Top Ski Resorts for Seniors after 50

They say after 50 its all downhill…sounds good to me! SeniorsSkiing.com released their top ski resorts for seniors list. Ski resorts that cater to the over 50 skiers, including ski resorts with free skiing for seniors, were selected based on survey results considering almost 100 ski areas in North America from New England to the West, and Canada.

There was time when 50 was “old,” but I think with today’s longevity and activity, 80 is old, 50 is young. My mom skis beautifully at 75.

Here are the top ski resorts for seniors, based upon this ski criteria: lifts, food, amenities and socials for seniors skiers and snowboarders, and most importantly – deals for seniors, AARP discounts, free skiing for 60, 70 or 80+, etc, for over-the-hill skiers:

“Gold” award winning Ski Areas for Seniors:
Alta Utah – free ski pass for 80+
Lake Louise Ski Resort in Alberta, Canada – special pass for 80+
Mt. Hood Ski Bowl Oregon – free skiing for 71+
Waterville Valley New Hampshire – home of the Silver Streakers – preferred parking, breakfast, NASTAR races, après ski
Whitefish Mountain Resort Montana – free skiing 75+
Whitewater Ski Resort British Columbia – free skiing 75+

“Silver” award winning Ski Resorts for 50+ :
Sutton Quebec– half off tickets Tuesdays
Ski Butternut Mass – pre-December season pass deals 65+
Sugarbush Vermont — Mid-Week Boomer Pass for 65+

More Silver Award Ski Resorts:
Alpine Meadows California
Copper Mountain Colorado
Vail Colorado
Hunter Mountain New York
Windham Mountain New York
Deer Valley Utah
Snow Basin Utah
Snowbird Utah
Red Mountain Resort British Columbia
Whistler Blackcomb British Columbia
Tremblant Quebec

So there are your top ski destinations for seniors, some ski resorts offer free skiing for seniors, deal days, discounts, special parking, ski clinics and après ski parties. Elder skiers are a fast-growing segment of the US ski industry, a bunch of Baby Boomer boarders and skiers. The National Ski Areas Association reports that skiers 65 and older account for more skier days each season than younger skiers. Seniors 68+ averaged 9.5 days of skiing in a season, that’s more that the national average number of ski days at 5.

Senior Ski Stats
– 45-54 year old skiers account for 20% of ski population
– 55-64 are 12% – which is more than double the previous 5 percent
– 65 and older is now 5.5 % and growing

Whether its better fitness amongst the over 50 skiers, medical miracles including replacement knees and hips, or just longer lives, it’s getting whiter on the ski slopes with more over the hill skiers on the hill. Smart ski resorts groom their slopes and cater to grandma and grandpa to keep skiing, knowing they’ll bring their kids, grandkids and great grandkids.

See more on Free skiing for Seniors, Skiing with your Family and our Top 10 Skis Guide