Snow skiing in your seventies

The great thing about snow skiing in your seventies is that you don’t need to prove anything to yourself anymore. You don’t have to gung-ho down the slopes, master your turns on the moguls, challenge yourself on black runs or try and get as many runs in for the day to ensure value for money on your lift ticket.

It is about appreciation, that at my age I can still ski. I choose the days I want to ski according to the weather conditions without feeling guilty and it doesn’t matter if I don’t ski every day.

Indeed, I have a few painful arthritis niggles in my wrists, my lungs work overtime to manage the thin mountainous air and my muscles are not as strong as they were. But when I sit on the chair lift regaining my breath after another downhill run and take in the panoramic view of the snow-covered mountains it brings a smile to my face. I look across to the dark blue lake nearby while the sun’s rays reflect off the soft white blanket. I am pleased I decided to give it another go after a seven-year break.

I am spending two weeks at our Oldina ski club at Falls Creek, Victoria. As I write this blog the view from where I sit is a fresh covering of overnight snow on my balcony that looks like icing sugar. Patches of green brown grass protrude on the ground below, remnants of previous heavy snow falls are piled high up against the buildings next door, gum trees sway in the wind and low-lying bushes sprout through partial snow cover. The snow edged streets are clear from heavy rain the day before.

Today the light dusting has almost disappeared and the bitumen roads stand out like black strips on white foam. I intended to do a few runs on the fresh snow, but time got away. Grey clouds and a chance of rain, it will be windy at the top and I’m tired from the last few days of skiing. Spring snow is heavy going particularly from early afternoon. My body seems to need extra rest. I am in my seventies I tell myself and tomorrow is another day.

Seniors Discount

There are financial benefits when skiing at my age. Once you turn seventy there is ‘seniors discount’ on lift tickets. For 2025 I purchased an Unlimited Lift Access Pass that covers you for Falls Creek, Hotham and Perisher at $249.

Equipment & Lift Tickets

I cannot believe the wonderful reception from the young people on the mountain. They seem to admire that I am still skiing at my age and have been supportive beyond my expectations.

I hired my ski equipment, easier when travelling. The quality of ski boots has improved out of sight you just need to ensure no pressure points before you ski. The skis are wider and shorter and for the first time I wore a helmet. With all the snowboarders on the slopes it is essential for safety. I was surprised how light, comfortable and cosy it is to wear one. The snow goggles go over the top and are secured by a clip at the back of the helmet.

Lift tickets can be purchased on line and there are electronic booths located on the mountain where you pick up your ticket, which is like a plastic credit card. I wanted to speak to someone in person and found the admin building close by and was able to discuss my options as a senior skier. You wear the card inside your jacket, it scans as you go through the ski gate.

Getting to the mountain

When I lived in Melbourne, I would drive to the snow fields but living interstate I needed an alternative option. Falls Creek has return bus services from Melbourne Airport as well as Southern Cross station in the CBD. I booked the coach online. It was about a 6-hour trip in total that included a lunch stopover and a bus exchange at Mount Beauty.

On arrival at Falls Creek I presented my online pre-booked return ticket for the over-snow vehicle to take me to my lodge. This is booked separately on the Falls Creek site with Accommodation Transport Service (ATS).

For my return trip I am booked on the 2-hour coach trip to Albury, north of Falls Creek. From there I could either catch a train back to Melbourne or, as I have chosen, fly back to Brisbane from the Albury airport.

I thought living interstate it would be difficult to return to the ski resorts but I can confirm there are attractive options for we seniors or for anyone wanting to ski. I recommend attend a gym or do strength exercises in advance. It can be hard work carrying skis poles etc but in the end It is worth it. Do it while you can and for non-skiers the mountain is the perfect place to escape.

Ref: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/ https://www.fallsbus.com.au https://fallscreekcoachservice.com.au/
https://www.oldinaalpineclub.au/ @fallsaustralia #skifallscreek #skiaustralia #skiafterseventy