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Freestylin' into your 30's

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MassHorrid
Posts: 15 - Karma: 85
I'm sure I'll get utterly troll fucked for even asking this question but I really don't give a shit and am genuinely curious if anyone else on here has asked or thought of the same question:

Given a still healthy, athletic build, and over 25 years of skiing experience, do you think 30 is too late to start pursuing progression in the freestyle game? I'm not talking competitive or anything, but I'd love to push my bag'o'tricks beyond the 360 and basic box/rail stuff I learned when I was in my teens back in the early 2000's when freestyle was still spooling up. I learned to ski on the east coast and just moved out to CO, and its beyond tempting to try given how much better the quality of the conditions are out here.

What say you ladies and gents?
Jan 22 2016 8:52AM
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JichelMusten
Posts: 750 - Karma: 2,889
I would say go for it if you feel comftrable. The saying YOLO does make a pretty good point .
Jan 22 2016 8:58AM
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Gharf
Posts: 1390 - Karma: 983
it all depends on your ability to crash.

you are going to take slams at some point if you want to try some more difficult tricks, say like a rodeo or a cork 7.

i ve seen plenty of really good freestylers that were past 30, but i havent really seen anyone learn that late.

i started skiing park at 16, i m 27 now and i can tell you the slams are way worse. i mean a big slam on a big kicker is usually the end of the day for me, whereas when i was younger if i could get up i d keep skiing.


One thing i'd add is consequences. When you re 16 if yo break your arm it s not really a big deal. When you re 30, an ACL surgery with 4 days in the hospital is going to be way more complicated, especially if you have demanding job.

So i think you can learn but its gonna be a bit more dangerous for you, and a bit more difficult to try the tricks because you re going to be more scared than a 16y old kid
Jan 22 2016 9:05AM
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Gharf
Posts: 1390 - Karma: 983
i forgot to add that it would still be super fun and i totally think you should do it if you want to.

just giving you a little heads up
Jan 22 2016 9:07AM
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KENDOZER
Posts: 408 - Karma: 1,147
Hell Yeah Man! As long as your having fun pushing yourself to learn some new stuff I would definitely go for it. It's pretty inspiring to hear this, I hope to be in your shoes one day!
Jan 22 2016 9:12AM
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MassHorrid
Posts: 15 - Karma: 85
Gharfit all depends on your ability to crash.

you are going to take slams at some point if you want to try some more difficult tricks, say like a rodeo or a cork 7.

i ve seen plenty of really good freestylers that were past 30, but i havent really seen anyone learn that late.

i started skiing park at 16, i m 27 now and i can tell you the slams are way worse. i mean a big slam on a big kicker is usually the end of the day for me, whereas when i was younger if i could get up i d keep skiing.


One thing i'd add is consequences. When you re 16 if yo break your arm it s not really a big deal. When you re 30, an ACL surgery with 4 days in the hospital is going to be way more complicated, especially if you have demanding job.

So i think you can learn but its gonna be a bit more dangerous for you, and a bit more difficult to try the tricks because you re going to be more scared than a 16y old kid



Spot on to what my main concern is. Granted the snow out West seems A LOT more forgiving than then the ice I'm used to being planted on back East, I did notice that my recovery time has noticeably gotten way worse over the past few years. I was contemplating the idea of learning in the deep stuff first to try and mitigate getting smashed on the groomer booters. Unfortunately my somewhat older park skis ( Ninthward Edollo 172's) are way too skinny to float comfortably in the back country though.

Any suggestions on decent skis for deep powder/park riding by chance?

Thanks again guys!
Jan 22 2016 9:15AM
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MassHorrid
Posts: 15 - Karma: 85
KENDOZERHell Yeah Man! As long as your having fun pushing yourself to learn some new stuff I would definitely go for it. It's pretty inspiring to hear this, I hope to be in your shoes one day!

Right on man! Thanks for the kind words too. I'll always stick to this sport as long as my body holds up. It was hard letting go of the childhood dream of one day potentially becoming competitive for sure, but with that realization I remembered what brought me to this sport when I was 4 years old: the fun, freedom, and child-like creativity that makes freestyle skiing/jibbing SO fucking dope :-D
Jan 22 2016 9:19AM
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MtSnowCatDriver
Posts: 18 - Karma: -6
I'm 35, and was very fortunate to be a part of the freeskiing movement in the early 2000's when i was in my late teens and early 20's. You can still rip, but you are way too old to get in the game. If you wanna prove me wrong and learn doubles, post them vids, but there is not that much of a chance. Go out and have fun.

I think it was Evan Rapps in like a lion he said, "what do you do when it's all over?" Those words meant alot to me, something I never thought about when i was in my late teens. I would have talks with my buddies how we were going to show our kids backflips. It's not happening. Don't let me stop you though. I will say go out and have fun, that's what skiing is all about. Find powder and the steeps.
Jan 22 2016 3:35PM
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Deforestation
Posts: 1606 - Karma: 3,194
MassHorridAny suggestions on decent skis for deep powder/park riding by chance?

Thanks again guys!


Deep pow and park are literally on the opposite end of the spectrum for ski widths. Choose one or buy two pairs.
Jan 22 2016 3:39PM
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reBlocke
Posts: 762 - Karma: 1,502
You have a crew of motivated friends who want to ride park? I find this is the major barrier for us geezers. Pushing yourself solo would be pretty damn tough.
Jan 22 2016 3:52PM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
MtSnowCatDriverI'm 35, and was very fortunate to be a part of the freeskiing movement in the early 2000's when i was in my late teens and early 20's. You can still rip, but you are way too old to get in the game. If you wanna prove me wrong and learn doubles, post them vids, but there is not that much of a chance. Go out and have fun.

I think it was Evan Rapps in like a lion he said, "what do you do when it's all over?" Those words meant alot to me, something I never thought about when i was in my late teens. I would have talks with my buddies how we were going to show our kids backflips. It's not happening. Don't let me stop you though. I will say go out and have fun, that's what skiing is all about. Find powder and the steeps.


you are so wrong. look at skateboarding. these dudes are so damn old and fucking RIP!

you shure as hell are going to show your kids backflips! even if it's just a pow kicker. if you stick to it, you're gonna stick to it for however long you want if you keep your body healthy.

I'm only 20, but I've never been drunk, smoked, or taken any drug, and feel like so much people my age are allready complaining when they shouldn't - if you get wasted every fucking weekend you're obviously not gonna recover as fast from injuries as someone who goes jogging every fucking weekend.

I'm really curious of what's gonna happen when I hit the 30ies, since I only jib I think I should be able to at least maintain the level I reached to this day. maybe stop doing crazy ass disasters, but damn, I don't feel like I'm ever gonna unlearn a blindsurface haha
Jan 22 2016 4:01PM
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LivingDaLife
Posts: 352 - Karma: 1,349
I taught a 55 year old to ski boxes and small rails - no reason why you can't progress in your thirties. He's 60 now and still riding park.

I'm 30 and learned quite a few new jump tricks last season. My knees suck but that's from skiing too much - not learning new tricks. I recommend you send it.
Jan 22 2016 4:18PM
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Gr0mo
Posts: 707 - Karma: 3,663
i just turned 28 and am having on of the most progressive seasons of my life. I do seem to take falls a little harder then i remember but its really not that bad.
Jan 22 2016 4:34PM
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Pachankz
Posts: 729 - Karma: 838
MassHorridI'm sure I'll get utterly troll fucked for even asking this question but I really don't give a shit and am genuinely curious if anyone else on here has asked or thought of the same question:

Given a still healthy, athletic build, and over 25 years of skiing experience, do you think 30 is too late to start pursuing progression in the freestyle game? I'm not talking competitive or anything, but I'd love to push my bag'o'tricks beyond the 360 and basic box/rail stuff I learned when I was in my teens back in the early 2000's when freestyle was still spooling up. I learned to ski on the east coast and just moved out to CO, and its beyond tempting to try given how much better the quality of the conditions are out here.

What say you ladies and gents?


Original 80's/90's hotdogger here man. Took 15+ years off skiing and started again age 28/29ish .
Freesking instantly drew me in with my background and I went full steam trying to change and modernize my style . I mastered switch skiing, got decent on boxes and rails, started skiing a lot of steeps and pow and trees , hitting cliffs when I could find them but I got hurt many times, my jump game never progressed past big floaty 180's and 3's , hit a few trees, broke some bones , didn't stay in shape and drank way too much;)
Nowadays I focus on hard charging all mountain freeride style with basic airs and no park. It's all about staying in shape and injury free . The more you get hurt as you age it starts to slip away and seems not so graspable or worth the beating anymore.
Jan 22 2016 4:34PM
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Craze
Posts: 1132 - Karma: 423
I am 25 and in the past two years I have had the most progression on rails in my life. My trick is my summer set up. Being able to practice all year and in the comfort of my own yard helps a ton! I am not a competitor to the kids these days but I am having a blast and hope to ski park well into my 30's.

If jumps are your thing and you live out west I would totally go for the back country booters, those have been a dream of my little east coast mind for a looong time lol. In reality there is no limit to what age you can learn at, as long as your willing to learn. Just go out and have some fun, this shits too much fun to give up!
Jan 22 2016 5:38PM
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Stadtski
Posts: 972 - Karma: 3,349
I hate to say it, but you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
Jan 22 2016 5:40PM
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MassHorrid
Posts: 15 - Karma: 85
DeforestationDeep pow and park are literally on the opposite end of the spectrum for ski widths. Choose one or buy two pairs.


Rosa_ParkI hate to say it, but you can't teach an old dog new tricks.


Lol, we'll see kid ;;)
Jan 22 2016 6:31PM
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Deforestation
Posts: 1606 - Karma: 3,194
MassHorridLol, we'll see kid ;;)


??? Listen, I have a 1 ski quiver (so not really a quiver) of the ON3P Kartel 106. If you're looking for a park/pow ski, I think it's the best you'll get.
Jan 22 2016 7:22PM
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willysworld
Posts: 2116 - Karma: 5,485
Lil_G-nusyou are so wrong. look at skateboarding. these dudes are so damn old and fucking RIP!

you shure as hell are going to show your kids backflips! even if it's just a pow kicker. if you stick to it, you're gonna stick to it for however long you want if you keep your body healthy.

I'm only 20, but I've never been drunk, smoked, or taken any drug, and feel like so much people my age are allready complaining when they shouldn't - if you get wasted every fucking weekend you're obviously not gonna recover as fast from injuries as someone who goes jogging every fucking weekend.

I'm really curious of what's gonna happen when I hit the 30ies, since I only jib I think I should be able to at least maintain the level I reached to this day. maybe stop doing crazy ass disasters, but damn, I don't feel like I'm ever gonna unlearn a blindsurface haha


You need Jesus cunt.
Jan 22 2016 7:42PM
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MassHorrid
Posts: 15 - Karma: 85
Deforestation??? Listen, I have a 1 ski quiver (so not really a quiver) of the ON3P Kartel 106. If you're looking for a park/pow ski, I think it's the best you'll get.


Im not disagreeing with the fact I need two separate skis at all. You would know better than I for sure. I won't however be considered an "old dog".
Jan 22 2016 8:45PM
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Deforestation
Posts: 1606 - Karma: 3,194
MassHorridIm not disagreeing with the fact I need two separate skis at all. You would know better than I for sure. I won't however be considered an "old dog".


Yeah, I wasn't the one who said that
Jan 22 2016 9:23PM
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JAlps
Posts: 555 - Karma: 1,939
This thread is depressing haha.

GIVE THE META OF LIFE A HUGE FUCKING MIDDLE FINGER AND SEND IT HARD!!!!!!

also buy skis that are like 100-108 underfoot, I got Kitten Factory All Mountains and I LOVE them.
Jan 22 2016 9:38PM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13125 - Karma: 19,218
Im 28 and sending it every day. If you feel like you can perform well under pressure, start in a few local events and move up from there. You never know. Last year I finished second in a major local even in a touring contest without any formal training in the event.

There are a few things Ive noticed about myself as I got older. The first is the ability to huck on demand and to take the risk even if I am not feeling it. I admire people who can do that. The anxiety of feeling pressured to send it makes me go crazy to the point I dont even want to attend out of fear.
The second if injury recovery. When I hurt, I hurt longer and take longer to get the joints lubed up again. With proper diet and correct training, its possible to recover even faster than kids.
Jan 22 2016 9:54PM
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xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,175
Dude I say go for it and start fucking sending it and progressing.....
I mean just live it up bro, learn new tricks and improve so you have even more substance in your life to proud of.

Go hard bro!
Jan 22 2016 11:30PM
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Topsen
Posts: 85 - Karma: 76
I am almost 30 and only got into park the last two years. I can`t do shit besides basic rails/boxes and 3s but its still a lot of fun.

Im really afraid of crashing nowadays, though. Which holds me back trying too much of new stuff.

Although it generally seems different in the smaller european ski resorts, where you dont see too many people throw down big stuff and are looked at when you ski switch...

Just have fun
Jan 23 2016 2:16AM
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the.ghost
Posts: 117 - Karma: 190
I am 30. I have been cruising through parks(nothing crazy) for 20 years, but had taken a few years away from skiing in my early 20's. Just in the last few seasons that I've been back at it my park skiing has gone from 180's to 1080's and flips, 50ing flat boxes to 2 pretz 4s on whatever urban-on style rail. Yes the crashes suck (separated both shoulders on separate occasions last year) but that victory feeling of stomping new tricks makes up for all of that. It's never to late dude. Fuckin' send it!
Jan 23 2016 4:18AM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
ozzywrongYou need Jesus cunt.


have a nice day eating shit tryna fs2 out of 10ft wide dancefloors
Jan 23 2016 10:39AM
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Pachankz
Posts: 729 - Karma: 838
Op where do you ski in the east ?
If you want that powder , you have to drive to jay peak and Stowe . If you want good freeride all mountain terrain you gotta drive to mrg, Stowe , the loaf, jay, magic , the bush etc.
If you want to progress park only loon and mount snow .
Jan 23 2016 12:04PM
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skiguy04
Posts: 1597 - Karma: 1,115
60 is the new 30
Jan 23 2016 8:08PM
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macavity
Posts: 264 - Karma: 493
there is a guy who skis at my local mountain who is like 56 and throws misties, backies, switch backies, rodeos, cork 3-5-7, lip on, pretz, swaps etc. and he started when he was like 52 because his son got into it. if you have a background in skiing (especially freeskiing) I'm sure you'd have no trouble getting back into it. you may not be sending dubs, but you'll be able to learn most anything you'd like. I'd say fuckin' go for it man.
Jan 23 2016 8:20PM
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willysworld
Posts: 2116 - Karma: 5,485
Lil_G-nushave a nice day eating shit tryna fs2 out of 10ft wide dancefloors


Cearly all my photos and videos suggest that. ;) you can shred well into your 60s john eves (old freestyle skier,james bond movies ec.) Is 60 + and still drops 5p foot cliffs
Jan 24 2016 2:15AM
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iH8pow
Posts: 1826 - Karma: 7,832
I think you could learn some basic stuff, but don't kid yourself and set your expectations too high. Last year was my year to learn sit corks, but after too many crashes scratch that and just gonna keep it basic with like switch 5s, hopefully corking them out a bit. I think at this point, it's safe to say I'll never get the dinner roll down. I can hardly spin a fuuckin 7 as is.

But it's all fun. Older you get you prolly have a job, can't just be hurting yourself skiing and being unable to do your full job at work.

Sticking to the smaller parks will be your friend. Find your mountain where you feel comfortable in the park (AKA probably not Breck). Personally I really like Vail or Beaver Creek because their parks are still nice but empty.
Jan 24 2016 6:22AM
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Static
Posts: 8570 - Karma: 4,096
maybe grandpa parks are going to become a thing, just big mellow features
Jan 24 2016 7:32AM
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Alex_G
Posts: 11902 - Karma: 1,019
if you want to be in a world of pain, go for it. learning how to do this activity the right way takes a lot of bodily sacrifice that only a resilient teenager can handle--you will fall a lot.
Jan 24 2016 12:27PM
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johnnyBuz
Posts: 1438 - Karma: 1,270
I'm 28 going on 29 and about to spend a week out at Woodward Copper working on progression. Went to Ohio Dreams this Summer to work on some tricks on the water ramp.

I definitely don't huck my meat with reckless abandon like I did a few years ago since I don't bounce off the snow as easily but I still like progressing.
Jan 24 2016 2:51PM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
ozzywrongCearly all my photos and videos suggest that. ;) you can shred well into your 60s john eves (old freestyle skier,james bond movies ec.) Is 60 + and still drops 5p foot cliffs


lol that's what I said?! that you can shred until howeverlong you want??? what the fuck is your problem dude
Jan 24 2016 7:17PM
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Stadtski
Posts: 972 - Karma: 3,349
MassHorridLol, we'll see kid ;;)


ahaha im just messing, the saying fit too well. my 45 year old uncle went out and learned to 5 last year on our first run through the park, it was awesome.
Jan 24 2016 9:32PM
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MtSnowCatDriver
Posts: 18 - Karma: -6
Lil_G-nusyou are so wrong. look at skateboarding. these dudes are so damn old and fucking RIP!

you shure as hell are going to show your kids backflips! even if it's just a pow kicker. if you stick to it, you're gonna stick to it for however long you want if you keep your body healthy.

I'm only 20, but I've never been drunk, smoked, or taken any drug, and feel like so much people my age are allready complaining when they shouldn't - if you get wasted every fucking weekend you're obviously not gonna recover as fast from injuries as someone who goes jogging every fucking weekend.

I'm really curious of what's gonna happen when I hit the 30ies, since I only jib I think I should be able to at least maintain the level I reached to this day. maybe stop doing crazy ass disasters, but damn, I don't feel like I'm ever gonna unlearn a blindsurface haha


Exactly what i'm talking about, there will be a day when you start to go the other way. I thought just like you. It happens!!!!! Is Mike Douglas still winning??

I'm not trying to be a downer but fact of life!
Feb 2 2016 4:44PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7860 - Karma: 22,349
https://vimeo.com/87694608
I think Pako is 37. He's been doing freestyle since '99 or so though.
You'll certainly be able to progress, at least in small things like making your 360s really clean, trying different grabs, adding an extra 180 to your rotations etc. Also things like spins out of rails are a good place to start, if you're already comfortable with the basics!
Feb 2 2016 6:39PM
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jakeordie
Posts: 664 - Karma: 3,277
It's less about the number, and more about where you're at in life. If you're in decent shape, no chronic injuries, no wife kids mortgage etc then fucking send it. Just know your limits, and make wiser decisions than you did as a kid.....use the years to your advantage.
Feb 2 2016 8:50PM
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Casey
Posts: 7889 - Karma: 24,894
I guess the question to ask yourself is why you want to if you haven't yet. By the time most people hit 30 they have pushed themselves to whatever their limit is, eaten shit and gotten hurt a ton realized that some people are just fucking crazy and that's why they are pro.


But I feel you man I want to make a park edit this year, just for fun, and I haven't skied park in a long time. But I'm just not that motivated to really up my jump game significantly, I am definitely still capable I just dont really care.
Feb 2 2016 9:05PM
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BonusNo413
Posts: 342 - Karma: 2,478
OP, have you seen Candide's One Of Those Days videos? The guy is 33. Tony Hawk won X Games at 33. Have you heard of the Bondi Bowlarama (skateboard event)? Tony Hawk won it in his late forties. The biggest thing to remember is if people haven't done a lot of freestyle type stuff by the time they are your age statistically most don't start. So don't be discouraged by ideas like "am I too old?". I'm 20 and I honestly don't think 30 is too late at all. I saw a guy in his forties skiing park everyday at Perisher last Aus season. Just try to get physically fit and prepare yourself as much as you can for learning tricks on jumps. You're not too old so just be that outlier and get into it.
Feb 3 2016 10:35AM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
MtSnowCatDriverExactly what i'm talking about, there will be a day when you start to go the other way. I thought just like you. It happens!!!!! Is Mike Douglas still winning??

I'm not trying to be a downer but fact of life!


I don't quite know how to interprete your post... explain pls? :D
Feb 6 2016 7:38PM
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tskilz
Posts: 179 - Karma: 2
Ha old people
Feb 6 2016 7:43PM
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Sounder
Posts: 96 - Karma: 95
I know a dude who's 51 and his rail game is on point. He can't do jumps any more because he can't take them or shit could go wrong real fast.
Feb 6 2016 8:05PM
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Breeze-J
Posts: 95 - Karma: 80
I'd think it is not that black&white...

If you have 25 years experience, go for it but play it wisely...IMHO no need to ruin all the (other type of) fun skiing by wrecking yourself in the park. Add it as a "spice" to your all-mountain skiing (not the other way, if you know what I mean).

Kids in the parks seem to be concentrated mostly on the most technical/latest/"trendy" tricks. However, if you e.g. look what Nimbus guys do...allmountain/pow skiing with kind of "ageless" style and tricks.

I am 43, old mogul skier, and have to play it quite easy these days (and I've only done 7's in the past as best tricks...) Anyway, I like to see the park as a training ground for pow/allmountain skiing. Same as e.g. moguls or even some gates now and then.

Check the features carefully, plan what to do, concentrate on smoothness/style and take small steps. Go big only when you really feel it and it's soft. Look what the good guys do on every single day (so that you see what features really work, how's the required speed for hits etc.)

The hard part is that at my age the good conditions in the park often means (late) spring skiing. So, less and less really good sessions every year, and more and more "dull" groomers skiing (hate to admit).

But on the right day it is still fun. And now and then even the kids recognise your "the old guy" still trying stuff...gotta admit it was a pretty cool feeling when the other day a kid gave me props "a tele rail, that must be pretty tough" (I was hitting a relatively large "pipe" feature on teles).

Even if you're going to suck, in the end you're still better overall skiers after a few seasons in the park, right? I guess that's the whole point for older people to still do it. Personally I still aim for natural terrains smooth 3s (even on teles)...the right day and right place and I know I can still pull it off, even with some size...for my age of course :)
Feb 8 2016 7:22AM
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freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,057
MtSnowCatDriverI'm 35, and was very fortunate to be a part of the freeskiing movement in the early 2000's when i was in my late teens and early 20's. You can still rip, but you are way too old to get in the game. If you wanna prove me wrong and learn doubles, post them vids, but there is not that much of a chance. Go out and have fun.

I think it was Evan Rapps in like a lion he said, "what do you do when it's all over?" Those words meant alot to me, something I never thought about when i was in my late teens. I would have talks with my buddies how we were going to show our kids backflips. It's not happening. Don't let me stop you though. I will say go out and have fun, that's what skiing is all about. Find powder and the steeps.


lol just had this conversation yesterday with my buddy at stratton as we were lapping the park. im 34 and hes 36. the kids in the park are probably 15. do we belong in that park? hell no.. but i still like to hit jumps and rails. I just have to remind myself i gotta dial it back and not go trying what i use to through. knowing your limits so you dont get hurt is important.
Feb 8 2016 7:42AM
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weedoo
Posts: 650 - Karma: 1,848
My mechanics teacher is pretty new to freskiing and he's pushing 35. He just learned a 3 a few weeks ago and was pretty pumped. I hope this helps you decide what you want to do, but in the end, free skiing is free, meaning you can do whatever you choose to! :)
Feb 8 2016 11:26AM
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