Finding a Senior Ski Buddy
Finding someone to play with was easy when we were kids. “Can Johnny come out and play?” But as seniors, it’s not easy to find someone to ski with. Ski friends drop out, move away, or go to the great beyond.
SeniorsSkiing.com is an amazing source of information. Here’s what happened recently: A skier emailed me saying: “I saw your stories in SeniorsSkiing.com and I want to connect with senior skiers in the Salt Lake area when I’m out there this winter. I’ve heard about Alta’s senior group called the Wild Old Bunch. How do I connect with them?”
The Wild Old Bunch meets daily at the only round table in Alf’s, mid-mountain at Alta. Photo Harriet Wallis
That was easy. I told her all about the Wild Old Bunch – the upbeat group of senior skiers who gather about 11- 11:30-ish weekdays for camaraderie and snacks at the only round table in Alf’s mid mountain restaurant. It might be a big group or maybe just a few. It just depends on who’s skiing that day. They talk about all kinds of things: golf, plumbing, road trips and more. You’ll likely meet someone who skis the way you like to ski.
Look for the WOB patch. Photo: Harriet Wallis
Enthusiastic WOB-er Bob Phillips said: We welcome anyone who shows up to join us at the round table. It’s a good way to find a ski buddy. And on the hill, look for the smiley face WOB patch that many wear on their jackets.
Bet you’re thinking: “I won’t be at Alta. How do I find ski buddies?”
Nationwide, the 70+ Ski Club is a senior club that typically has a handful of week-long trips to US and foreign destinations. Travels include everything: hotels, tickets, transportation, and of course cocktail parties and dinners together. It says: ”Since 1977, 70 Plus Ski Club members have enjoyed free and discounted skiing, developed lasting friendships, and skied together at resorts worldwide.”
Bet you’re still thinking: “I want to find ski buddies. How do I do it?”
Many areas have ski hosts who conduct mountain tours. The tours usually are a few hours, and participating in one may help you meet someone with comparable skills.
Another suggestion: Many older skiers read SeniorsSkiing.com, so let’s start a list of senior ski groups across the country. Just fill in the Leave a Reply message box following this story and we’ll get this going.
What ski area?
In what state?
Does the group have a name?
Where do they gather?
A certain day of the week? Daily?
What time?
Do they ski together? Ski with a guide? Other?
Please add everything else you’d like skiers to know.
SeniorsSkiing.com is an amazing source of information. Using the site to create a central registry of senior ski groups will benefit the entire community. Let’s do it!