Is 65 too old to try skiing?

Badbark - I love the idea of 'letting them loose on the nursery slopes' ) It made me think of the Hells Grannies sketch from The Goodies.

We have several ski chums over the age of 75!

Not at all! Just ease into it. Start with a small slope and work your way up. It took me about four days to learn to ski. If you're an active individual you'll have no problem.

I think 65 is not too old to try skiing as long as your parents are still in great shape and condition. Just make sure that the ski resort you're heading to has an easy slope terrain for your parents.

My husband was 54 when he started - didn't do much other exercise, but he is slim and pretty fit, nonetheless. I know someone who skis regularly in her late 80's.Where we ski in Switzerland, we very commonly meet people in their 70's and 80's. I agree wiht other forum members- take it very gently, and do some stamina building exercises in the months before going, even if just walking a bit further than usual. One other point, my husband, as a former biker, loved the speed and adrenalin, and had to rein himself in sometimes. So, if your Mum and Dad are inclined to push the boat out, you might want to warn them not to do too much too soon.

Never to old I remember skiing with my friends Grandad on his first trip at the ripe old age of 70 he absolutely loved it. :lol:

olly123456789 wrote:There is know real reason for someone to fall over when being taught to ski.


Cant remember the last adult to fall over in one of my lessons.

If you learn on the dry slope the first lesson is a lot of work but from there on is quite easy, as was said on an erlia post if they really want to learn to ski they will be able to. i don't see 65 as being to old.

They will fall whether in the lesson or when let loose on the nursery slope. At that age I guess it's a case of pushing the envelope gently as they won't bounce as easily and certainly won't be used to bouncing as a younger person.

At that age I would suggest they invest in some protective equipment (not just the helmet) but consider wrist guards like snowboarders do and possibly hip protectors. This is particularly relevant to older women skiers who are more likely to be osteoporotic (to an extent) and at greater risk of fractures.

A deal of cardivascular fitness work may be worthwhile so that the exercise doesn't come as so much of a shock or they are too exhausted to ski. Obviously this depends on their normal exercise levels. There are a lot of uber fit pensioners out there these days.

I love this thread :thumbup:

andymol2 wrote:

They will fall whether in the lesson or when let loose on the nursery slope. At that age I guess it's a case of pushing the envelope gently as they won't bounce as easily and certainly won't be used to bouncing as a younger person.

At that age I would suggest they invest in some protective equipment (not just the helmet) but consider wrist guards like snowboarders do and possibly hip protectors. This is particularly relevant to older women skiers who are more likely to be osteoporotic (to an extent) and at greater risk of fractures.

Sounds like an opportunity for a ski clothing manufacturer to make ski pants with hip protection built in for older women. I can't see women wearing the body armour that is currently available for extreme sports under ski pants.