Risk management for older skiers

As we grow older, our suspension doesn't work nearly as well and when something break, it might take more time to heal, so it's no wonder if older skiers tend to slow down considerably and stay off dangerous terrain.

Then the question arise as to how much we (older folks) should tone it down as years pile up and that dilemma gets my undivided attention. I'd tend to see a bunch of answers to that interrogation. First, there's the good old instinct, of course, that peaks as we mature.

Then, there is the importance of keeping up with practice, and this will involve difference forms of “pushing the envelope”, like going as fast as sanely possible, not shying away from tough terrain and snow conditions, plus skiing as often as possible.

Finally, there's the big deal; the psychological threat, that is not to get intimidated by anyone and never lose one's resolve or composure as a result of it. That form of fear is the most damaging one, the hardest to isolate and quantify, so never let it ruin your abilities!