My 80 Plus Patch and Its Potential
Two years ago, when I signed up as a member of the 70 plus ski club, I received my 80 plus patches. I had collected patches from ski areas for years and have a coat that adorns all or most of my patches. I have tried to buy one at every new ski area I visit.
So, I placed this patch on my current ski coat with a big Velcro backing so I can switch the patch to the ski coat I am going to wear that day. Ever since I put that patch on my shoulder, I would get comments, “Great to see you can still be out here”, “Really! Your 80?”, “Keep on going!” and always resulting in a great conversation on a lift or in the lodge.
I am so thankful that my body still allows me to participate in numerous sports, racquetball, pickleball, kayaking, riding my bike, motorcycling and golf (my least favorite but there to fill up the down time between ski seasons).
Now as you know, I am always concerned about our skiing safety, so I am working on an idea (more on that below). I first saw a poster for the Snow Angels foundation at Palisades Ski Area a few years back. Snow Angels has devoted its efforts to educating skiers about the after effect of skiing too fast, being out of control, and not being courteous. When I saw that first poster it had a big impact on me and continues to this day. Co-founders Chauncy and Kelli Johnson have snowboarded and skied most of their lives. They brought this passion into their marriage and subsequently with their children. On Christmas Eve, 2010 a snowboarder riding at approximately 50 mph collided with Kelli and daughter Elise (5 years old). The collision resulted in the death of Elise and the snowboarder. Kelli sustained life altering injuries including a severe Traumatic Brain Injury and other injuries that she lives with to this day.
This now relates to the patch. I have spoken with the organization’s staff and discussed having a Snow Angels patch which I could wear. Snow Angels will be making a patch to wear, and I think everyone should wear on their shoulder. I hope the patch resembles their poster with the snow angel. I am not sure yet as to how they will be distributed, but I imagine they will be available shortly and maybe for a small donation to the not-for-profit to help promote skiing safety.
This along with my ski guardian flag warning systems, which appear to have worked well last year while getting some great response on the slopes. I think fewer people have passed close by me. It certainly seems to me there have been fewer close calls than before using them. Ski Guardian has teamed up with Snow Angels and have a flag that will go on their poles extensions which will also help the cause.
Now about that idea. Going along with my safety schtick, I am working on a red-light system to go onto the back of my helmet. This might be over the top but as in my earlier drawings for skier safety I included lights on my jacket. Let’s see how this works this year!!!
Hope everyone has a safe and fun ski season this year.
- My 80 Plus Patch and Its Potential - March 19, 2026
- Optimism vs. Pessimism: Update on Skiing Private-Public Powder Mountain - March 5, 2026
- Skiing is Less Expensive Than Other Activities - January 8, 2026
I think the helmet light is a great idea. Recently a clueless out of control skier slammed into a snowboarder at Killington. Fortunately no one was hurt. But the skier started screaming “Why didn’t you get out of my way”. The video has been taken down but I was able to capture it before that happened. I’ve muted it because the idiot’s language was a little over the top. I’m snowboarder/skier turning 80 in October and I hope to avoid bozos like this. https://youtu.be/K5VcUUp1b04
Pat. thanks for the response, BOZO! is correct in definition.
I also saw a runner with a flashing light on her back with a yellow striped harness. I am going to feel like an advertisement for the safety gadgets. Unfortunately, the last straw is the one paying no concern coming up behind you! we have no control of this.
Nice story, Mike. Love the messages and especially what the Johnsons are doing with the Snow Angel Foundation. They are great. I try not to be too much of a Clint Eastwood “get off my lawn” type as a I attempt to promote safety and watching out for others on the slopes. But it’s hugely important, I believe. Keep up the good work.
Allen, Thanks. Let’s all keep pushing for courtesy on the slopes. Yes, it is hugely important.
Reckless skiers are a menace to all. I wish the areas/ patrol would do more to control it. They need to pull tickets and ban repeat offenders.
Richard i am in total agreement, the big issues is how to get it across to these idiots! It’s not us, we already know abd a good scolding doesn’t work.
Richard i am in total agreement, the big issues is how to get it across to these idiots! It’s not us, we already know and a good scolding doesn’t work.