A funny thing happened on the way to the ski slopes — we got old.

Look around a ski resort these days and you'll notice more and more older people. It's especially true midweek, when you see groups of silver-haired retirees and aging baby boomers hanging out in the lodge swapping stories between runs.

Fit, active and refusing to age gracefully, they're still skiing,

helped by improved equipment such as shorter, shaped skis that make turning easier on aging muscles. Most of them who started during skiing's boom years in the '60s and '70s, are now bringing the grandkids along. The graying (maybe even balding) of skiing in America is more obvious in the Northeast, where, according to the National Ski Areas Association, the average skier's age is 40. That's the oldest in the country; the Midwest, at age 22, has the youngest.

The survey also found:

-the average age of skiers nationally has risen steadily from 33.2 in 1997/98 to 36.6 in 2006/07.

l since 1997/98, the number of skiers 45 to 54, has increased from 14 percent to 19.4 percent.

l in that same period, skiers 55 to 64 nearly doubled from 4.6 percent to 9.4 percent; and those 65 and older has also almost doubled, from 2.4 percent to 4.2 percent. The stats show the ski industry is achieving its goal of retaining aging skiers. One way they've done that is providing better groomed (easier to ski) trails. Even on mogul runs, there's usually a groomed escape route along the side. Some resorts also offer

Advertisement
programs geared specifically to older skiers that are part skiing and part socializing. They're not doing just to be nice to their elders. Resorts realize the tremendous buying power of seniors and boomers have over twenty- and thirtysomethings. The building boom of second or retirement homes at places like Stowe, Vermont and Loon in New Hampshire is fueled by affluent "Boomer Elites" with money to spend. Look at any slopeside development and you'll likely find spas, fitness centers, restaurants and shopping, all nice amenity-laden diversions for a crowd that skis just a few hours a day. To keep the money flowing, many resorts nurture active year-round retirement communities with golf, hiking and boating. Although wealthy seniors don't need it, resorts give them price breaks on tickets, usually the cost of a child's pass, about $10 to $15 cheaper. At some resorts, senior rates kick in at 65, at others age 70. Some areas like Killington, Vermont also have senior (65-69) and senior+ (70 and older) rates. Unlike years ago, few areas give free tickets to those 70 and older because there's simply too many of them.

Skiers and snowboarders 50 and older can also get savings on tickets, lodging and trips by joining age-restricted online clubs. The Over the Hill Gang International (othgi.com) and the 70+ Ski Club (skiinghistory.org/70plus.html) are among the most popular.

There's also over-50 clubs at specific mountains like the Stratton Trailblazers in Vermont. The 900-member group, comprised mainly of Stratton homeowners and renters, runs clinics, a racing program and provides its own boomercentric ski reports.

Wildcat in New Hampshire has Aristocat Tuesdays where skiers/snowboarders 50 and older get $10 off a lift ticket, a 10 a.m. ski lesson and a free lunch.

All of these perks for aging skiers give the term "going downhill" a new meaning.

QUICK TURNS — Despite some rain and fog last weekend, weather and snow conditions cooperated during the busy Christmas week holiday. At worst was the transformation of packed power to a loose and frozen granular surface. Cold nighttime temperatures allowed snowmakers to freshen up a good playing surface. Unlike last year at this time, most major resorts have all of the trails open.

Skiers and snowboarders can slide into 2008 at Ski Sundown in New Hartford on New Year's Eve. Night lift tickets are $32 adults, $29 juniors and $15 for kids. The area is also planning its third annual family party, with music, activities and buffet in the lodge from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Reservations and advanced payment is required for the buffet. Details are available at skisundown.com

Loon Mountain in New Hampshire has opened its long-awaited South Peak area with three new trails and two lifts and the Pemigewasset Base Camp. A total of seven trails and three lifts are planned at South Peak.

Mention Vermont foods to most people and they'll probably think cheese and maple syrup. Now there's a new offering: the Ski Vermont Burger, a half-pounder of Green Mountain-raised beef from local farms, topped with (what else) Vermont cheddar. Selling for about $15 (with fries, lettuce and tomato), it's available at Okemo, Bolton Valley, Jay Peak and Stowe. The beef comes from raised steers, not those cute black and white Holsteins on dairy farms,

Vermont officials don't see a problem messing with the state's bovine image. In fact, they say support of the Ski Vermont Burger keeps more acreage in agricultural use and reinforces the eat-local food movement. Pass the maple-sweetened ketchup.