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Tag Archive for: senior skiers

Short Swings!

December 6, 2019/2 Comments/in Short Swings!/by Jon Weisberg

Growing up in Troy, N.Y., my friends and I often rode our bikes to Oakwood Cemetery, where we’d visit the tombstone of Samuel Wilson, aka Uncle Sam. One cold day, a pond had frozen in a way I never forgot and never saw again. For some reason, the ice had formed thousands of vertical tubes.

Oddities like this happen throughout nature. I find them special because they’re ephemeral. We’re fortunate to be there when they occur. And when they do, they don’t last for long. The brevity of their existence, like ours, makes the moment even more beautiful.

Since these occurrences are so fleeting, I find myself relying on pictures taken by others.

Google “weird snow and ice formations” and you’ll get many results. One website that pops up is called Bored Panda. It describes itself as dedicated to publishing articles about “lightweight and inoffensive topics.” There, you’ll find a photo gallery of fascinating ice and snow formations from around the globe.

As we enter the Northern Hemisphere’s 2019-20 season, take a few minutes to enjoy these photos of unusual, natural winter formations. And when you’re out and about in the cold, whether skiing, in your garden, or walking through the park, look around and see what natural wonders are there.

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Roam Elevate Named One of TIME’s Best Inventions

Every year, TIME highlights the Best Inventions “…making the world better, smarter and a bit more fun.” This year, under the headline, Pain-Free Skiing, TIME gave Special Mention to Roam‘s Elevate robotic ski exoskeleton. “The equipment includes a backpack and a device that resembles a knee brace, which you strap to your legs. Elevate sends air pressure from the backpack to the brace, acting as an intelligent shock absorber that reduces load off the quads and knees.” Starting December 15, the Roam Elevate will be available for rental from 10 resorts in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Utah for as little as $25. Click on adjacent ad for more information.

Happy 100th, Klaus!

Klaus Obermeyer

Klaus Obermeyer, the legendary skier and innovator, whose eponymous ski clothing brand is found almost everywhere, turned 100, December 2. Click here for “It’s Easier To Ski Than To Walk,” the interview with Klaus which appeared in SeniorsSkiing.com in 2017.

Alta: 117″ To Date

There are many reasons Alta (UT) is among my favorite places to ski. The old school ambience. The fantastic terrain. The lack of boarders. And the remarkable snow!!!! As of this writing (early in the week) the resort has captured more than 10′ of the natural stuff. More is predicted by the time you read this.

Indiana’s Perfect North: Earliest Opening in 40 Years

Perfect North Slopes, Indiana, opened Nov. 15, the earliest date in its 40 year history. Thanks to Cathy Meyer for letting us know! Other news from Perfect North Slopes: It is purchasing Timberline Four Seasons Resort in West Virginia.

Whiteface Lodge Burns

Whiteface’s Mid-Station Lodge was destroyed by fire last weekend. Staff there notified firefighters around 9PM Saturday. Area firefighters reached the structure via snowcat. No one was injured.

Skiing Idaho With The Grandkids?

The Idaho Peak Season Passport lets 5th and 6th graders ski or board 18 mountains for $18. The program allows 5th graders to ride three days for free at each of the Gem State’s 18 ski resorts (Sun Valley and Grand Targhee, included) and offers 6th graders two days free at 17 areas. Unlike some other states with similar programs, Idaho makes the free skiing available to kids from any state or country.

Candide Thovex skis Great Wall of China

A current Land Rover commercial shows an SUV ascending an impossibly steep portion of China’s Great Wall. Now, Audi has released this short video of French skier, Candide Thovex skiing a snowless Great Wall.

Incidents And Accidents:3

December 4, 2019/13 Comments/in Incidents and Accidents/by seniorsskiing

Confronting The Offender.

[Editor note: SeniorsSkiing.com is collecting stories from readers about incidents and accidents that they have experienced. We intend to review these for patterns and themes and use that data to influence the safety policies of resorts and other stakeholders. The following is the second article submitted by a reader in our new feature “Incidents and Accidents”. If you have a story to tell, please follow the format used below and send to INFO@seniorsskiing.com]

Jon Weisberg, Teasdale, UT.

Where: Deer Valley, Park City, UT

What Happened: I was skiing the left edge of a wide slope, about three quarters of the way down. The bottom of the lift was visible. A skier in a green parka came from behind and passed within an inch or two. His skis crossed mine. I stopped and watched as the ugly green parka made its way clumsily to the bottom. Taking chase, I caught up with him and his friend in the lift line and confronted him. He was in his late teens or early 20s and denied that he was the skier in question. I pressed the issue. “You’re the only person wearing that ugly green jacket.” He still didn’t admit that he skied so close and almost knocked me down. “You did it, and you know you did,” I persisted. His buddy then spoke up and admitted that his friend had done it. They were about to get on the chair. I gave him a short lecture. “If you got hit at your age, you’d get up or spend a few days sidelined and be back on the hill. I’m in my seventies, and you almost knocked me down. I’ve been skiing more than 60 years. If you hit me, I might have been out for the season or for the rest of my life.” Maybe it registered, maybe not. He got on the chair and, fortunately, I never saw the twerp again.

Role of the Ski Patrol: Had Patrol been nearby, I would have reported the kid. They were not, and I did not.

Lessons Learned: I like to ski the fall line which is what I was doing when this happened. I deliberately ski slowly and in control. But many others don’t ski with the same level of control. It’s important to redouble looking around and upslope when skiing.

Advice: The incident made me realize that regardless of how well I conduct myself on the hill, I need to expect the unexpected.

Short Swings!

November 22, 2019/2 Comments/in Short Swings!/by Jon Weisberg

Uphill Without a Lift?

In this age of technological disruption, it’s time to consider the growing number of alternatives to rope tows, chairlifts, gondolas and trams.

Self Powered

Starting at the most basic level, there’s the growing practice of uphilling, the use of skins on skis to help the more fit and energetic work their way up. Long a European pastime, it’s catching on in North America to the extent that some resorts are charging for the use of their slopes.

Unassisted backcountry skiing is a version and vice versa. The boarder version uses splitboards, short skis used to climb and then lock together into a snowboard for the trip down.

Heli-, Cat-, Car-Powered

By now, all of us are familiar with helicopters, snowcats, and snowmobiles as a way of reaching higher and more remote terrain.

Some of you may have experienced skijoring, the sport of being pulled on skis by horse, motorcycle, snowmobile or car. If you haven’t, this 1955 video, titled World’s Most Dangerous Sport, will convince you not to try.

Mechanical Skis

Source: Popular Mechanics

In 1953, Popular Mechanics featured Caterpillar Skis, motorized skis that promised to transport the skier up the mountain. The skis had devices that looked like tank tracks and weighed almost as much as the tank. An engine strapped to the skier’s back provided the power. This link to the article shows and tells all.

Fan-Power

Donald Steeg with the SkiBee

Some years ago, a guy in Turkey mounted a large fan on his back to propel himself uphill on skis. More recently, a Russian man developed this fan device from a lawn mower engine. In the early 70s Donald Steeg of Detroit came up with the fan-on-back SkiBee.

Is Something Following Me?

Skizee Woodsrunner

There’s the Roller Cycle Tracker, a ski-mounted motorized unit that pushes its user through snow. The demo video gives the impression it needs further development. Another product, the Skizee Woodsrunner, operates on a similar push principle but looks more sophisticated, as you’ll see here.

As fat tire e-snowbikes grow in popularity, so, too, may their use in towing skiers uphill.

Drone Alone

Samsung built an experimental drone to lift a human.This video shows the drone transporting a boarder. Peculiar and Jetson-like as it sounds, it probably isn’t that far away.

R2-D2 In Our Future?

Last season, the South Koreans held a robot-skiing competition. Assuming that technology improves, there may be R2-D2s in our collective future.

Brighton, Utah’s First to Open

Brighton opened Tuesday, Nov 19, becoming the first Utah resort to kick off the 2019-20 season. Many visitors to the area overlook this gem at the end of Big Cottonwood Canyon. It is an absolute snow magnet and has varied terrain. Passes are reasonably priced for the 65+. Brighton attracts a lot of boarders, so go midweek when they’re in school.

Fantastic Senior Ski Weeks at Mountaineer Inn, Mount Snow

Mountaineer Inn at the base of Mount Snow in Southern Vermont has been hosting Senior Ski Weeks for several years. The 5-night packages include lodging, Mount Snow lift tickets, lessons and meals. Each evening is rich in conversation and entertainment, including live performances from the American musical theater. Openings are still available for the January 5-10 and March 1-6 Senior Ski Weeks. $715 pp/double occupancy. Mountaineer Inn also has special mid-week rates for seniors. Click here for details or call 1-800-682-4637.

Sweet Deal From Apex

Apex Boots

Apex is a remarkable solution for any skier living with uncomfortable or underperforming conventional boots. It combines a soft and comfortable walkable boot with a stiff open chassis. The soft boot slips on with ease, even on cold days. When it’s time to ski, step into the chassis, close the three buckles, and step into your bindings. The company has a sweet deal for SeniorsSkiing.com readers. It ends November 30. Order directly through the manufacturer’s website (use Discount code SENIOR3000) and get free shipping in the lower 48, a ski boot bag from Kulkea (value: $149.95), and free demos for friends and family through 2020 at Apex’s demo center in Golden, Colorado.

Great Gift for Older (and Younger) Skiers!!

Bootster is a compact, lightweight and portable shoehorn for ski boots. It works for ANYONE fed up with grunting and groaning trying to fit foot into boot. I purchased several for Christmas and Hanukah gifts. At $25, Bootster is a bargain. The thing lasts forever. It’s a gift that keeps giving. Click here on or the adjacent ad to learn more and to order.

Discounted Skiwear For Every Size

Snow Country Outerwear is discounting its full line of skiwear for women (Reg and Plus; XS – 6X), men (Reg and Big; Sm – 7XL), and children. Click here or on the adjacent ad for details.

A Ski Gift for the Grandkids

A-B-Skis is a beautifully illustrated hardcover children’s alphabet book. There’s one letter per page that covers some aspect of skiing, each in verse. The volume also has safety information and guidance for getting the young ones excited to be on the hill. It was written by former U.S. Ski Team member and 2006 Olympian, Libby Ludlow and illustrated by Nathan Y. Jarvis, a prominent illustrator and PSIA certified Children’s Specialist ski instructor. A delightful Holiday gift for grandkids. $24.99. Click here to order.

A Worthy Skiing Cause

Since it was founded 17 years ago, the Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City has become one of the world’s preeminent ski history museums. Visitors get to see extensive collections and to experience numerous interactive mountain sport simulators. There’s no admission. Last year, alone, there were more than a half-million visitors. The non-profit foundation behind the museum is conducting its annual fundraiser. To donate, click here.

Award-Winning Animated Ski Film

Hors Piste is an award-winning, student-produced, animated film of a hapless injured skier being “rescued” by two emergency medical crewmembers. No words. About 6 minutes. Click here.

Short Swings!

November 15, 2019/4 Comments/in Short Swings!/by Jon Weisberg

Secrets of the Ice is a Norwegian website dedicated to archaeological discoveries in melting glaciers and ice patches in Norway and elsewhere. Glacial archaeology is a developing science as the planet warms, and objects from mummified people to ancient skis melt out of the ice. In Norway, one ski was carbon-dated to 650BC Another ski, from 750AD, was found with a complete binding.

Digervarden ski (c. AD 750). Source: Secrets of the Ice

Click here to read a well-written account of what has been learned about these early skis.

What do you think future peoples exploring the mysteries of mountainous areas will think about trees covered with women’s underwear? Were they a weird form of public art created by even weirder humans recreating in the cold?

A few years ago (maybe he still offers the service) a guy at Alta hired himself out with a metal detector to find lost skis buried in deep powder. Those of us who’ve been through that experience, know its value. I always found my skis, but it can take time.

At one point, I hid coins in nature with the idea of finding them in the future. I remember one such hiding spot with my daughter on a rustic perch overlooking a glacial lake. It was over thirty years ago. It makes me want to go back as a family and find them.

Reconstruction: Alfons & Adrie Kennis © South Tyrol Museum Archaeology/Ochsenreiter

In the Spring, I wrote about visiting Oetzi the Iceman in the Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy. He’s been dated to 3300BC. It’s a wonderful small museum, and several of you posted comments about your visits there.

A couple I know in Salt Lake City went off route on Everest several years ago and found a well-known American climber’s jacket and other of the missing climber’s artifacts. He disappeared in the 30s.

Many of us could have some interesting archaeological finds simply rummaging through the pockets of old ski clothing. When I was 12 an uncle gave me the anorak he used in the 20s or 30s. In a pocket was an ancient stick of Wrigley’s gum, complete with foil and paper wraps. I couldn’t resist the temptation. It was awful.

There are so many things waiting to be found. We constantly consume and dispose. Given our collective concerns about ski area safety, would it be a surprise if those future glacial archaeologists also found the scattered remains of older skiers?

Alterra To Purchase Sugarbush

Alterra Mountain Company has entered into an agreement to purchase Sugarbush in Vermont.

Women An Important Part of Jackson Hole History

Most ski and ski area videos are male-oriented, if not male-dominated. Jackson Hole has a delightful 90-second video on the impact of women throughout its history, starting with the fact that in 1920, the town elected the first all female government. Click here.

Areas Open and Opening

Lifts are running across North America. Here’s a partial list of open areas and those that soon will be:

East

Killington VT) Open

Mount Snow (VT) Open

Sunday River (ME) Open

Bristol Mountain (NY) Open

Wildcat (NH) Nov 15

Gore Mountain (NY) Nov 15

Greek Peak (NY) Nov 15

Hunter Mountain (NY) Nov 15

Whiteface Mountain (NY) Nov 15

Big Boulder (PA) Nov 15

Sugarloaf (ME) Nov 15

Loon Mountain (NH) Nov 16

Titus Mountain (NY) Nov 16

Mont Tremblant (QC) Nov 22

Snowshoe (WV) Nov 22

Stratton (VT) Nov 23

Sugarbush (VT) Nov 23

West/Northwest

Arapahoe Basin(CO) Open

Eldora (CO) Open

Mt. Norquay (AB) Open

Lake Louise (AB) Open

Winter Park (CO) Open

Copper Mountain (CO) Open

Banff Sunshine (AB) Open

Mammoth Mountain (CA) Open

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows (CA) Nov 15

Steamboat (CO) Nov 15

Park City (UT) Nov 22

Alya (UT) Nov 23

Solitude (UT) Nov 23

Aspen and Snowmass (CO) Nov 28

Big Bear (CA) Nov 28

Big Sky (MT) Nov 28

Jackson Hole (WY) Nov 28

Snow Summit (CA) Nov 28

Taos (NM) Nov 28

Big Bear (CA) Nov 29

Snowbird (UT) Nov 29

Revelstoke (BC) Nov 39

Aspen Highlands (CO) Dec 7

Buttermilk (CO) Dec 7

Deer Valley (UT) Dec 7

The Summit at Snoqualmie (WA) Dec 7

June Mountain (CA) Dec 21

Midwest

Boyne Mountain (MI) Nov 15

Crystal Mountain (MI) Nov 22

Boyne Highlands (MI) Nov 28

Military Week at Taos

Not Forgotten Outreach, Inc. (NFO), the Taos, NM, non-profit that organizes annual ski outings for past and present military at Taos Ski Valley, will host the 7^th Not Forgotten Outreach Ski Week, January 21 – 26, 2020. The event is open to military, their immediate families, and Gold Star Families. Participants enjoy deeply discounted lodging, lift tickets, lessons and rentals. Through a VA Adaptive Sports Grant, NFO is offering five scholarships for skiers/snowboarders currently on active duty with vision, intellectual/cognitive, or physical-related diagnoses. Click here for more info.

Ski Safety PSAs

High Fives Foundation is dedicated to prevention of life-changing injuries and providing resources if they happen. The non-profit is based in Truckee, CA, and much of its snow sports activities are in Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. Among its many good deeds is production of Public Service Announcements educating people about on-snow safety. High Fives just released this short PSA on what to do when someone is injured. It is an excellent refresher.

Ski Conditioning Series

Source: Parlor Skis

Powder Hour is a six-week online conditioning series featuring former US Ski Team member, Hilary McCloy. The program focuses on strengthening key muscle groups required to ski safely and powerfully. Parlor Skis, the New England custom ski company, is subsidizing the cost of the series by providing the first two free. The series cost is $75. For more info or to register, click here.

International Ski History Association

A Worthy Donation

International Skiing History Association is the non-profit dedicated to preserving and presenting skiing history. Its publication, Skiing History, is a joy to read. Digital subscriptions are free to SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers. ISHA is seeking donations, all of which are tax-deductible. Please visit www.skiinghistory.org/donate and help ISHA continue its important work

The Man Behind The Ski Maps

Jim Niehues is the artist whose paintings are the basis of the maps of more than 300 ski areas. Ski Utah produced this 4 minute video of Niehues explaining his work.

Short Swings!

November 8, 2019/2 Comments/in Short Swings!/by Jon Weisberg

OK Boomer

If you haven’t already heard about it, the term “OK Boomer” has gone viral. It’s the Millenial and Generation Z way of giving the older generation the middle finger for complaining about younger people’s behavior and commenting on issues such as the environmental crisis that will be left for them to solve. It’s a term that smacks of ageism.

Source: elleinadart.com

My characterization of the term’s usage is probably not entirely accurate. But “OK Boomer” is the phrase de jour headlining youth frustration with status quo. Look for it on T-shirts, coffee mugs, and social media platforms.

It reminds me of a recent New Yorker cartoon showing a young lion-tamer with his head in the jaws of the animal. The caption reads: “If this goes wrong, I can always blame my parents.”

Aging and Skiing Trends

I was born a few years before the Boomer generation. That started in 1946. Boomers are not going away soon. Ten thousand a day turn 65, a trend that will continue into the 2030s. Obviously, not all of them play in the snow. But it’s interesting to note the parallel between the 20% of the US population who are Boomers and the 20% of all US skiers who are 52 or older.

Remember the Sixties when we were advised not to trust anyone over 30? Currently, there are more people 65+ populating Earth than those under the age of 5.

Youth-Oriented Ski Industry

Skiing and the industry behind it are youth-focused. That’s fine from my perspective, but I’d like to see greater acknowledgement of older participants who’ve supported the sport for decades and continue to do so.

We ski more frequently, spend more on skiing, and encourage our grown kids and grandkids to get into the sport. That last one, about the grandkids, is especially important for a sport struggling to attract newcomers. The number of skiers and boarders in the US has been flat for 35 years.

And This is Our Reward…

Our rewards for staying in the game? Big Ski removes our discounts. Slope safety places many of us at risk. And Millenials and their younger Gen Z kin, get adrenaline kicks speeding through the video game maze of crowded slopes, often knocking their older opponents (us) out of the game.

Cataloochee in NC Is First in the East!

The North Carolina area debuted the season on Nov 3, becoming the first Eastern resort to open. A few hours later, Killington ‘s lifts started rolling. Terrain at both is limited, so check before heading out.

Also in the East…

Sunday River plans to open November 9. Stowe and Okemo will open November 22.

Okemo’s annual Ski and Snowboard Swap is scheduled November 22 through 24 at the Jackson Gore Round House. Proceeds benefit Okemo Mountain School in Ludlow, Vt. Check Okemo’s website for hours and other details.

And in the West…

Copper and Breckenridge will be running November 8; Steamboat, November 15 (it’s earliest date, ever).

Mountain Capital Partners acquired Brian Head, the southern Utah resort with the highest base elevation in the state. MCP’s other ski properties include Purgatory (CO), Arizona Snow Bowl (AZ), Sipapu (NM), Pajarito (NM), Hesperus (CO), and Nordic Valley (UT).

Mt. Bachelor (OR) is the site of the third annual Winter PrideFest, an LGBTQ+ celebration of winter sports. The event, to be held January 30 – February 2, is expected to draw about 700. More info at www.outcentraloregon.com/winter-pridefest/ or the Winter PrideFest Facebook Event page.

Spineless Youth?

Rossignol surveys a panel for opinions about a variety of brand-related subjects. Based on the English used, I assume the people in charge are in France. This is from a recent report on a survey about back protectors: In a previous study, we asked you if your children had a backbone: this is the case of 40% of you! Not clear if this is a translation or orthopedic issue.

Build Your Own Rope Tow

In 1941, Popular Mechanics published detailed instructions for ski clubs to construct their own rope tows. That article is followed by another one with plans to build your own cartop ski rack. Click here.

Lindsey Vonn HBO Special

Lindsey Vonn: The Final Season looks back on the four-time Olympian’s career and presents a look at the final chapter of her skiing journey. Premiers November 26 on HBO.

10th Mountain Division Training Film

This 10 minute video is the last segment of a 1941 training film for USA mountain troops. Click here.

Againer Helps You Ski Stronger and Longer

November 6, 2019/10 Comments/in Accessories/by Jon Weisberg

How many of you remember the days when you got to the mountain early, skied all day, and quit when the lot was empty? I didn’t fully appreciate it then and look back on those times with nostalgia. Youth is wasted on the young.

But what if we could be out there a bit longer and ski a bit stronger? There’s a device that helps do just that.

It’s called the Againer, and for more than a decade, European skiers have used it to reduce pressure on their knees and backs and to increase their leg muscle performance. Now, for the first time, the Againer is available in the U.S. and Canada via a unique demo/purchase program. More on that later.

Againer attaches easily to boots and legs and employs a shock absorbing system that provides an overall boost to the skiing experience.

An Expert’s Point of View

I won’t be able to try it until January when I’m back on the hill. But I have a copy of a letter about the Againer written by Mark Spieler, a ski pro for 45 years, a PSIA Alpine Examiner, and Ski School Director of Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra, a nonprofit adaptive ski school in Mammoth Lakes, California.

He characterizes the Againer as “…a device to help people save energy while skiing” and states that before trying it he was skeptical. Spieler explains that he tested it “through hard, fast and dynanic skiing.” He was “impressed by the constant lifting action at the top of the femurs…”

“The gas powered strut placed on the outside of each leg consistently helps the skier move up and forward through the turn initiation. The lift the Againer provides is surprisingly powerful! I found the product to be quite comfortable and easy to use on the hill. The switch to disengage the gas strut when riding the chair is simple and effective.

“I am convinced that over the course of hundreds of turns a day, the energy savings the Againer can provide a skier will make a significant difference in a skier’s ability to conserve energy and help the skier with better technique, as well! “

Spieler goes on to say that the Againer is “perfectly suited to assist any skier who has any type of fatigue challenges while skiing,” whether due to advancing age or because of a disability.

According to Murray Jacobson, Againer’s U.S. Sales Manager, the Againer’s performance is most noticeable during turns and when skiing powder.

How To Demo and Buy

Jacobsen sells the units directly to skiers and to adaptive skiing programs. He makes the units available on a 2-week demo basis for $250. If the user wants to buy, the demo fee is applied to the $1300 purchase price. He is available by phone to explain set up and usage and to answer questions. The Againer carries a two-year warranty.

To reach him, call 909-557-3000 or email againerus@gmail.com. To visit the Againer website, click on the Againer ad on the SeniorsSkiing.com Home Page. Yes, this is an advertiser, and YES, this device looks and sounds like it will help a lot of our readers.

Reviews of Againer will be forthcoming as the season progresses and as I and others experience it.

I don’t expect to be making turns continuously for seven hours, but I do look forward to adding some octane to my aging tank.

Short Swings!

November 1, 2019/2 Comments/in Short Swings!/by Jon Weisberg

If you’re accustomed to US prices, Canada offers great skiing value. The current exchange rate guarantees it.

Skiing in Japan also is reasonable, but there’s the cost of getting there. Some clubs have reasonably priced all-inclusive packages. This one to Japan organized by the Baltimore Ski Club looks like it will be a lot of fun.

And skiing the Italian Alps is a great bargain. I just checked non-stops from NY and Boston for mid February. The prices are under $500. Chicago, Philadelphia and Salt Lake cost more, but they’re still reasonable.

When you book with Alpskitour, the rest of your trip – transfers, hotel, skiing, guides, some meals, equipment, lifts, transportation to different resorts – will be around $3500 per person. My wife and I went with them last season. It was one of the two best ski experiences we ever had.

We stayed in a nice hotel in the center of Saint Vincent, a small, scenic city in the Aosta Valley. From there we took a scenic ride each day to different resorts in Italy, France, and Switzerland.

Alpskitour puts together small groups of intermediate and advanced skiers and takes them for five days of skiing in the best resorts in the Aosta Valley. Mauro Cevolo and Andrea Jory, who run Alpskitour, guide you in Breuiel-Cervinia, Zermatt, Monterosa, and Courmayer, among others.

They choose the best conditions and most empty slopes for each day. If it’s foggy at one end of this spectacularly scenic valley, they’ll take you to a resort where it just snowed. Ditto if one is too crowded. There are so many areas to choose from that every day offers fantastic conditions.

And they know all the right places to stop for a snack or for lunch and all the right people to assure a warm welcome wherever you’re skiing.

The other best experience was a few hours east in the Dolomites. There, we joined an Inspired Italy Ski Safari. Inspired Italy is run by a small crew headed by Tim Hudson. He and his team are intimately familiar with Dolomiti SuperSki, the vast, interconnected ski circuit with hundreds of miles of runs, served by every conceivable uphill lift and dotted with restaurants and refugios, the small mountain hotels known for their cuisine and wine cellars. Inspired Italy also specializes in small groups. The cost of a seven day trip, not counting airport transfers and lunches, is about $2500. I just visited the Inspired Italy website to check availability. One slot is left for 2020. If you’re interested in this fantastic skiing experience, book soon for 2021.

Reasonably priced trips to Europe, Canada, US resorts and, next summer, New Zealand, are available through 70+ Ski Club. Groups tend to be larger — a great way to meet and ski with other older skiers. 70+ was started in the Seventies by Lloyd Lambert, the famed Northeast ski journalist. At one point, his son joined the operation. Now, Richard Lambert, Lloyd’s grandson heads 70+ Ski Club. There’s a modest membership fee, which provides access to many well-organized and equally well-priced trips throughout the season.

The 5 Habits of Smart (Adventure) Travelers

Global+Rescue, which provides medical evacuation insurance and other services, recently issued this guidance for “smart adventure travelers.” 1) Know Your Limits: This includes a link to the (humiliating for me) interactive Mont Blanc Guides Fitness Checker. 2) Willingness to Adjust plans, itineraries, etc. 3) Collecting Information from Multiple Sources (i.e. not relying on one expert’s advice). 4) Selecting Guides Carefully. (I’ve had good and pretty bad guide experiences). 5) Practicing Non-Stop Awareness. This applies wherever we roam. For the complete report, click here.

Highest Eastern Areas

I always assumed that the highest Eastern ski areas were in the Northeast. Of the ten highest areas on the East Coast, the top four are in North Carolina. They are Beech Mountain (5506’), Cataloochee(5400’), Wolf Ridge (4600’), and Sugar Mountain (4432’), The next highest area is Whiteface in Lake Placid, NY, topping out at 4396’.

NW Sales Connection

Unfortunately, we neglected to link the NW Sales Connection ad to its website. That’s now corrected. The company is a terrific resource for reasonably priced women’s skiwear from XS to 6X. The site also features men’s big and tall ski pants and parkas and many options for children’s skiwear. Click on the ad or here to visit the website.

Perfect Gift For Senior Skiers

As we approach the season, keep The Bootster in mind for yourself and older skiers on your gift list. It’s a $25 device that effortlessly helps foot enter ski boot. Nicely designed and handmade, it’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Haunted Ski Resorts

Charlie Leocha’s work was brought to my attention by Jocelyn Curtis of the Baltimore Ski Club. He spoke to the group about “haunted ski resorts.” Given that Halloween has just passed I’m sharing this article Charlie wrote some years back. It’s less about the areas themselves than the spirits occupying their lodges.

Silly Skiers Toy

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brunvand/videos/10221155652463660/

A few weeks ago after reading a piece here on the Silly Skiers toy from the Seventies, Jan Brunvand, retired University of Utah professor and frequent SeniorsSkiing.com contributor , found one in his basement. He fixed it up and sent this video. Note his SeniorsSkiing.com hat. Thanks, Jan!!!

Nice Video From Salomon

Almost everything Salomon does is done well. The company’s skis are generally terrific. It’s clothing is nicely styled and lasts forever. And its promotional videos are interesting. This one, featuring skier Cody Townsend, takes us to a mountain in the La Sal range east of Moab, Utah. He goes with a few Native Americans, who explain their intimate and ancestral relationship to the mountains. Watch here.

Dave Barry on Skiing

Humorist Dave Barry wrote about his first skiing experience in 2004. An updated version was published by The Miami Herald in 2012. Like much of his material, it presents an amusing point of view. Click here.

Recreational Therapy For Injured Vets

October 30, 2019/2 Comments/in Features, Health/by Roger Lohr

More doctors may be prescribing outdoor recreational therapy instead of Xanax if the proposed Federal legislation entitled the Outdoor Recreation Therapy for Veterans Act (HR 2435) passes. Studies are showing evidence that outdoor recreational activities can be therapeutic. I met Veterans Ray Gilmore and David Binford recently at a ski industry meeting, and they were engaging anyone who would talk with them about the Azimuth Check Foundation, which provides injured veterans and first responders challenging year-round athletic activities to create wellness in an atmosphere of camaraderie.

“Whether these vets have seen or unseen injuries, they can find peace in the outdoors,” they said. They feel that participation in activities such as alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, hiking, fishing, cycling, indoor rock climbing, wood carving and art, aquatics, golf, water skiing, stand up paddle-boarding, archery, and even bowling will build self-esteem and accomplishment.

Some veterans and first responders who have experienced visual impairments, amputations, and other physical and mental challenges have discovered organizations that orchestrate recreational activities, which can positively impact their well-being through adaptive recreation programs. Azimuth partners with other organizations such as the Veterans Adaptive Sports and Training, Adaptive Sports of the North Country, Ability Plus Adaptive Sports, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, and Northeast Passage.

Misha Pemble-Belkin of Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports’ Veterans Ventures program commented, “I’ve taken anti-depressants and done talk therapy but nothing I tried has worked. It was like my brain was still at war.” Different than working with healthcare providers in an office setting, this real world/real time approach to creating solutions for active and engaged living takes the guess work out of what happens when you go home or are discharged from care.

Gilmore talked about difficulty “shutting the motor off whereby the adrenaline remains and has become toxic.” The recreational activities help to create new memories and meaningful relationships. Beside physical challenges, many vets are faced with post traumatic stress (PTSD). While a stigma may remain about this condition, more veterans are now acknowledging it and seeking help.

Some of these program participants express that they’ve have had enough of meds and therapy Recreational programs can stimulate problem solving, collaboration, camaraderie, relevant and meaningful goals, as well as develop sustainable healthy behavior.

One vet referred to taking “meds” which made him feel like a “zombie” and took away the passion and joy of life. That vet commented that participating in recreational programs and outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, rock climbing has helped to re-instill periods of passion and joy in his life.

How does it work?

At Northeast Passage, a recreation therapist (RT) meets with an individual to complete an initial assessment. The RT talks about health conditions, interests, personal strengths, and local resources. They will also use standardized assessment tools as part of a collaborative process to identify goals, and a plan for achieving them, while working together.

In follow up appointments, the vet and RT are in the community actively engaged in recreation. At the same time, they’ll likely be creating community connections, learning about equipment, developing skills, and aspects of themselves that support continued active participation and a healthier experience.

Kristina Sabasteansk,i an Army Veteran, runs programs at Pineland Farms’ Veterans Adaptive Sports & Training in southern Maine, which offers year-round programming for vets with disabilities. She said, “Last year we took veterans and volunteers to Maine Huts and Trails in Kingsfield, ME. It was -9 F the day we left to go home, and there wasn’t a single complaint among the group. Sometimes the vets crave challenges similar to what they experienced in the military such as harsh winter conditions and strenuous activities.

Pineland Farm’s yearly Biathlon Camp had 16 Veterans with disabilities – ranging from SCI, amputations, TBI, blindness, PTSD and TBI, and other orthopedic issues. “Many had never even seen snow before the camp and by the last day they cross country skied and competed in a biathlon race against each other. These trips and activities with fellow Vets allow them to share their experiences in the military and they realize they are not alone in their struggles.”

Retired SSG Misha Pemble-Belkin of Vermont Adaptive Veteran had 170 vet participants for more than a thousand activities including winter sports such as skiing, XC skiing, and snowboarding. “It’s vets helping vets to learn these sports.” According to Pemble-Belkin, “There was a study of 1,200 Vets who were split into a group taking three of the major meds and a group taking a placebo, and it showed similar results. While the war experience was stored in your brain, outdoor recreation can provide some joy and passion that is a relief to the miserable times being home alone or unengaged.”

For more info:

Azimuth Check Foundation: acfne@azimuthcheckfoundation.org

Pineland Farms VAST Program in southern Maine with Kristina Sabasteanski Kristina@pinelandfarms.org

Northeast Passage in NH with David Lee david.lee@unh.edu

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports Veterans Ventures with Misha Pemble-Belkin veterans@vermontadaptive.org

Short Swings!

October 25, 2019/1 Comment/in Short Swings!/by Jon Weisberg

Imagine an extensive road network in which single and double lanes merge with big highways. No stoplights. No speed limits. Highway patrol rarely issues tickets.

Driving these roads doesn’t require a license. Anyone willing to pay the steep toll gets on. Vehicles aren’t safety checked. Tickets issued at the tollbooth carry a well-lawyered statement about individual responsibility for safety when entering the system.

The private company that owns the network fills potholes and posts warning signs at major intersections. Occasionally, it stations highway patrol where it wants drivers to slow down.

Many of the larger roads have a slow lane for drivers who want to use it, but fast motorcyclists weave in and out, just as they do with the other lanes.

When there’s an accident, highway patrol gets there quickly, as does EMS. Those badly injured are treated and evacuated to the nearest medical facility.

The Department of Transportation doesn’t require the company to report accidents, injuries, or deaths.

Older drivers report hit and runs and near misses to Highway Patrol and the company. Little, if any, corrective action is taken.

Imagine such a crazy system. Just imagine.

Againer Exoskeleton Increases Skiing Strength and Endurance

Againer Exoskeleton is a leg-assistance device that increases leg muscle performance and reduces pressure on the knees and back. It is especially useful for older skiers as well as those with injuries or disabilities. Worn on the outside of ski pants, the lightweight device uses adjustable gas springs to improve leg muscle performance. US Sales Manager, Murray Jacobson, is a new advertiser. He sells directly to customers and is available to answer questions about Againer. The product will be reviewed in SeniorsSkiing.com in the next month or so. In the menwhile, click on the picture above and/or visit the Againer Exoskeleton website.

Feel Young, Act Young; Feel Old….

This report about perceived age vs chronological age in The New York Times should interest most older skiers. The takeaway: feel young and you’ll behave that way.

Ski Racing $$$$

World Cup downhill and slalom winners in Kitzbuehel this January will receive 100,000 Euros ($111,447), per event, setting a new prize money high.

Displaying Old Season Passes

Jan Brunvand’s season pass collection.

Jan Brunvand, a frequent SeniorsSkiing.com contributor, sent in this photo of a clever and creative way to display years of season passes. His earliest Utah pass is for Park City (1968).

UK’s Ski TV Now Available on ROKU

UK-based SKI TV is dedicated to the ski and snow industry. It’s now available in the US via ROKU. Click here for the link.

Warren Miller’s Timeless

The new film is screening around the globe. To locate a showing near you, click here.

The Secret of Skiing

Comedian Larry Miller

Stand up comic, Larry Miller, tells the hilarious account of his frst time skiing. I laughed throughout the 35-minute routine. Audio, only.

Big Bargains For Older Skiers at 157 North American Ski Areas

October 24, 2019/5 Comments/in Features/by Jon Weisberg

Big bargains await older skiers this season at 157 North American ski areas. Fifty-two allow them to ski free. The rest have heavily discounted the cost of skiing.

But it all depends on your age.

The comprehensive list includes season pass prices, age requirements, and links to each area’s website. To access, click “Community” on the menu bar, then click “Subscriber-Only Content” in the drop down box.

The areas are in 30 states and five Canadian provinces. Many are large and well-known.

It you’ve reached 70, there are 101 areas offering free or extremely low cost season passes and lift tickets. If you’re 75, there are 122 areas. If you’re 80, the same privileges are available at virtually all listed areas. A few extend the benefit to skiers in their 50s and 60s.

The states/provinces with five or more listed areas are:

California (6)
Colorado (7)
Idaho (10)
Maine (5)
Michigan (11)
Montana (9)
New Hampshire (9)
New Mexico (6)
New York (6)
Pennsylvania(7)
Utah (6)
Vermont (6)
Washington (5)
Alberta (15)
British Columbia (6)
Ontario (5)
Quebec (5)

The list was researched on line and will be updated throughout the season as readers report new information. SeniorsSkiing.com first published the list for the 2015-16 season.

Short Swings!

October 18, 2019/5 Comments/in Short Swings!/by Jon Weisberg

A subscriber recently brought to my attention the SnowSport Safety Foundation, a non-profit, with the mission to encourage and enable ski area safety improvement through research, education and public access to reliable safety information.

Dan Gregorie, MD, MsM, Trustee, Founder, President, SnowSport Safety Foundation

It was conceived by Dan Gregorie, after losing his adult daughter in a terrible snowboard accident at Alpine Meadows. Dan, a Physician Executive, Board Certified in Internal Medicine, set up the foundation to research the issue and to encourage greater transparency regarding safety procedures, accident reporting, etc.

When we spoke, he explained that the resort industry has no requirements to disclose information about accidents. In fact, other than the mechanical operation of lifts, the ski resort industry has virtually no safety regulation, government oversight, or accident/injury reporting requirements.

He and his team have made impressive progress identifying safety issues and developing a protocol for evaluating the safety profile of individual areas. The foundation’s website lists safety scores for the California and Nevada resorts. It also lists a decade of Colorado resort fatality stats.

The website encourages concerned skiers to become advocates with area management and local and state authorities.

We’ll have more about the work of the SnowSports Safety Foundation in future issues.

On a related note, a reader alerted us that last season he noticed that Vail posted “…the number of lift passes they voided for reckless and dangerous skiing.” I emailed Vail to learn more and to see if this is something they are doing or plan to do at their other resorts. Will report when I hear back.

If you’re aware of what areas are doing to improve on-snow safety, please email me (jon@SeniorsSkiing.com) or post them in Comments.

Prediction: Snow to Favor Eastern Canada

Accuweather, which is said to make highly accurate weather forecasts, predicts that Quebec and Ontario will experience a snowy winter.

A-Basin is First to Open

Arapaho Basin opened last Friday. Keystone was running on Saturday.

Wolf Creek’s 80^th

Wolf Creek will be celebrating it’s 80^th season. You’ll see in our list of North American resorts with big bargains for seniors (look for it next week), that Wolf Creek has good day ticket prices if you’re 65; once you hit 80, its free.

Lotsa Flights to Big Sky

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), gateway to Big Sky, has 13 daily non-stops to Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco.

Artificial Skiing on Copenhagen Power Plant Roof

Copenhill is the artificial ski run on the roof of a new trash-to-energy facility in Copenhagen. It uses a magic carpet lift. The same architectural firm has designed a hotel in Western Switzerland with a zigzag skiable roof.

Alan Engen to be Recognized at University of Utah’s Annual Ski Affair

Alan K. Engen, retired Director of Skiing Services at Alta, will be honored at the 29^th Annual Ski Affair, November 5 in Salt Lake City. Alan, a member of the SeniorsSkiing.com Advisory Council, is a highly celebrated skier. Among many other accomplishments, he was an All-American skier in college for the University of Utah and has been inducted to several Halls of Fame, including the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame (2004). As a ski ski historian he authored the award-winning book, For the Love of Skiing – A Visual History (1998) and co-authored First Tracks – A Century of Skiing in Utah (2001). He is Chairman Emeritus of the Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation; Chairman of the Alta Historical Society, and a former member of the board of directors for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum. More on Alan and his many contributions to the world of skiing in the coming weeks.

Comic John Pinette on Skiing

I got a kick watching this 2 minute video of comic John Pinette talking about his adventure on skis.

APEX Boots: Simplicity. Comfort. Performance.

October 16, 2019/11 Comments/in Other News/by Jon Weisberg

If there’s a skiers’ Hell, its boot room will be full.

Many of you have written to complain that your boots don’t provide good support; they’re too cold; you have to tighten them until your feet go numb. They have you thinking about ending your skiing careers.

There’s no other piece of equipment that stimulates as much discomfort and emotion.

For those of you who suffer, I have these words of advice: either seek out a professional bootfitter or try Apex.

Really good boot fitters can be found in some ski shops, not all. Some are more skilled than others, and finding a good one can be hit or miss. America’s Best Bootfitters.com lists those who have gone through an important training certification program.

Fantastic Experience!

But many of you have problem feet that even the most skilled bootfitter won’t be able to help. Fortunately, I’m not among your ranks. But I am curious. So, last season I spent time skiing the Apex boot. A fantastic experience!

Apex Boots

The Apex system is a hybrid of a soft and comfortable walkable boot and a stiff open chassis. You slip the soft boot on with ease – even on cold days – and turn a knob that controls a thin cable snugging the boot to the contours of your foot. Walk from the lot or around the lodge with these super-comfortable boots. When it’s time to ski, step into the chassis, close the three buckles, and step into your bindings. It’s as simple and as comfortable as that.

I skied them in the Rockies and in the Alps, and they did what any well-fitting boot should do. They transferred my movements to my skis, provided proper and comfortable support, and kept my feet comfy, even on some brutally cold mornings. I used the Anterro model ($899), which is Apex’s top of the line Big Mountain edition. It’s available in a women’s model (Antero-S; $799), as well. The other two choices are the Crestone (All Mountain; $749) and the Blanca (Ladies All Mountain; $649).

Different Look

Since they’re different looking, they serve as an ice-breaker, which got me into a variety of conversations. I ran into people who were aware of Apex but skeptical about them. Understandable, but not fair. The boot skis very nicely (and COMFORTABLY). A few fellow riders knew some Apex converts and reported they were pleased. After I wrote a brief article about the boots (That was before I skied them), several Apex owners wrote in to report how much they love them. A few outliers emailed admonishments that I should know better. I’d refer them as well as anyone interested in how other skiers respond to Apex to the user reviews on the Apex website. People with all kinds of foot conditions explain how Apex resolved them.

My only criticism is that it took a while to get accustomed to managing the two components. But, really, not that long.

Bottom Line

Here’s the bottom line: If you want a solution for uncomfortable or underperforming conventional ski boots, invest in a pair of Apex boots. You can get them fitted in ski shops stocking the boot. Or you can purchase them directly through the manufacturer’s website. I spoke to one of the Apex executives while preparing this article. Readers ordering the boot directly (Discount code SENIOR3000) will get free shipping in the lower 48, a ski boot bag from Kulkea (value: $149.95), and free demos for friends and family through 2020 at Apex’s demo center in Golden, Colorado. The offer is good through November 30.

Short Swings!

October 11, 2019/8 Comments/in Short Swings!/by Jon Weisberg

Based on the overwhelming number of reader responses about on slope hits and near misses, it’s probably safe to say that skiing has become a contact sport. Body armor products aren’t far behind.

Most of us got our first taste of protective gear when we donned helmets. I resisted a few years. Then word of head injuries started circulating, and I decided to give helmets a try. They’re comfortable, warm, and handy when skiing the trees. I never went back.

Europeans and ski racers have been using protective gear for years. Punch covers, forearm guards, and shin guards protect racers negotiating gates. The All Sport

Back protector by POC

Protection website lists a variety of protective products for skier bodies, including entire suits of armor, not dissimialr to those used by motorcyclists. The site is oriented to big air youngsters who subject themselves to big falls.

European skiers are well accustomed to using spine protectors. These padded devices are said to reduce spinal impact during hard falls. My understanding is that kids racing in the EU are required to use them.

Coming Soon to Your Back?

Based on the content of promotional emails and my participation on a ski product panel, it appears that spine protectors (aka back protectors) are the next big thing in safety gear for the North American ski market.

Slowing Down

I gave up speed a long time ago and for the past few decades have preferred to ski slowly and gracefully, regardless of terrain.

Because that may make me more of a target for unwitting, unskilled, and irresponsible boarders and skiers, I practice defensive skiing. Busy days, I ski, literally, on the edge of slopes and trails, figuring that I’m minimizing exposure to others. And, I’m always glancing uphill to see what might be barreling my way.

Importantly, if some jerk gets dangerously close, I do my best to catch up and explain that what he/she/they did is unacceptable.

As for patrol, I respect them for everything they do to protect us from avalanche and obstacles and for helping the injured get the help they need. But I rarely see patrol stop a reckless rider.

As we older skiers enter a new season, on-snow safety is a big concern. We can put on the body armor. We can voice our concerns to area and patrol management . Or, we can ski defensively; glancing around us as we work our way down the hill and avoiding overly crowded terrain.

If you have your own techniques for avoiding skiing injuries, we’d be happy to share them with other readers.

New Take on Cable Delivery?

Credit: AP

A pilot in Italy tangled his plane in the chairlift cables of Prato Valentino last Sunday in the Italian Alps. The pilot was thrown to the ground and taken to the local hospital. His passenger, trapped inside, was rescued, unharmed, by emergency workers.

Scottish Cancer Survivor Skis 120 Consecutive Months

Credit: CTVNews

Helen Rennie, 65, an Inverness school teacher, has been skiing monthly in the Scottish Highlands since 2009. She started in 2006 but was stopped several months later when diagnosed with esophogeal cancer. There are times when she hikes miles to reach a patch of snow where she takes a few turns. Talk out grit and determination!

New Documentary on First US Amputee Skier

Paul Leimkuehler lost his leg during the Battle of the Bulge. He returned home and designed the first ski outriggers in the US. His innovation launched the adoptive skiing movement which liberated many from their wheelchairs, allowing them to expeience the freedom and joy and skiing. Now his granddaughter, Katie Leimkuehler, has produced a fascinating documentary on her grandfather’s life and accomplishments. It’s called Fresh Tracks and premiers December 12 in Breckenridge at the Hartford Ski Spectacular sponsored by Disabled Sports USA. More info on future showings will appear as they become known. Watch a short based on the film here.

Versatile and Super-Bright Compact Flashlight

Just started using the Fenix LD 30 flashlight. It comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery. A small button transfers between five light settings, the brightest of which is an impressive 1600 lumens. The light also has a strobe setting. It’s about 4.25” long and 1” wide, comes with a carrying case and a USB cable for recharging. This is ideal for pack, car, boat, basement or garage. MSRP: $79.95. Available at https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-ld30-flashlight-1600-lumens/.

Tracking The Wild Cooba: An Appreciation

October 10, 2019/0 Comments/in Ski Heroes/by Jon Weisberg

Doug Coombs was one of the most celebrated steep and deep skiers of the ‘80s, 90s, and 00s. Many of you will remember his film exploits and his steep skiing camps at Jackson Hole and in Tinges and elsewhere in Europe. He died in La Grave France in 2006, when he slipped off a cliff on skis trying to find and help a fellow skier.

I found “Tracking the Wild Coomba” in a used bookstore on Cape Cod. Authored by Robert Cocuzzo, it was published in 2016. Handwritten on the title page is this note from the author: “Sebastian, The inspiration to write this book came when I first read The Perfect Storm. Your words drove me to become a writer. Thank you.” An unexpected find.

Coombs grew up in a skiing family in Bedford, Masachusetts. From the beginning he was a risk-taker, performing crazy stunts and showing off for friends. When he was 17 at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, he crash-landed. Dazed, he went to the clinic at the base of the hill. No one was there. He went back up the hill and continued to ski. When he got home, his mother took him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with several broken neck vertebrae. His muscular neck had saved his life. He was wheelchair-confined for months, with a stabilization device screwed into his head. Doctors informed him that he would die if he fell again.

Over the ensuing years Coombs established himself as one of the world’s preeminent steep skiers. In telling his story, the author also tells us about the evolution of steep skiing and introduces us to many of the sport’s more prominent personalities. He takes us to numerous places where Doug hung out. These include Valdez, Alaska, where he and his wife, Emily, lived in a trailer, purchased cheap helicopter rides, and specialized in skiing first descents of previously unnamed steeps in the Chugach Range. Before long he was attracting a robust clientele to his heli-ski guide service.

We learn how he and Emily started the Steep Skiing Camps at Jackson Hole and how he became the area’s public face. But trouble was brewing. As a key member of the underground Jackson Hole Air Force – a cadre of highly skilled, hard core rope-duckers – he is pursued by the Jackson Ski Patrol. It is Les Miserables on skis. He’s caught and banned from Jackson. Soon after, he and his wife set up shop in the French Alps.

Once there, he integrates well with top-ranked skier/climber/guides, eventually earning their respect and becoming a fully credentialed guide.

Throughout the book, the author paints Coombs as a remarkably caring and congenial person, always there to help others.

Doug Coombs

On April 6, 2006 in La Graves, he was skiing with three friends, including Chad VanderHam, a young American who had attended multiple Steep Skiing Camps and worked with Coombs in France. The last run was through some couloirs they had skied before. VanderHam skied down and went out of sight. Coombs skied to the edge of a cliff and called down to him. The other two heard Coombs call for a rope. One skied part way down but before reaching him, Coombs, on skis, had slipped off the cliff.

Chad VanderHam was declared dead by the time his copter reached the hospital. Doug Coombs, warned at 17 that his next fall would be his last, died from a broken neck. He was 48.

The book weaves Coombs’ story with Cocuzzo’s travels to document it. He follows Coombs’ path, interviewing and skiing with the people who knew him.

The author finds his stride not too far into the book. It becomes an absorbing read.

Short Swings!

October 4, 2019/2 Comments/in Short Swings!/by Jon Weisberg

What about that Big Dump last week in the West!!!!!!

If you’re like me — waiting for the first signs of Winter — the season is now on its way.

These areas plan to open in October:

Wolf Creek, CO – 13th October
Killington, VT – 19th October
Sunday River, ME – 19th October
Arapahoe Basin, CO – 20th October
Loveland, CO – 20th October
Wild Mountain Ski and Snowboard Area, MN – 20th October
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, NV – 20th October
Mount Snow, VT – 20th October
Wildcat Mountain, NH – 27th October

SeniorsSkiing.com is now publishing every Friday.

Two big issues for senior skiers surfaced in recent reader surveys.

One is your interest in finding contemporaries with whom you can ski.
The other is being hit by reckless and out-of-control skiers and boarders.

To address finding skiing buddies, I’ve asked a digital-cartographer friend and avid skier to help us identify a meeting place that could apply to all ski areas. The idea is to set a time (e.g. 10AM) when members of the SeniorsSkiing.com community could show up at a specific location and, displaying a SeniorsSkiing.com sticker, meet other readers with whom to take some runs.

Courtesy: University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library Ski Archive

What are the unresolved issues? 1) Identifying a location that would apply to all areas. If in the lodge, should it be a table closest to the end of the cafeteria line? Near the main entrance? Etc. If you have any ideas of how to do this – without involving area management – please send an email or post in Comments. 2) Supplying readers with the identifying SeniorsSkiing.com sticker. That’s the easy part: Email me your name and address, and we’ll send you a supply. My email address is jon@SeniorsSkiing.com.

As for the reckless/out-of-control skier problem, take a look at the reader comments in Mike’s This Week message. It’s not a trivial matter. Many readers report on slope hit-and-runs. Many more report near misses. Getting hit when you’re in your 60s, 70s, or 80s has more life-altering consequences than when you’re younger.

Something needs to be done. We’ve approached National Ski Patrol to inquire about their policies and to see if they would be open to exploring a collaborative effort to improve the situation. We’ll report what we learn. In the meanwhile, if you have suggestions to remedy this dangerous epidemic of unsafe skiing, please email them to the same address as above.

Finally, if you like SeniorsSkiing.com, please help spread the word by introducing your skiing friends to the site.

Despite Serious Neurological Disorder, He Continues to Ski

Nick Manely in France

Nick Manely, a SeniorsSkiing.com reader and avid skier has been managing a Functional Neurological Disorder for several years. He’s based in Colorado where he coaches at Eldora Mountain and works at Larson’s Ski Shop in Denver. In September, Nick presented about his condition and skiing to a group if physicians and researchers at The International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders in Nice, France.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports Seeks Volunteer Instructors

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is the state’s largest year-round disabled sports nonprofit. The group looking for energetic winter volunteer-instructors. Volunteers will be trained to help teach and lead the organization’s winter programs that include Alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, indoor rock climbing, veterans retreats, and wellness programs. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, complete the application at www.vermontadaptive.org/get-involved.

Economical Resource for Small to Plus Size Parkas and Pants

Many Senior Skiers have difficulty finding properly fitting ski clothing. One old friend, quite petite, is always checking ski shops for good-looking things. Sometimes she has to settle for children’s items. Another friend is at the other end of the size spectrum. She, too, has difficulty finding quality skiwear in her size. I know they’re not alone. That’s why I’m delighted that NW Sales Connection has become a SeniorsSkiing.com advertiser. The company offers a wide range of skiwear in a wide range of sizes. Their initial ad focuses on women, but the site covers women, men, and children. The cost of ski clothing on the site tops out at $139.99, and everything is marked down. There is a 30-day return policy (longer over the Holidays). Please click on the NW Sales Connection ad and welcome this valuable resource to the SeniorsSkiing.com community. As an additional incentive to SeniorsSkiing.com readers, NW Sales Connection is giving a 10% discount for purchases made between now and October 15. Enter “welcome seniors” in the discount code box during check out.

The Easier Way To Get Your Boots On

This is the surefire solution to getting feet into boots, even when your boots are cold. It’s the compact, never-fail, Bootster, a clever little device utilizing a slippery material that helps feet slide effortlessly into ski boots. Several things make this a particularly nice product: Bootster reduces the effort of getting boots on. And, it fits into your parka pocket, so you can take it with you and use it to get your boots back on after lunch. At $25, it’s highly affordable and makes for a thoughtful gift for the older skiers on your list. To learn more click here or on the Bootster ad on the home page.

Solar Powered Task Light

We receive lots of offers to review products and to try things that companies would like brought to the attention of our readers. Most are irrelevant or unworthy. But this one got my attention. It’s a light weight utility light powered by choice of solar or by your computer’s USB port. The flexible, yellow silicone arm wraps around almost anything to position the light where you want it. It has four settings, three to adjust the light intensity and one to make it flash. I envision this as a nifty addition to camping gear or just to keep in the car or at home. Mpowerd, the company that makes this and other similar products, works with non-profits to send lights to people living without access to electricity. Luci® Core, MSRP $14.95. Available from most outdoor retailers or directly from https://mpowerd.com

Remember Ski Ballet?

Skis of Glory is a brief video recapping that highly visual and entertaining era.

Subscribers Only: The Best 2020 Skis for Senior Skiers

October 3, 2019/4 Comments/in Skis/by Jon Weisberg

Each year, SeniorsSkiing.com collaborates with Realskiers.com to inform its readers about skis that allow older skiers to turn more easily and to ski longer without tiring. Women’s skis – sometimes engineered for female size and physique – are included.

To find the list on the site, a) click “Community” on the menu bar, b) click “Subscriber Only Content” in the dropdown box, and c) click on “Ski Recomendations for Seniors 2020.”

The skis were identified during Realskiers.com’s annual national ski evaluation process.

Most of the selected skis have relatively soft flex, which helps them engage the snow with minimal exertion. Regardless of one’s physical condition, using skis with these characteristics allows older skiers to turn more easily and to ski longer without tiring.

The recommended skis are grouped into five categories, each based on the ski’s width, which helps determine the terrain where its performance is optimized.

SeniorsSkiing.com recommends that when purchasing new skis, older skiers should start by choosing the most suitable category and work with a quality ski shop where they can demo before purchasing.

The characteristics of each of the five categories follow:

Frontside (“Carving” skis)

Encompasses broadest range of skier abilities from entry-level to experienced

For use on groomed terrain. Wider models are usable off-trail

Ski width: 75MM-84MM

All-Mountain East

Works equally well on- and off-trail
Good “re-entry” ski for those who haven’t skied in a few years
Ski width: 85MM-94MM

All-Mountain West

For use in the West by high performance skiers
Adapted for off-trail use but can be skied on-trail by skilled skiers
Ski width: 95MM-100MM

Big Mountain

A more maneuverable powder ski
Inadvisable for regular on-trail use
Ski width: 101MM-113MM

Powder

Specialty ski for use in Deep Powder only

Ski width: >113MM

Detailed reviews are available at Realskiers.com. The site provides free access to equipment reviews and other information. In depth information and personal guidance from the publisher is available to SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers at a discounted annual rate of $9.95. To sign up, visit Realskiers.com. Scroll down to/click on “Subscribe Today!” Then click “Sign Up” in the “Annual Membership” box. Complete the form and enter SS20 in the field under “Coupon Code.”

Technique Tips For The Senior Skier

September 25, 2019/11 Comments/in Features/by Bob Trueman

Sharpen Your Skills To Get The Most Out Of Your Skiing.

[Editor Note: UK-based Bob Trueman is a long-time ski coach and instructor who will contribute occasional articles on technique for the older skier. He is the author of Ski In Control where he describes the skills needed to master “any piste”. He will soon be publishing a series of YouTube videos to demonstrate control skills. SeniorsSkiing.com welcomes him to our pages.]

What’s the best way to keep getting the most fun out of skiing as we get older? As a coach, I suggest that it’s the exercise of skill. This doesn’t preclude the great company, good food, and all the rest. Nor does it demand big, physical challenges. It’s a mind-set change.

Look around any piste, and everyone finds some way of negotiating it, but very often not nicely. Some folk don’t care how they ski, only what or where they ski. My clients do care, and it’s exercising precision skill that my pupils get the most out of.

Let’s define skill:

Skill is the learned ability to bring about pre-determined goals with maximal certainty, often with minimal effort. This has implications – “learned” = not instinctive: “pre-determined” = goal oriented; “maximal certainty” = demonstrated skill. It never fails to satisfy and is little related to physical strength or capacity.

Here are some ideas.

Unloaded tips, weight back = bad.

Look at the slope with a keener eye. Does the slope go exactly where the piste goes? Often it

Weight forward, tips loaded = good.

doesn’t; often it is canted. If you were to pour a bucket of red ink onto the slope, it may well go somewhat across the piste. You may see this and recognize that left and right arcs will not be symmetrical; they’ll be quick one way and slow and drawn-out the other. The skillful skier will be ready for this, and change rhythm. There’s satisfaction in that.

View the slope and decide if you will control your speed by applying some skid by pivoting your ski. If you do, be aware that the line you take down the slope will be nearer to a straight line—it won’t be straight, but it’ll be straighter. Take satisfaction out of knowing that and ski the line you predicted. How close did you get? That’s an exercise of skill.

Or choose to descend by having the ski carve. You still want to control your speed of descent but with a higher linear speed. So you can choose before you set off what radius of arcs you’ll do and how many arcs you’ll do. You will control your path down the mountain by the line you draw down it. That’s another exercise of skill, and very satisfying.

Anyone can ski a gentle slope fast, only skillful skiers can descend a steep one slowly. What do you need to do to achieve that? You can do it by drawing a straight line diagonally across it until you have no room left and then do an “Oh-s**t” turn. Or you can execute more arcs, tighter arcs, taking a more direct line of descent. This requires greater skill as well as pre-planning and determination.

So what would you need to DO to achieve these skills? Here’s a tip – THE TIPS! Concentrate your mind on the inside edge of your outer ski’s tip. Think of it as a wood carver would think of his chisel/gouge – you’re going to carve it into the snow, have it cut in. Mother Earth will then see to it that it gets pushed round ‘sharpish’.

You’ll need to load that edge more. So you’ll need to flex your ankle more, and probably faster. If you tuck your tummy in and lean forward, you’ll load it. You’ll unload if you do the opposite. It helps to keep your hands low and wide. That helps. And keep looking down the slope to where you intend to go, not where you’re going.

Just doing one of these elements, and especially if you know you pre-planned it, is an exercise of skill that you can take pride in and enjoy the memory of on that next visit to the restaurant. Do a bit of boasting!

Short Swings!

August 30, 2019/3 Comments/in Features/by Jon Weisberg

In case you haven’t noticed, ageism hasn’t gone away. The only difference is that over the years we’ve become the object of this form of cultural disdain.

That’s why I thought it would be good to pay respect to some really old timers.

Last month, we hiked to a grove of Bristlecone Pines, the oldest trees on the planet. The ones we visited have been around for about 3,500 years. They’re in Great Basin National Park, at the eastern edge of Nevada. One bristlecone, in California’s White Mountains, is almost 5,000+ years old!

The hike required some effort on rocky but well-marked 10,000’+ terrain.

Gnarled. Tortured. Grotesque. They’re good words to describe Bristlecones. Many look dead except for the greenery coming from some twisted branches. These trees are ancient and thrive in the harshest and rockiest conditions. They deserve respect.

Pando at Fish Lake, Utah

Not far from where I spend summers near Capitol Reef National Park, is the Pando, a massive Aspen tree clone reported to be one of the largest organisms on Earth. Aspen trunks spring up from underground runners. An entire grove has the same genetic markers. In the Spring, when one develops leaves, they all develop leaves. In the Fall, the entire grove turns color simultaneously. Observe an aspen forest when the leaves are changing and you’ll witness one entire section changing its leaf color one day; another section changing a few days later. I mention the Pando near Fish Lake, Utah, because researchers have identified its root system as 80,000 years old! Unfortunately, they also tell us human activity is leading to its demise.

What does this have to do with senior skiers?

Many of you, responding to the Spring survey question asking what pissed you off most during last season, indicated two major irritants: 1) loss of discounts and high ticket and food prices and 2) rude, out-of-control skiers and boarders. (We’ll have more on the survey in upcoming issues.)

Your responses reflect a shift in the US ski industry’s business model which is systematically eliminating discount benefits many came to expect. That could be viewed as disregarding the interests of Boomer skiers. They also reflect a general lack of regard from other skiers/boarders. It’s surprising how many of you wrote that you or someone you know was hit by a young, out-of-control person.

We older skiers and boarders have been around a while. Maybe not as long as Bristlecones and the Pando, but we, as they, deserve respect.

Ski Pass Developments

$60 Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Season Pass for Military Vets : The resort will issue up to 6000 passes to active duty, reserve, veteran, and retired members of the military. Click here for details. Congratulations, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows!!!!!
$99 Angel Fire Season Pass for all US K-12 teachers: Price increases to $199 when the season starts. Bravo Angel Fire!!!!!
New $199 INDY Pass: 68 Days at 34 Resorts: A new, multi-resort ski pass, called Indy Pass, is now on sale for the 2019-2020 season. It provides two lift tickets each – 68 total days – at 34 independently owned resorts for just $199.
A-Basin Joins IKON and Mountain Collective: Arapahoe Basin, which last season decided to drop out of the Epic Pass, has joined both the IKON and Mountain Collective passes. It’s a terrific area and these are terrific decisions.
IKON Adds Zermatt: IKON also added Zermatt in Switzerland with either seven or five days (no blackouts) depending on the IKON product owned. It is IKON’s first Euro resort.

China is World’s Largest Beginner Ski Market

A new report shows that as of 2018 there were 742 ski areas in China. The number includes indoor areas. Last season China had 21.1million skier visits. Between 2017 and 2018, thirty-nine new facilities were built. Three percent of the total are identified as destination resorts with a vertical of 1000’ or more. The longest vertical is slightly more than 2900’. The report concludes that China is the world’s largest beginner ski market.

12-Story Indoor Area To Open in Meadowlands (NJ)

Big SNOW America at American Dream is the Meadowlands (NJ) indoor ski and snowboard park. It is scheduled to open October 25. The 12-story, 180,000 square foot structure will be operated by Mountain Creek, also in New Jersey.

102 Year Old Skier Publishes Autobiography

George Jedenoff, 101 1/2 and still skiing!

George Jedenoff, now 102, has just published his autobiography. George celebrated his 100 birthday skiing at Snowbird. He returns annually to Little Cottonwood Canyon to ski Alta. The book, titled My Centenarian Odyssey, recounts fleeing the Russian Revolution as an infant with his parents, graduating Stanford University with honors, serving in WW II, entering the steel industry, and eventually becoming president of Kaiser Steel. It can be accessed through Apple Books (and through Windows systems) at no charge.

Videos Worth Watching

For a quick hot day chuckle, watch this vintage short about rollerskating, amusingly narrated by Warren Miller.

Or try this trailer for the Timeless, the new Warren Miller feature.

My DIY Dolomite Ski Adventure

July 21, 2019/4 Comments/in International/by Murray Sandman

With 450+ lifts, the Dolomiti in northern Italy is the largest ski region on the planet. This UNESCO World Heritage site is beautiful, historically and culturally interesting and overall, outstanding.

DOLOMITI SUPERSKI represents the area’s twelve regions, some quite famous (A portion of the 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Cortina d’Ampezzo), others individually unique. Best of all they can be accessed using a single RFID pass, which includes use of an expansive network of regional buses. Seniors (those born before November 30, 1954) get discounts on already low ticket prices. Click here for 2019-2020 ticket prices.

Climate Change now requires illogical and calculated guesses when planning long ski trips from ‘down-under’. Mine began mid-February with 2 flights, a bus, a train, another train, and finally the local bus from Bolzano to the Val Gardena region – a tiring 27-hour journey.

My goal was to ski the famed Sellaronda ski circuit covering four Dolomite passes around the Sella massif. I would be there for three weeks, and during that time, I chose to change lodging only three times. It was a good plan created with the help of the local tourist office and one that easily can be followed by others.

I started in the northern Dolomites. St. Cristina and Selva are ideal base locations offering plenty of lodging and dining options and providing easy access to skiing throughout Val Gardena. My first lodging was Garni Cir, a small BnB in St. Cristina. The next morning I caught a bus to the base area where I purchased my Dolomiti Superski Pass and took the Saslong gondola. The majority of slopes in the St. Cristina–Selva area are steepish and perfectly groomed; more relaxing intermediate slopes are on the Alpe Di Siusi slopes above Ortisei.

My ski week in Val Gardena included first tracks on the World Cup slopes above St. Cristina and Selva, plunging down the steep skiers’ left off the Plan De Gralba cable car, and non-stop skiing the Saslong’s slick and bumpy pitch late one afternoon.

After 6 perfect days it was time to move from Val Gardena to the Val Di Fassa region.

I took a local bus back to Bolzano, where I checked my luggage at the train station and visited the museum housing Oetzi, the world’s oldest “wet” mummy. This is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.

After a stroll through this lovely small city, I caught the regional bus to Campitello, where I checked into the Tobia Hotel-Restaurant-Bar on the village piazza. Campitello is a rustic village with easy access to the slopes above Canazei-Alba and the off-piste steeps around Arabba. On route, I met two university students coincidentally staying at the same place. Both, I soon discovered, were excellent skiers and fun companions.

The next several days, we skied Canazei, Alba, Arabba, Marmolada and the Pozza di Fassa region. It was exhilarating and exhausting!

My next stop, a bus ride from Campitello, was San Martino Di Castrozza. On the way we crossed the beautiful Passo Rolle Pass before descending steep switchbacks into the town. I honestly think San Marino Di Castrozza is one of the world’s most beautiful mountain resorts. Surrounded by seriously steep peaks, it is a gateway to several ski areas. On this, the last leg of my Dolomiti journey, I stayed at Albergo BnB, a pretty place within walking distance of the new Ces gondola.

The mountains above San Martino Di Castrozza. Credit Murray Sandman

When I was there the snow was hard and fast, especially off the Tognola peaks and the Coston and Direttissima chairs. Many off-piste slopes are tree-covered and look like they’d be fantastic on a powder day.

It was the end of my three-week do-it-yourself Dolomite ski experience. Accessing my online DOLOMITI SUPERSKI Performance Check, I saw that in 15 days I skied 65,143 downhill meters over 357 kilometres of trials using 130 different lifts. On top of this let me say that the food was fantastic and the skies bright, bright blue. Another great ski trip!

Short Swings!

June 28, 2019/0 Comments/in Short Swings!/by Jon Weisberg

This morning only the silver slice of moon interrupted the pure blue sky.

Capitol Reef NP

The landscape here in south central Utah is exceptional. My summer grounds are at the base of Boulder Mountain, not far from Capitol Reef National Park. Boulder Mountain is the eastern end of the Aquarius Plateau, the highest plateau on the continent. The mountain peaks at 11,328’ and is crowned by an escarpment currently spotted with snow. One north facing section is long enough to get about twenty turns. It probably would take a few hours to get up there and find the spot. More runs would be guaranteed if I drove the 3½ hours to Snowbird, where lifts are still running. It’s a possibility, but a few hours of turns may not be worth the effort.

Last weekend, 20” fell at Steamboat Springs. Snowfall this late in the year is due to a warmer and wetter atmosphere. At cooler, higher elevations it turns to snow. The last time Colorado had this amount of snow in June was 91 years ago.

If you’re fortunate to live close to Snowbird, Mammoth, Squaw Valley, Arapahoe Basin or Timberline Lodge, you may be enjoying an extended season. I’m envious.

If you plan to be visiting my corner of the West, please let me know (jon@seniorsskiing.com).

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Elan Introduces First Foldable Ski

Elan’s new folding ski

Elan’s Ibex Tactix is the world’s first foldable ski. Made for backcountry, skis, bindings and skins weigh in at 5.5kg. The 163cm skis use a folding mechanism that reduces skis to 90cm for easier transport. The company’s claim that the package is good for all conditions is demonstrated in this video.

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Many National Parks Plagued by Air Pollution

Ninety-six percent of America’s national parks are plagued by significant air pollution problems reports the National Parks Conservation Association. The group evaluated air, haze, and soil and water pollution in 417 national parks. The results are available in NPCA’s report, Polluted Parks: How America is failing to protect our national parks. NPCA is the leading voice safeguarding America’s national parks.

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Alta’s (Now Past) Ski and History Tour with Alan Engen

For many years, Alan Engen served as Alta’s Director of Skiing. Alan is a strong contributor to the history of skiing in the Intermountain West and was the driving force behind the Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City (named for his father, one of Alta’s founding fathers). Alan took great pleasure in sharing Alta’s history and its terrain with its senior visitors. This poster announcing the program is from the late 1990’s.

Videos Worth Watching

I recently stumbled across this 7-minute review of skiing in the US from the 1930’s through the 1950’s. It’s great fun.

This 8-minute instructional film from 1941 appears to be a US Army production explaining skis, bindings, boots, and skins. The difference between then and now is amazing!!!

The History of Alpine Skiing shows the evolution of the sport from its earliest days. Produced by Alpine Life, the video is about 12 minutes.

Ask an Expert: Lodging at Powder Mountain, Utah

June 24, 2019/5 Comments/in Ask An Expert/by seniorsskiing

Advice From The Marketing Head of Powder Mountain.

Reader Ellin Jaffe asks:

I’m curious about Powder Mountain near Eden, Utah, and wonder if there are any ski-in ski-out condos there?

Here’s the reply from J. P. Goulet, Director of Marketing, Powder Mountain:

Powder Mountain has ski-in ski-out luxury homes for rent. There also are many condos available in Eden only four miles from the resort and on the public transportation route. All info can be found at www.powdermountaingetaways.com.

Powder Ridge Condos and Columbine Inn are other lodging options on mountain.

Have a question about technique, gear, destinations, travel, or any other aspect of winter sports? Send it to mike@seniorsskiing.com, and we’ll do our best to find an expert to respond.

Short Swings!

May 31, 2019/0 Comments/in Short Swings!/by Jon Weisberg

The most important equipment we need to maintain is our bodies. Cardio and weight training are essential to getting the most out of ourselves.

My wife is great at exercise: persistent and consistent. Hardly a day goes by when she’s not swimming or doing yoga, weights or other gym stuff. It helps that she enjoys it. I, on the other hand, often require her encouragement (aka nagging) to get me going. It wasn’t always that way. For years, when commuting to an office in Manhattan, I got up at 4:30AM for an hour race walk before getting on with the rest of the day. Photos from 25 years ago show a much trimmer me. I now look forward to working out. It’s a good feeling and one I hope is adding more life to the remaining years. It helped give me a strong feeling going into this past season. When I start to get lazy about exercise, I remind myself of being strong for next season. If you’re not moving around as much as you think you should, get up and do something. If it has been a while, take it easy and work your way toward greater strength and endurance. If you’re recovering from illness or injury, consult with medical personnel, physical therapists, or a good trainer. No need to overdo it; big need simply to do it. Keep moving. It will help you get back in track when next season rolls around.

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Non-Stop Snow

This year you may not need to visit the Southern Hemisphere to get in your summer runs. Mammoth Mountain has so much snow, it plans to be skiing daily into August. Numerous areas throughout the snow-laden West are still open, at least on weekends. Even Killington, in Vermont, has some runs.

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More Evidence Shows Glaciers Melting

Credit: ESA/Zemp et al. (2019) Nature/World Glacier Monitoring Service

Using 50-years of glacier measurements from the ground and from satellites, an international team of scientists studied 19 glacier regions around the world. They determined that the Earth’s glaciers have lost over 9,000 gigatons (9 trillion tons) of ice since 1961, causing the seas to rise by 27 mm or 1.06 inches.

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American Airlines Cuts Ski Fee

American announced it will check skis for $30, a significant savings over the $150 it has been charging. The reduced fees also apply to bikes, music gear, and other sports equipment. Bulky items still are subject to oversize or overweight charges.

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Orthopaedic Surgeon Breaks Record for Ski Boot Marathon

British orthopaedic surgeon, Paul Harnett, recently broke the world record for running a marathon in ski boots. He completed the race in London in 5 ½ hours and raised £10,000 for the British Paralympic Association and World Orthopaedic Concern.

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JOB OPENING: Ski Journalist Group Treasurer

North American Snowsports Journalists Association (NASJA) is seeking a part-time treasurer. Responsibilities include monthly and year-end financial reports, receiving funds, and disbursing payments. Pays $200 per month. Interested? Contact NASJA Executive Secretary Peter Hines: peter.hines@nasja.org

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New Film Stars National Parks

The new film, “Find Me” is the story of a millennial desk jockey searching for a friend who disappeared after leaving a trail of clues. They take him to national parks and other outdoor places he never before considered visiting. It’s a romantic comedy treasure hunt starring nature in the lead role. For screening dates and locations click here.

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French Paraskiers Clowning Around

Ski videographers demonstrate to what ends they’ll go to create a “different looking” video. About 4 ½ minutes: Click here.

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French Adventurer Crosses Atlantic in a Barrel

Credit: Georges Gobet/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Jean-Jacques Savin, 72, recently crossed the Atlantic in a motorless, 10’ long barrel-shaped capsule made of plywood. It took him 127 days to complete the 3,125-nautical-mile trip. Relying solely on currents and winds, he left from the Canary Islands and landed May 2 on the Dutch Caribbean island of St. Eustatius. “It’s freedom,” was the answer he gave a New York Times reporter when asked about the trip. The entire interview is here.

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Gee Whiz, Mister. Is That For Real?

Remember The Jetsons and those Mechanics Illustrated articles about flying cars? Last month, Boeing released this video of its prototype.

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**He Ran Every Street in San Francisco**

Rickey Gates is a very long distance runner. A few years ago, he ran from coast-to-coast. Last November he set out to run every street in San Francisco and completed the 1,303 mile task in 46 days. This film, from Salomon, is uplifting and inspiring.

Short Swings!

April 26, 2019/5 Comments/in Short Swings!/by Jon Weisberg

We’re about to switch from publishing weekly, as we have since October, to our once-a-month off-season schedule. Many of you are back on the golf course or in your boats. The next time you’ll see SeniorsSkiing.com in your in box will be May 31.

SeniorsSkiing.com had a record season. In November we celebrated our 5^thyear of publication with a party in New York City. The attendees had a great time; many walked away with terrific prizes.

We also added a lot of new subscribers. After clearing up a vexing technical glitch, new subscribers clocked in at about 1,000 a month. The increase in readers was reflected in the increase in registered page views: almost 300,000 from October through April.

Your response to our second fund-raiser was encouraging and helpful:

Encouraging, because it validated the time and effort that goes into publishing SeniorsSkiing.com;
Helpful, because it reduces the cost of publishing this free magazine. As readership increases, so do expenses.

Around 200 articles were published since October (almost 1100 since we started). The volume of comments this season accounted for almost one-third of all comments since we started publishing; a reflection on reader growth and engagement.

You’ll be receiving a reader survey from us in the next few weeks. Your responses will help inform what we do for the coming season. The survey also is the opportunity for Trail Masters (the # of days you skied/boarded this season = the # of years in your age) can register to receive the 2018-19 Trail Masters embroidered patch.

Thank you for reading and supporting SeniorsSkiing.com!

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Electricity From Falling Snow

UCLA researchers and colleagues designed a first of its kind device that creates electricity from falling snow. The inexpensive, small, thin and flexible device generates charge through static electricity which occurs when falling snow contacts its silicone surface. According to the researchers, it has potential for monitoring winter sports.

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Boston and Denver Ski and Snowboard Expo Dates

The Colorado Ski and Snowboard Expo at Denver’s Colorado Convention Center will be earlier this year; October 25-27. The Boston Ski and Snowboard Expo will be Nov 14-17 at the Seaport World Trade Center.

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Lifts Still Running

Mt Hood SkiWay

These North American areas are still skiing. Each is followed by its expected closing date. Call or check websites for updates.

Alpental, WA – 5/5 (weekends only)
Arapahoe Basin, CO – early June
Arizona Snowbowl, AZ – 4/28
Aspen Highlands, CO – 4/28 (weekends only)
Boyne, MI – 4/28 (weekends only)
Breckenridge, CO – 5/27
Grouse Mountain, BC – 5/5
Heavenly, CA – 4/28 (+ May 3-5)
Jay Peak, VT – 5/5
Killington, VT – 6/2
Lake Louise, AB – 5/5
Loveland, CO – 5/5
Lutsen, MN – 5/5 (weekends only)
Mammoth, CA – 7/4
Marmot Basin, AB – 5/5
Mary Jane at Winter Park, CO – 5/12
Mission Ridge, WA – 4/28 (weekends only)
Mt. Bachelor, OR – 5/26
Mt. Hood Meadows, OR – 5/4 (weekends only)
Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe, NV – 4/28
Nakiska, AB – 4/28
Purgatory, CO – (weekends only)
Silver Mountain, ID – 4/28 (weekends only)
Ski Brule, MI – 4/29 (weekends only)
Snowbird, UT – TBD
Squaw Valley-Alpine Meadows, CA – 7/7 – 5/19 (weekends only)
Sugarbush, VT – 5/5
Sugarloaf, ME – 5/5
Sunday River, ME – 5/1 (weekends only)
Sunshine Village, AB – 5/13
The Summit at Snoqualmie, WA – 4/28 (weekends only)
Timberline Lodge, OR – 8/31
Whistler Blackcomb, BC – 5/27
White Pass, WA – 4/28 (weekends only)

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Interesting Short Video

This skier in Switzerland accidentally sets off an avalanche; then outruns it. About 15 seconds. Click here to view.

Don’t Try This at Home Video

Skiing “Switch” is terrain park lingo for skiing backward. In this video, French skier Quentin Ladame sets the Switch Skiing World Record (86 mph). About 2½ minutes. Click here to view.

Short Swings!

April 19, 2019/0 Comments/in Short Swings!/by Jon Weisberg

There’s a difference between skiing and a skiing experience.

Confused? Let me explain.

With just a few exceptions most of my 65-seasons have been spent skiing. I can’t remember every day or every run, but riding up and skiing down so many places and in so many conditions has been wonderful. Small areas, enormous areas: in retrospect they were variations on a similar theme. Travel to resort. Lift up. Ski down. Repeat. After a while, memories blend.

1930’s Italian trade card for broth company

Over the years, I’ve had some standout skiing experiences. Some, in resorts; others, far from lifts. All were memorable.

One week with an instructor and a group of Aussies at Jackson Hole, we skied deep powder, jumped into Corbett’s, drank gallons of beer, and shared a lot of laughs.

Another time with a guide and three other skiers, we took off in a fixed wing ski plane from a slope in Verbier, landed on a glacier near the Italian border, and spent the rest of the day skiing snow-covered pastures, though tiny summer villages, and down into a valley, where we had lunch and hopped on a train to return to Verbier. Memorable!

The week many years ago with Great Northern Snowcat Skiing in Canada’s Selkirk range was another hard-to-forget skiing experience. The snow was so deep that only the tops of 20’ trees were showing. I often think of how wonderful that week was and wonder if I’m past the shelf life to try a week of hell-skiing.

In many ways, memories of skiing are like memories of raising a family. There’s the quotidian background noise of events punctuated from time to time by the more memorable skyrockets. I always told my kids stories when they were going to sleep but I don’t remember every night or every tale. I do, however, remember some of the big events. It’s how we’re wired. Common memories are like snapshots; uncommon ones are like videos; more detail, more recall.

Skiing has its similarities. With some exceptions, the daytrips and the regular ski holidays tend to blend. But the more unusual skiing experiences stand out.

Pam and I will never forget being on ski safari in the Dolomites with Inspired Italy or ski exploring the world-class resorts in the Aosta Valley with Alpskitour.

She, who delights in reminding me, after every day of skiing, that she’d be happy never to ski again, is now asking when we’ll be able to return to the Italian Alps for another great skiing experience.

1930’s Italian trade card for broth company

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Lake Tahoe: More to Go

Lake Tahoe snowpack is currently at 245% of average with more is forecast. More good skier news: temps are cold, so conditions are expected to hold.

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Brighton: Right On!

Brighton Ski Resort, at the end of Utah’s Big Cottonwood Canyon, is a major snow magnet. Many storms favor it over Alta, a short distance away at the end of adjacent Little Cottonwood Canyon. As I write this, Brighton is reporting yet another 24″ dump, reporting 10″ in the past 24 hours, 15″ in the past 48 hours, and 54″ in the past seven days! To date this season, Brighton has received 634″!!!! If past is prologue, Brighton will continue to be catching flakes well beyond its April 21 close.

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Snowbird Closing Date?

The resort has 650″+ and a 176″ base. It announced it will continue daily operations through May 12, then stay open Fridays through Sundays “for as long as we can.”

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Rick Kahl Receives Major Ski Journalism Award

Rick Kahl

Rick Kahl, editor of industry trade publication, Ski Area Management Magazine, was namesd recipient of The Carson White Snowsports Achievement Award. The Award, presented annually by the North American Snowsports Journalists Association, honors extraordinary achievement, influence and innovation in the advancement of North American skiing, snowboarding and all snow-related sports. Congratulations, Rick!

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NoSweat Helmet Liners

NoSweat is a brand of self-stick, disposable liners for use with hats, visors, and helmets. I intended to use NoSweat this spring on warm ski days but never got around to it. The product is well designed and relatively inexpensive. It keeps perspiration from cascading into and stinging your eyes. Google “No Sweat Helmet Liners” for many purchasing options or visit the company’s site.

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Earth Day

Monday, April 22 is Earth Day. Visit the official Earth Day site to see how you might support the organization’s many efforts to improve the environment. Then, put on your sneakers or boots and give our collective Mother a visit. She’s been taking a beating for a long time and needs to know we still love her. In other words, dear readers, time to Take a Hike!

Ötzi the Ice Man: Three Millennia Older Than Mel Brooks

April 17, 2019/1 Comment/in International, Other News/by Jon Weisberg

He may not be the world’s oldest skier, but at more than 5000 years, he is the world’s oldest and best-preserved wet mummy. Given his advancing years, Ötzi is in particularly good shape.

Named for where he was found in 1991 by two hikers on the Italian-Austrian border, Ötzi now resides in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in the lovely small Northern Italian city of Bolzano. If you find yourself in the general vicinity, I strongly recommend paying him a visit.

One of the many effects of global warming is the discovery of ancient things thawing their way out of the ice: thousand year old skis in Oppland County, Norway; a 500-year-old girl with perfectly preserved hands found in the Andes; an almost intact wooly mammoth found in Russia’s Arctic Lyakhovsky Islands. To learn more watch this brief “Secrets of the Ice” video.

But Ötzi stands apart, for his age, his superb condition, and the extensive science applied to understanding who he was. His genome has been mapped, his stomach contents carefully analyzed, and his belongings extensively interpreted.

He is thought to have been a traveling shaman dispensing medical treatments. Evidence for that is in the form of fungi with antibiotic properties found in a sack. He also had dots and lines tattooed on either side of his lower spine at known acupuncture pain relief sites. Interestingly, even today, similarly located tattoos are found on people from primitive cultures.

Ötzi also had no hand callouses and underdeveloped upper body musculature, suggesting he was not engaged in agriculture or other physically demanding activities. Indeed, his animal skin clothing was finely put together and his axe decorative and showing little wear, possible signs of status and respect.

But respected or not, Ötzi was murdered. A 21st Century police detective examining the evidence concluded he was murdered a day or two following a violent fight. A cut on one of his hands suggests he had defended himself during the recent altercation. An arrowhead found in his body had severed an artery and caused his death. Detective work showed it was shot from a distance of about 100’. Because he was found with all his belongings, the possibility of theft has been ruled out.

Visitors to the museum view Ötzi’s gnarled flesh and twisted frame through a window in the freezer room where he’s on display.

A reconstruction based on everything known about him stands in an adjacent gallery, created with the help of police forensics.

Some of you may remember that long before Ötzi came out of the ice, Mel Brooks was considered to be the world’s oldest man. He and Carl Reiner drew upon his longevity in their classic comedy routine.

The South Tyrol Museum isn’t large, but it is one of the most fascinating places I’ve seen. If you’re planning a trip to the Dolomites, it’s a place you’ll want to visit along the way.

Tag Archive for: senior skiers

Growing up in Troy, N.Y., my friends and I often rode our bikes to Oakwood Cemetery, where we’d visit the tombstone of Samuel Wilson, aka Uncle Sam. One cold day, a pond had frozen in a way I never forgot and never saw again. For some reason, the ice had formed thousands of vertical tubes.

Roam Elevate Named One of TIME’s Best Inventions

Happy 100th, Klaus!

Alta: 117″ To Date

Indiana’s Perfect North: Earliest Opening in 40 Years

Whiteface Lodge Burns

Skiing Idaho With The Grandkids?

Candide Thovex skis Great Wall of China

Uphill Without a Lift?

In this age of technological disruption, it’s time to consider the growing number of alternatives to rope tows, chairlifts, gondolas and trams.

Self Powered

Heli-, Cat-, Car-Powered

Mechanical Skis

Fan-Power

Is Something Following Me?

Drone Alone

R2-D2 In Our Future?

Brighton, Utah’s First to Open

Fantastic Senior Ski Weeks at Mountaineer Inn, Mount Snow

Sweet Deal From Apex

Great Gift for Older (and Younger) Skiers!!

Discounted Skiwear For Every Size

A Ski Gift for the Grandkids

A Worthy Skiing Cause

Award-Winning Animated Ski Film

Alterra To Purchase Sugarbush

Women An Important Part of Jackson Hole History

Areas Open and Opening

East

West/Northwest

Midwest

Military Week at Taos

Ski Safety PSAs

Ski Conditioning Series

A Worthy Donation

The Man Behind The Ski Maps

OK Boomer

Aging and Skiing Trends

Youth-Oriented Ski Industry

And This is Our Reward…

Cataloochee in NC Is First in the East!

Also in the East…

And in the West…

Spineless Youth?

Build Your Own Rope Tow

Lindsey Vonn HBO Special

10th Mountain Division Training Film

How many of you remember the days when you got to the mountain early, skied all day, and quit when the lot was empty? I didn’t fully appreciate it then and look back on those times with nostalgia. Youth is wasted on the young.

An Expert’s Point of View

How To Demo and Buy

If you’re accustomed to US prices, Canada offers great skiing value. The current exchange rate guarantees it.

Skiing in Japan also is reasonable, but there’s the cost of getting there. Some clubs have reasonably priced all-inclusive packages. This one to Japan organized by the Baltimore Ski Club looks like it will be a lot of fun.

And skiing the Italian Alps is a great bargain. I just checked non-stops from NY and Boston for mid February. The prices are under $500. Chicago, Philadelphia and Salt Lake cost more, but they’re still reasonable.

The 5 Habits of Smart (Adventure) Travelers

Highest Eastern Areas

NW Sales Connection

Perfect Gift For Senior Skiers

Haunted Ski Resorts

Silly Skiers Toy

Nice Video From Salomon

Dave Barry on Skiing

How does it work?

Imagine an extensive road network in which single and double lanes merge with big highways. No stoplights. No speed limits. Highway patrol rarely issues tickets.

Againer Exoskeleton Increases Skiing Strength and Endurance

Feel Young, Act Young; Feel Old….

Ski Racing $$$$

Displaying Old Season Passes

UK’s Ski TV Now Available on ROKU

Warren Miller’s Timeless

The Secret of Skiing

Big bargains await older skiers this season at 157 North American ski areas. Fifty-two allow them to ski free. The rest have heavily discounted the cost of skiing.

But it all depends on your age.

A subscriber recently brought to my attention the SnowSport Safety Foundation, a non-profit, with the mission to encourage and enable ski area safety improvement through research, education and public access to reliable safety information.

Prediction: Snow to Favor Eastern Canada

A-Basin is First to Open

Wolf Creek’s 80th

Lotsa Flights to Big Sky

Artificial Skiing on Copenhagen Power Plant Roof

Alan Engen to be Recognized at University of Utah’s Annual Ski Affair

Wolf Creek’s 80^th