How to stay young

Downhill or mountain skiing has not been on my agenda for the past 20 years. But in my basement are my skiis and a great set of ski boots. This past month I was invited to go skiing at Telluride, Colorado. Skiing is free at most ski lifts for those of us over 80 years old.

On March 5, 2016, I flew to Montrose, Colorado, ski boots in tow. We traveled from Montrose to Telluride by van to our stay at Mountain Village in a three story condo. The condo was about a block from the lift. I put on a set of skis, buckled up my boots and attempted to ski on the “bunny hill” for some practice and to get my “ski legs.” I fell in the snow a couple of times and finally skied down about a half mile on the bunny hill to the ski lift. Everyone said skiing is like riding a bicycle. You never forget how to ski. I did not think that was true….but the practice did help and maybe the bicycle adage is true.

The next day, I took the chair lift up to an intermediate hill and skied right back to the chair lift with no problem. March 10, 2016, was my big day of skiing. It was my birthday and I was 90 years young so I tackled a bigger “hill.” I was on the chair lift about 20 minutes and we went from 9,000 ft. to about 11,500 feet above sea level. I took the 4.6 mile run down the mountain and back to the chair lift and then repeated my 4.6 mile performance a second time. It was beautiful and amazing. My friends took my picture in my ski jacket, helmet and goggles. Birthday cake and candles were on the table when I returned to the condo. It was a wonderful birthday.

I spent two weeks skiing various runs at Telluride. I never fell after the first day of practice. I cannot wait to go skiing again next year. Best of all, it is free! 