Not elder law: Ski resorts expand grooming for aging baby boomers
The AP reports:
The ski slopes that baby boomers used to shred when they were young andreckless are being toned down in a bid to keep them coming back formore.
“Everydestination resort that attracts baby boomers is either expandinggrooming or contemplating doing it,” said Bill Jensen, chief operatingofficer at Vail, which plans to flatten and tame a record 1,600 acresthis season.
Demographics suggest the bottom line is behind themove: The percentage of skiers who are 45 or older climbed from 21percent in 1997-98 to 31 percent last season, according to a surveydone for the National Ski Areas Association.
America’s seniorsare so much fitter than their predecessors — retirement is more like apermanent vacation — that some resorts no longer offer free skiing tothose over 70. But older skiers generally have slower reflexes, lessstrength and aching joints, and resorts are trying to respond.
CraigTuber, 60, a Chicago resident who owns a second home near the BeaverCreek resort west of Vail, still occasionally skis bumps and evenheliskis. But, he added, “when the grooming is great you get drawn toit so you can make those nice turns and enjoy yourself in a differentway.”
“For people who are a little older it is easier on yourbody,” he said. “Once you turn 60, you say to yourself, “How long can Ido this?’ Now you have a much more unlimited time horizon.”