Waterville Valley Resort, New Hampshire good for Seniors

Waterville Valley Resort, New Hampshire is home to Silver Streaks, the longest-running senior skiing program in the country

There’s a pretty good chance you’ll be riding with a senior skier or two the next time you board a chairlift at your favorite mountain. After all, the number of seniors on the slopes has reached epic proportions. In 2020-21 seniors accounted for 16.1% of skier visits, totaling 59 million, while a record 10.5 million seniors participated in the sport, according to the National Ski Areas Association.

Contrary to popular belief, not all seniors are snowbirds who fly south at the first sign of winter. Instead, many, like Deb and Bernie Labuskes of Pennsylvania, head straight to their favorite ski resorts. The Labuskes began skiing together in 1984, and it has been a love affair with the sport ever since. “I feel that skiing makes us look forward to winter,” Deb shared with Travel + Leisure. “There is nothing better than being outside, usually with family and friends, having fun, and making shared memories. I hope to be able to ski for many more years.”

Ski resorts vary greatly not only by terrain but also by how they accommodate senior skiers. Some do it far better than others, especially when it comes to lift ticket prices. Even though many skiers from the baby boom generation are financially independent, there remains a large number who are surviving on a fixed income. And with the price of lift tickets now rising faster than yeast in a New York City bagel shop, often approaching $200 per day at major resorts, these seniors appreciate any available discounts.

Waterville Valley Resort, New Hampshire

Home to Silver Streaks, the longest-running senior skiing program in the country, Waterville Valley Resort offers a thriving social scene for seniors alongside an authentic skiing experience. For skiers ages 50 plus, Silver Streaks is a ski program with certified instructors, a staffed organization, and socials. They offer both Nordic and Alpine groups, meeting mid-week throughout the winter. The resort offers $20 off lift ticket window prices to seniors ages 65-79. For those ages 80 plus, lift tickets are free. Skilled groomers cover 100% of the terrain daily, providing soft, fresh corduroy for senior skiers. The longest trail, Oblivion, boasts 3,210 feet and covers 6.8 acres.

article from Travel and Leisure.