Big_Hitter
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
when I retire I'll probably ski just about every day the hill is open, or ski and golf, or ski, golf and fly fish (i.e. the trifecta)
Last year's total days for skiing was close to 200. I have to say my goal was 200 but the season was just too short.
I find that if you have good form, skiing isn't that much work unless you are hitting the moguls, deep powder, or woods. When I was learning it was a lot of fatigue in my legs, but now I can ski groomers for 4-6 hours and then run 10 miles. And do it again the next day. Yes, I am in very good shape, but if it was a hard workout I'd feel it in my runs. Not trying to argue with you, just pointing out that the better you get, the less work it is.You must have a very high fitness level!
Skiing and snowboarding everyday is a hardcore workout.
I find that if you have good form, skiing isn't that much work unless you are hitting the moguls, deep powder, or woods.
This is true. I am a better telemark skiier at 57 than I was at 27 because my technique has improved, although I am not as strong as I was then. Where I feel my age is in the bumps. After a day of moguls my quads and gluts are totally spent. If you've never tried telemarking moguls, you probably have no idea how much leg strength is required. It's akin to doing lunges at the gym all day long. Fortunately, my knees have held up for those 35 years of freeheeling.
when I retire I'll probably ski just about every day the hill is open, or ski and golf, or ski, golf and fly fish (i.e. the trifecta)
I find that if you have good form, skiing isn't that much work unless you are hitting the moguls, deep powder, or woods. When I was learning it was a lot of fatigue in my legs, but now I can ski groomers for 4-6 hours and then run 10 miles. And do it again the next day. Yes, I am in very good shape, but if it was a hard workout I'd feel it in my runs. Not trying to argue with you, just pointing out that the better you get, the less work it is.
When people find out I'm retired and ski every day, they give me "helpful" suggestions like joining the ski patrol. No thanks. That's work. If I don't like the conditions, I go home. If I really like them, I want to ski top to bottom and shoot up the express lift and back down again. Ski patrol has to stay on for their whole shift, and often have to stay up top so they can quickly ski down when they get called and not be delayed while they finish their run and take a lift back up.
Or they suggest the courtesy patrol, so I can stand in high traffic areas and blow a whistle at people skiing too fast. Yeah, I'll pass on being a ski cop.
I have a season pass for Keystone and A-Basin. Hoping to get quite a few days in there this season. Last year I skied with a friend at Monarch quite a few times. He will be 80 this year. I can't get him up to Summit County because he can ski for free at Monarch. Its a 2 hour drive to either Monarch or Keystone so I won't be doing as many days as some of you, but I hope to get in around 30 days or so.
Sorry for the delay in getting back...why, yes, I was skiing. Great stormy, powder day. Still snowing. Tomorrow, is another don't miss day. Our ski season is long-(early) November opening and normally go through Memorial Day. On big snow years, we are still skiing on Independence Day. Within those days, it really becomes a "what is your priority" to make ~200 days. My priority is pretty clear. Yes, I know that it is crazy by some standards.
Both of us are very athletic. It is very rare that our day does not have some physical activity-sometimes multiple activities. We picked up backpacking/hiking as our new retirement activity as ski season ended last year. We are big cyclists. Mostly mountain biking but enjoy road riding.
Most ski days start at 8:30 (the best time of the day). I normally stay out until early afternoon. Some days, I ski in the morning take a break (for a meeting/appt) and return for closing (the second best time of the day). I don't feel the need to ski from bell to bell very often. However, DW does ski all day quite a bit. I do agree that with more fitness and skills, skiing is an "easy" sport. With 45 years of skiing experience, new technology and strong general fitness, skiing in more of a rush than a workout. Now, I completely feel different about shoveling. Speaking of which, I need to get going on the ~6 inches of snow on our deck.
Well, you convinced me not to try telemark skiing, because I did 15 lunges yesterday and my knee hurt. There are some things that irritate it and that's one of them.This is true. I am a better telemark skiier at 57 than I was at 27 because my technique has improved, although I am not as strong as I was then. Where I feel my age is in the bumps. After a day of moguls my quads and gluts are totally spent. If you've never tried telemarking moguls, you probably have no idea how much leg strength is required. It's akin to doing lunges at the gym all day long. Fortunately, my knees have held up for those 35 years of freeheeling.
My experience with windsurfing is exactly the same as some of the comments upthread about skiing. It is wickedly physical and tiring until you master the techniques and then it is a complete RUSH at a great adrenaline level. Just like a perfect line down a great mountain when you have confidence and things are just right. Wow, great thread!Sounds like you guys would love windsurfing.
Well, you convinced me not to try telemark skiing, because I did 15 lunges yesterday and my knee hurt. There are some things that irritate it and that's one of them.
I envy you skiers.