vacation get-away, as a senior snow-enthusiast, you’re probably not the type to get on and off a tour bus at museums and churches in Europe or who are going to be happy shuffling from one tourista tchotchke shop to another. If you want adventure, then consider these high action options from NOLS, the National Outdoor Leadership School.
NOLS is actually a leadership school founded in 1965 that focuses on using the backcountry as a classroom. Students also learn competencies in outdoor skills, so this is an opportunity to challenge yourself. NOLS Prime Courses are designed for adults. According the NOLS, they usually see a wide range of ages in students including many who are in their 50s and 60s.
Be advised, these are not your typical book club vacation trip to see where the Brontes lived; these are demanding, rugged learning and doing experiences where you can come face-to-face with the Big Outdoors.
Wilderness Horsepacking: You can learn the fundamentals of horsemanship while packing through the Rockies for 14 days. You’ll learn to care for your horse, ride, and camp and travel through magnificent backcountry near Jackson Hole, WO.
Wind River Wilderness Hiking and Fishing: This is an outdoor backpacking expedition through the Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains, renowned for its pristine lakes and rugged beauty. This is another 14-day adventure where you can learn fly fishing and practice camping skills.
Alaska Mountaineering: This one takes place in south central Alaska where there is hiking above the snow line over huge snowfields and glaciers. The emphasis is on learning how to care for yourself and your equipment, fellow expedition members and the environment. And you will learn real mountaineering skills like belaying, avalanche rescue, navigation and more.
Being fit and prepared for these demanding expeditions is a clear prerequisite. If you’re an active senior, you might want to consider contacting NOLS to find out more.
Alaska Mountaineering takes you into the high country where you learn climbing skills.
Credit: Alexis Alloway/NOLS
This Week In SeniorsSkiing.com (Apr 15)
Jon At Ski Boot Lab, Returning to X-C, More Super Socks, Candide Thovex Daredevil Video, Poll Results
Professional athlete Candide Thovex makes gravity work.
SeniorsSkiing.com’s co-publisher Jon Weisberg was invited to the annual Ski Boot Evaluation held this year at Solitude, UT. This is where evaluators from different corners of the ski business come together to test and compare notes about the new boots for next season. He reports on how the testing works and who was there.
We welcome a terrific memoir from ski industry veteran John Christie, a founder and former general manager of Sugarloaf and other New England ski resorts. He remembers his less-than-enjoyable experiences cross-country skiing as a member of the Bowdoin College ski team and compares that with his re-discovery of the sport in his senior years. Big difference as you will see.
We share the results of our latest poll that reveals the most popular non-snow sports of our readers. The top three all reflect a high level of physical activity, but so does one voted the lowest. Check it out, and help interpret the results.
Socks are important to snow sports for comfort and warmth. Bad socks, bad day almost guaranteed. Tamsin Venn reports on a really super sock product from Farm to Feet. We are learning how important it is to pay attention to what used to be an after-thought part of your equipment kit.
Finally, there’s a truly incroyable video clip of professional skier Candide Thovex skiing down a…well…a cliff somewhere in the Alps. Part of us wants to diss his run as irresponsible, but part of us also wants to salute his skill. Watch the clip and decide where you come down.
Apparently, there’s more snow coming up in the west. This weird season is far from done done.
Thanks for reading SeniorsSkiing.com and remember as Bernie Weichsel, impresario of BEWI Productions’ Ski and Snowboard Expos and SeniorsSkiing.com Advisory Board member says: “There are more of us every day, and we are not going away.”
Here’s where the raw material for Farm To Feet socks originate: Merino sheep who live in Wyoming.
Credit: Farm To Feet
[authors_page role=contributor]