Cost For 70+ Skiers in NYS

This article was in todays Times Union

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Free-skiing-slips-away-667418.php

Mountains are killing those freebies because it's no longer an oddity to see a 70 year old on the hill.

The "retirement age" of skiers is rising. I can't find the data, but I'm fairly sure it's happening. If anyone can find data please post it.

I really think in part it's the gear.  Skiing blue groomers is easier than it used to be.

The article points this out. It was unheard of 20 years ago to move to the mountains in the northeast to retire.

It's my dream for sure.

Harvey44 wrote

Mountains are killing those freebies because it's no longer an oddity to see a 70 year old on the hill.

The "retirement age" of skiers is rising. I can't find the data, but I'm fairly sure it's happening. If anyone can find data please post it.

I really think in part it's the gear.  Skiing blue groomers is easier than it used to be.

The article points this out. It was unheard of 20 years ago to move to the mountains in the northeast to retire.

It's my dream for sure.

I think the mountains also found out that the over 70s do not spend much $ at the ski areas.

As for the Harv dream of retiring in the NE mountains - you must be kidding. There are only a couple of reasons to stay in the NE for retirement. One reason is family and the other is you have money to burn.

Harv, I don't think the new equipment makes skiing easier. I just think people are in better condition later in life. Personally I like the old style straight skis better. I use to ski K2 710 @ 204cm..I wish I still had them, on groomed no body could catch me..

As far as retirement goes, I'm with Harv. You'll find me in the Northeast..

One of the reasons I like to ski WF is viewing the comrody of the 60+s.     Many a solo lift ride has got me daydreaming about when I am that age and haning out with my friends.      

Business is business, but I sure would like to see some of the discounts for these folks continue.  

x10003q wrote

I think the mountains also found out that the over 70s do not spend much $ at the ski areas.

This could be true. And if there were more 70+ days happening, it might make the mountains notice?

x10003q wrote

As for the Harv dream of retiring in the NE mountains - you must be kidding. There are only a couple of reasons to stay in the NE for retirement. One reason is family and the other is you have money to burn.

I'm not kidding. I have no family in the mountains, and certainly don't have money to burn.

One thing I've seen that is more expensive in the Adks is food. I'm assuming that utilities are more, with savings in the summer not quite making up for extra expense in the winter. One thing is for sure, if we build on our property, our new home will be significantly more efficient that our 1930s home in downtown flatland USA.

And Zelda has insisted that some serious dynamite is in order for our driveway, if we are going to be full time in North River.

My buddy Zach mentioned the other day that he figures he's got 1200 more ski days in him. If he's 50 and he skis 60 days a year, that would take him to age 70. My guess is he gets more like 40 days so maybe he's shooting for age 80.

My question... what is your goal or estimate for your own skiing retirement?

It is funny that you mention this because my husband and I were just discussing this.  Our goal is to keep our Jersey house and our North Creek house.  I want to spend Christmas through early April in North Creek, skiing daily with some cross country and snowshoeing mixed in. We envision mixing in a trip somewhere out west each winter.  Then it is back to the Jersey Shore for the spring/summer.  Those older skiers really motivate me too when I see what a great time they are having.  Mid-week skiing is just so decadent.  What a great topic to dream about!

Wasn't Hawkeye Ed of Gore in his late 70's/80's and still skiing lately? I think he drove up from Schenectady or some place almost everyday. I heared his COPD recently crimped his ski days. Good Luck ED!

There's another famous guy, he designs ski clothes, etc, who I saw on TV the last couple years. At that time he was in his 80's. They showed him at a big ski race and he was beating young men and had advanced to the semifinals. He's a well known designer name, but I can't recall it now.....my "Sometimers" is crimping my recall.

Couple of seasons ago at Gore there was some oldie group skiing and I met several people in their late 80's and one in his 90's who were skiing.

My take on the $200 pass for over-70 skiers is that's still a significant discount (75%) to a regular adult season pass ($800).  As long as that discount level is maintained for seniors going forward, I consider that fair.  On the other hand, if Belleayre wants to continue to offer free skiing for seniors, more power to 'em!