If you don’t have any pre-existing medical conditions, travel insurance with winter sports cover isn’t too expensive. For a three-month trip (January to March) it can be less than £90 for a skier in their early 60s.
Websites like WeLove2Ski provide advice, but do make sure your insurance quote covers the type of skiing or snowboarding you want to do and any other activities. Are you going to ski off-piste, in the snow or park or terrain park, or perhaps try snowboarding or heli-skiing? Will your activities include ice-skating, reindeer-sledding or snow-mobiling? You’ll need your insurers to know and to provide appropriate cover. And of course you’ll need to cover your luggage and your equipment, either your own or rented, for damage or theft. You’ll also want 24-hour emergency cover.
If you have stable and well-controlled conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes, skicover.com will normally cover you as standard, provided you haven’t had your medicine changed in the last three months and don’t require more than two routine medical check ups or reviews each year. You may not be able to get a quote online but you can call the company on 0330 880 5099 and quote ‘bespoke’ for your quote.
Another company that provides winter sports insurance for mature participants is skiinsurance.com. At Saga ski insurance is available with no upper age limit for holidays up to 120 days long. The policy holder must be over 50 but you can add friends and family of any age to the same policy. You’ll need to select winter sports add-on when you take out your policy and you’ll have the winter sports cover for the whole duration of your insurance policy.
If you’re planning to spend most of the winter season – or all the season – at a ski resort, then you’ll need to look at seasonaire ski insurance. One insurer that offers this is Big Cat Travel Insurance.
FAQs
Today's seniors are turning 60 and 70 with no signs of slowing down. If you love swooshing and gliding on skis, we have some good news for you: The benefits of skiing are great for your physical, mental, social and emotional health. The key is to be prepared and know your limits so you can enjoy the sport safely.
Is it safe to ski in your 70s? ›
Today, providing you are fit, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't ski in your 50s, 60s, 70s and even into your 80s. Modern ski equipment is far more advanced than years ago – skis are wider, so its easier to turn.
Can a 65 year old woman learn to ski? ›
Yes! No matter your age or ability, you can learn to ski at any age. Skiing is such a great sport and a source of exercise during the winter months.
Can I learn to ski in my 60s? ›
Over the course of my career, I have met and taught many people from all over the world who have taken up skiing in later life with great success. I even know people who have retired in their 60's from one career and embarked on a ski instructor training course.
Can elderly ski? ›
How old is too old for skiing? If this is a question you've been wondering about, we've got good news for you: there is no age limit on hitting the slopes! Whether you're a seasoned skier or new to the sport, skiing can be a fun and exciting way to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors.
How old are too old skis? ›
But the reality is that skis wear down and ultimately affect your performance and become a safety hazard. So if you've gone a few seasons with your skis, you should know how long they'll last. Most skis last between 100-150 days of use, which typically averages 5 - 8 years before they need to be replaced.
How many seniors ski? ›
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.
How many years does it take to be a good skier? ›
On average, it takes around 10 weeks before you're confident on all types of runs, even the steepest blacks. But some people might get to this point quicker. Your parallel skiing should be flawless by now, with your skis side by side the whole way to make a smooth, linked turns.
Can you go skiing without lessons? ›
Be confident in your ability
It can be as simple as mind over matter. Without any lessons, it's likely your first time on the scopes will be a scary one. However, if you believe you have natural ability, it's likely you will pick it up quicker. Ski with confidence!
How do you get fit for ski slopes at any age? ›
Aim for three to four 20 to 30 minute interval training sessions a week, working harder to increase the heart rate for two minutes, then working less hard to drop it right down for a minute before doing the same again, throughout the session. Remember to build up the exercise slowly and incrementally.
A child aged 4 seems to cope much better with the physical demands of learning to ski far better than one who is younger. Those extra couple of months in age really do make a difference – for your child, the instructor and you! It's taxing on the brain too! By the age of 4-5, children have a far better attention span.
Can an 80 year old ski? ›
These Senior Skiers Are Still Chasing Powder in Their 80s and 90s - The New York Times. “I ski better now than when I was younger,” said Classie Page. “I used to ski slow, but now, I ski with people who ski fast.”
Does anyone want old skis? ›
The trend is clear in fast fashion, but even for technical ski products, more people are turning to used. Online outdoor gear reseller GearTrade sold 85,000 used products in 2023, up 86% from 2021.
Can a disabled person ski? ›
Some equipment is made for skiers who can ski independently, such as the sit-ski and single ski. Sit-skis are used by people who have lower limb disabilities. True to its name, the sit-ski is designed in such a way that the person sits down in the equipment and uses two poles to guide themselves.
What temperature is it not safe to ski? ›
There is no definitive temperature telling you when it's too cold to ski. So our best advice is to take some measures to keep warm and try to ski. Return to the lodge or a warming hut if you feel cold as soon as possible. Drink some hot water and then try again.
What is the age demographic of skiers? ›
Overall, the median age of U.S. ski area visitors was 35 in 2021-22, up from 28 during the 2005-06 season. These aging demographics are a concern, explained Adrienne Saia Isaac, director of marketing for the NSAA. "You have to play the long game when you look at the future of the sport," she said.
