Short Swings!
Yes, age does give many of us some advantages. Wisdom is often cited, but, I, for one have made enough errors in judgment to be exempted from checking that box. I’m probably not alone.
Financial well-being is another frequent citation. Fortunately, along with about two-thirds of SeniorsSkiing readers who say they’re financially independent, I’m okay in that category. But I know too many older skiers whose fortunes took them in another direction. Many have adjusted lifestyles so they can continue to pursue their favorite sport.
Outlook and attitude also are advantages for some of us. My old friend, Frank Burgmeier, is 98. A veteran of 65+ bomber flights in WWII, he continues to have a sharp mind and a great attitude. “I’m blessed,” he tells me. That, despite disappointments from some family members. “When I peel all of those things away, I’m happy and at peace.” If I make it to that age, I hope my mind and spirit are as healthy as his.
Jim Cobb is another example. Jim is 89 and the developer and manufacturer of The Bootster, the ski boot shoehorn that advertises on these pages. He skied many years with the National Brotherhood of Skiers before age caused him to retire. When I mention that we just had a 24-hour snowstorm here in Utah, he sighs with resignation and says, “I’m envious that you’ll be skiing. That part of my life is behind me.”
Some are fortunate enough to ski on and on. George Jednikoff continued past 100. At 99, Claus Obermeyer is still going. I know there are others, but I don’t know their names.
Luck also is a big factor. I recall being at a luncheon where the speaker was Mike Singletary, then coach of the San Francisco 49ers. One comment that stuck with me was the 20% luck factor. Being in top physical condition and having outstanding skills were essential for his players’ good results, he said. But luck always plays a role on the field; he thought about 20%.
Luck (good or bad) also is a factor as we age. Like many other senior skiers, I’ve had my fair share of bad luck. Much of it seems to have occurred health-wise in 2021. I’ve been climbing out of that hole for the past six months, and I’m now ready to get back to what I love: skiing. I readily admit that the goal of publishing SeniorsSkiing.com kept me motivated during some dark and difficult times.
Wisdom. Financial well-being. Outlook and attitude. Good luck. They can keep us going as we age. Whether we possess all of them or a few, we should be grateful for what we have, while we have it.
Wishing all readers good health, good skiing, and good times for the Holidays, and beyond.
[[Taking Christmas and New Year’s off. Next issue of SeniorsSkiing.com will be sent January 7. You always have access to all articles by visiting seniorsskiing.com. New articles are posted on the site during the week leading up to each publication date. Please help us grow the seniorsskiing.com audience by sharing seniorsskiing.com with other senior skiers.]]
232 Skiing Santas Raise Charity $$$s
For the past 21 years, Sunday River (ME) has kicked off the Holiday Season with Santa Sunday, a fund-raiser for a local charity. This year, 232 Santa-clad skiers each paid a $20 entry donation, raising more than $5000 for The River Fund, which invests in the education of young people in the region.
Vail Resorts Tops Season Pass Sales
Vail Resorts reported it sold more than 2.1 million season pass products for this season. That’s 700,000 more than last year, a record for the company. Also, for the second year in a row, Newsweek named VR one of America’s Most Responsible Companies.
Jackson Hole Ups Hourly Wage
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is increasing its minimum wage for all non-tipped positions to $18 per hour, up from $15 per hour. The increase is intended to attract new and retain existing employees.
Really Smart Helmet Technology
Source: Twiceme
Twiceme, a Swedish company, has teamed up with Salomon to produce “smart” ski helmets. To be available late 2022, the helmets will utilize twICEme® technology to provide a suite of safety information ranging from personal medical records to finding a lost child. It will be readily accessible to ski patrol and search and rescue.
NE Areas Banning Boot Bags?
SeniorsSkiing subscriber, Torry Hack, writes: “As a grey-haired skier who likes to put on his boots in the lodge vs in his car, I am disappointed to find that many New England areas are still banning bags.”
New England skiers: Please email info@senioirsskiing.com to let us know if your area bans bags in the day lodge, and we’ll publish the list.
Shipping Container Ski Lodge
The Pad Hotel, Silverthorne, CO
The town of Silverthorne, in Summit County, Colorado, is home to The Pad, a hotel constructed from 18 shipping containers. Private rooms are $350. per night; bunk rooms, $50. It’s not far from Copper, Keystone, Breckenridge, and A-Basin.
Surprise Storm
Reader Donna Ohanian in New Hampshire, sent in this photo along with a note stating, “This storm was supposed to be 3-6”. Nope. 30!” Note the LUV-SNO license plate. Thanks, Donna!
Snowball Fights in Art
Detail from a fresco depicting the month of January at Buonconsiglio Castle in Trento, Italy, ca. 1400
Public Domain Review is a British-based organization that issues interesting articles and illustrations outside of copywrite restrictions. Click here to enjoy PDR’s history of snowball fights in art over the centuries and in a variety of cultures. It’s a treat.