Drop the Still

Alta 2022, Cherri, George, & Marianne

There are certain words that are at best—annoying. “Still” is one of them. Not kind to say to a mother, “So your daughter is still single?”. To the very pregnant woman, “You still haven’t had that baby?” Or to the frugal guy, “I can’t believe you are still wearing that parka!” OUCH was my reaction to a recent email from a young guy, who I thought viewed me as an inveterate skier. He asked, “Still getting out there?”. By return mail, he now knows he is in semantic trouble. I am on a personal mission to educate people, one at a time, to just drop the “still”. Never let the ask, “Do you still ski?” come from respectful lips.

This campaign is not about my daughter, expectancy or my wardrobe. It is all about my/ our age and ageism. It seems there is a commonly-held belief that skiers reach an age and, presto—they no longer ski. So not true. I recall the winter I joined the Seventy Plus Ski Club where all the members have at least celebrated that milestone. I did two outings with the club including a week in Utah skiing six mountains with 140 hearty skiers and boarders. I was on the younger end of the spectrum but, thankfully, held my own. It was a 103 year old man who stole my heart and gave me hope and incentive to hang in there for many years to come. At Alta, where he was treated as a celebrity, we skied a great run. When he glanced to the left and spotted a strip of powder, he was off! His 72-year old son was quick to reprimand him and I was fast to make a note to remember to leave my kids at home.

At my home Vermont mountain, Sugarbush, there is designated front row parking for 80+ year olds. Bravo to the resort for the recognition and provision to make it a bit easier. Don’t use the “‘still” word with all the racers on the course or in the woods who are well over seventy—they have earned and deserve better. The fact that most resorts have upped their ages for reduced price or free skiing is evidence of skiers/boarders staying with their sports for longer and longer. Win Smith, the former resort owner, then in his 60”s, instituted “The Boomer Pass” allowing weekday skiing at a great price.

Maybe you have to ski in the boots to recognize we are ageless if we love the sport and stay fit. While we may appreciate some considerations, it is best realizing we are tough and determined. We feel fortified when we are perceived as just another constantly-working-on -our-technique person out for fun, companions and exercise. Maybe it is our task to educate people who don’t get it by calling them out on the use of “still” with “Why do you ask me that?” The defensive responses are usually worth the effort! Teach on!

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Cherri Sherman

Tucked year round in the Mad River Valley of Vermont, Cherri describes skiing as the canvas on which her life has been painted. Meeting her husband at Sugarbush in the late 60’s would result in five daughters, six grandchildren, three great son in laws and a life of purpose. A widow, her life is full of friends and family as they find her geographically very desirable! Summers she hikes and kayaks and loves live music and when the snow arrives, she is on the mountains near her home and those she travels to. Beyond anything, she is very grateful.

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Robin Hicks says:

February 6, 2026 at 7:34 am

The Still in my backyard is producing some happiness

John G says:
February 16, 2026 at 4:08 pm

yes please!!

Clyde E Nunn says:

February 6, 2026 at 11:43 am

Wonderful, thank you Cherri, as a west coaster I’m happy to to say I’ve been to Mad River Glen and envy the winter your having in Vermont, and I am going to recommend the parking designated for 80 pluses, to my ski area and hope! Great idea, may all your turns be smooth,and enjoyable