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.
Heather Stanford, marketing director at Swain Resort in New York, explains, “Our senior skiers are the heart and soul of this community. Many of them are responsible for multiple generations of skiers and riders. They understood how to keep our industry moving forward. It’s great to be able to give back to them.”
Ski resorts vary greatly by not only terrain, but also by how they accommodate senior skiers. And with the price of lift tickets now rising faster than yeast in a New York City bagel shop, these seniors appreciate any discounts that are available. Type of terrain is also of utmost importance for seniors, and the majority of seniors now prefer leisurely, groomed runs with plenty of elbow room. Other preferences are short or no lift lines along with enough beginning terrain where they can teach younger generations the basic fundamentals of the sport. These North American ski resorts roll out the red carpet for their senior skiers.
