 Poster: A snowHead
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I haven't skied for many years but now have the offer of a flat in Les Arcs. Too good to decline. Any tips/advice would be much appreciated especially anything regarding essential pre-ski exercises.[/b]
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I have friends over 70 who ski but they also do lots of hill walking. Might want to clear it with the quack, and take the bindings down a notch or two. Some pre season training would be advisable. Insurance might be an issue.
Good luck and welcome to snowheads.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I do hope you give it a whirl and confirm to us younger bods that it is still great to get out there and enjoy the snow at the age when you (hopefully) qualify for a free lift pass. For inspiration, check out this short film via the link below. If I could ski even half as well as the gentleman featured, I'd be a happy woman!
https://sherpascinema.com/sculpted-in-time-the-wise-man/
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I'm hoping to still be skiing at 77, so go for it and let us know 
I'm 58 now, so a little way to go........
jbob make some valid points though, but don't be put off!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Welcome to Snowheads Trapper. Are you fit and active? If so, no problem but do get some private lessons if you've not skied for a while. As for exercises, you need strong legs - quads and hamstrings. Proprioception also vital. Balance exercises. Like standing on one leg. With your eyes closed when you get good at it. A private lesson in a snowdome in the UK would give you a good feel for the prospect and plenty of advice here about instructors here and in France. They are not all equal.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Thank you all for your helpful advice. I only registered an hour ago !
Trapper
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I've got a friend who is your age and now lives in Val d' all year round. He skis 5 days a wee,k every week of the season and mainly off piste. From a distance you would think he was in his 20s. Go for it, but be prepared to ski short days for the first day or so.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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top man go for it use it or loose it you are a long time dead !
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I ski every year for a week or two with my father in law, who is 78. Gets a free ski pass.
but... he is very fit for a 78 year old, cycles a lot and has skied every year for around 40 years. He is still better than me. T
If you are fit and healthy then why not. Just take it easy.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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for no good reason at all I had thought that the OP was a woman......
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Hi Trapper, go for it. My husband is 66 and started to learn at about 59, I am a tiny bit younger (!) but have skied on and off since about 20. We are both fit and well, but at variable levels during the year. It's shocking how quickly one loses fitness! So... plenty of pre ski, starting now and increasing gently. Well worth the effort. DO NOT ski only with carte neige (or carre neige for season) and an EHIC. It leaves a sizeable chunk of medical expenses uncovered. The amount varies by country but I seem to remember that France is about 20%. For a serious accident (God forbid!) that could amount to quite a bit. You can get ski only medical insurance quite easily, just be sure to check age limits. We ski with ski inclusive bank account travel insurance and top up if I want off piste which isn't covered. There is an age limit of 75, but it's a "contact us" job for anyone older. You could look at the "other club's" insurance! Or fish around online, there are reputable companies out there! Perhaps emwmarine could tell us what his father in law does about this.
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There's a company called (I think) MPI who will do travel insurance up to 90 and including existing conditions. They advertised in this year's Kandahar review.
If I got the name wrong, I can check when I get home.
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You know it makes sense.
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The amount varies by country but I seem to remember that France is about 20%. For a serious accident (God forbid!) that could amount to quite a bit.
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it doesn't work like that. Some expenses (in private facilities) would be completely outside the EHIC system, but even major costs in a state hospital would be covered almost completely. I think the "excess" you'd have to pay on top of EHIC and Carré Neige is affordable, actually, and if you have your own place it's very different from being in an expensive hotel or rented apartment just for a week, then needing to get yourself home. I stayed in my apartment after I fractured my pelvis the winter before last - insurance paid for some costs, including my sister and brother in law flying out to drive me home in my car, when I was more mobile, but the costs I incurred would have been affordable if I'd not had insurance. If you are in a state hospital with a serious condition the EHIC will cover just about everything, I believe.
That's not an argument for not having insurance but long-stay insurance, as opposed to 10 - 15 days a year with a cheap travel policy, is very expensive and much more difficult when you are older. MPI Brokers would be a good place to start - my policy with them was about £240 IIRC. I've only ever taken medical costs insurance - if it's a cancellation I have to suck it up. Over the many years that has made financial sense and as a general financial principle it doesn't make sense to insure against risks you could afford to pay for and although it would be crazy to go to the USA without insurance I am seriously thinking about not having travel insurance next year/ The seasonal Carte Neige would be a no-brainer. I couldn't afford much riding in helicopters but I could afford some private ambulance trips and X rays in a private resort clinic before being transferred to a state facility.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Trapper, as has been stated on this thread many times, skiing at 77 is not really a problem.
But most of those who do will have been skiing every year since they were rather younger.
And usually their technique is good.
Your problem is that you are coming back to it after "many years" (how many?).
Not only will you not be "ski fit", but you will find everything much more tiring until you have regained your technique.
The advice to go for Private Lessons is very sensible.
Then take it easy and enjoy.
I intend to be skiing until i drop - i certainly want to get my free ski pass.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Masque seems to get on alright.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Jonpim,
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I intend to be skiing until i drop - i certainly want to get my free ski pass.
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+ 1
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Pedantica wrote: |
Jonpim,
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I intend to be skiing until i drop - i certainly want to get my free ski pass.
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+ 1 |
+ another one.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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todays equipment is so much better than 'in the past'.... you will find the shorter skis a great boon !
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Trapper, Boooom....and make max use of that free pass..just hope i will be able to do that
DB,loved those vids.
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You know it makes sense.
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Go for it!!
Can you get to an indoor slope before hand to get your ski legs back??
Also, check out 'Total Skiing' by Chris Fellowes. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Total-Skiing-Chris-Fellows/dp/0736083650?tag=amz07b-21 He gives a framework for you to assess your physical fitness and skiing skills, and then you create a programme of exercises to build up your strength, flexibility and stamina at home. The exercises are graded and so you can start with relatively easy ones and increase the difficulty as you progress.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Definately go for it. More to the point join us on a bash! Its not about speed, ability etc, its all about the fun!!
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Poster: A snowHead
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| Trapper wrote: |
| I haven't skied for many years but now have the offer of a flat in Les Arcs. Too good to decline. Any tips/advice would be much appreciated especially anything regarding essential pre-ski exercises.[/b] |
My father in law skied into his late 70's. He was and still is fit and exercised everyday, mainly by walking and cycling.
He would have probably managed a bit longer if he had done a bit of strength work but he was fine.
We , and many others, have a ski fit program. I would suggest that it is unrealistic to follow the "published" ski fit programs.
However the basis of them would still apply. The exercises will need to be toned down a bit.
Assuming a reasonable baseline level of fitness i would suggest that any strength work just needs to be
take to the point of muscle fatique ie when you start to feel the muscles you are strengthening tiring and losing power.
You may want to be a bit careful about the program when it get out to weeks 8 to 10
Have a look at our program that was written by a physio who specialises in skiing and if you have any problems or questions pm me
https://www.facebook.com/wimbledonclinics
Jonathan Bell
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I skied with an old boy called Doug who was in his 80's. He skis every day at Panorama as a "Mountain friend", free guide, . He was a big guy & was doing well on it, fit in mind & body. I think you can't underestimate how good it is for your mind to be in the mountains as well as for your fitness. Build up your fitness & go for it. Hey, what do I know I'm only 75. A word of warning - watch out for them "Flying Grannies", they are liable to hit on you when you are table dancing.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Maybe all this talk of exercise has frightened the OP away. 
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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My parents skied right through their 70s and the only thing was that they didn't cope well with the high altitude at Les Arcs. Acclimatise slowly I'd advise, and don't go up too high on day 1. My Dad was all set to ski this year at 81 but he's in hospital atm so it probably won't happen 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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TRAPPER................
"Can I ski again at 77?"
Of course you can. As my grandfather said to my father when he (my grandfather) was 74........ "It takes me all night to do what I used to do all night".
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FAQ
You'd be able to take advantage of the free ski pass in Les Arcs! I know of someone aged 89 who was concerned that they had difficulty skiing in a whiteout! If you are fit, I see no reason why not. Regarding insurance, get a carte neige with your ski pass, & make sure you have a current EHIC card (used to be E111), and you'll be fine. Enjoy 
