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Is 47 too old to be skiing Park?

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Podtav
Posts: 0 - Karma: 44
Hi All,

I am been stupid? Is it too late to be learning boxes/rails at 47 (Am I one fall away from having no ACL's)?

I would classify myself as a very good punter skier, skiing from around 6 and did a season in Tignes in 1999. But freestyle was just coming to life, rails etc did not really exist although I skied the pipe a lot back then (but nothing like u guys today - just alley-oops and 360's). I also skied a lot at Sheffield ski village (which was an outdoor ski centre in the UK with a pipe but no real rails). I stopped FS skiing at 30 as did not want to hurt myself & never skied rails or boxes then.

3 yrs ago I took my 10yr old to Laax and discovered and hit my first box (Big easy one) - and got hooked. Just got back from Laax again this week and progressed to riding the big straight tubes and a rail (No tricks or anything on them). Issue is I'm now addicted more than ever but worried that I'm been a little dumb. I dont want to do tricks on them just be able able to slide most of them. There are indoor ski slopes in the UK with FS nights I sometimes go to, but want to go more.....

Is anyone else doing FS in their older yrs (hope someone says in 50's and preferably one who is learning like me). Also if nothing else it gives u younger people the knowledge u have many more yrs ahead of u - u lucky b......s - have fun!!
Jan 23 2025 12:23PM
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steez_apprentice
Posts: 902 - Karma: 6,322
At sugarbush, there's a guy that has to be in his late 40s if not 50s that I saw do a massive lip on to a huge down tube in the park, later I ended up next to him on the lift and he was telling me it was his first season freeskiing. He runs the company Tall Truck on instagram and sponsors a bunch of locals, but I'm not really sure if he posts himself though. also @oldmanski and @DominatorJacques are some OGs you could talk to
Jan 23 2025 12:29PM
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freeballer
Posts: 735 - Karma: 1,037
Go for it. I'm 43 and don't ski park anymore, but do take some diggers on the mountain from time to time. It's normally one big one a season, like a day ending tomahawk. The bigger you go, the more it hurts. The older you get, the longer you are sore, so just keep it within your comfort zone. Have a friend pushing 50 that does pretty big 7s and backies. Just follow the proper progression with tricks and you should have a blast.
Jan 23 2025 12:47PM
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SurfinCow
Posts: 308 - Karma: 2,446
My dad from like 50 to how old his is now at 65 will come through the park if he’s skiing with me. Nothing crazy but hell hit the small jumps and the boxes or any other small features. Just slap some padded shorts on and send it.
Jan 23 2025 12:47PM
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oldmanski
Posts: 3383 - Karma: 24,678
Hell yeah!! Get it! I have definitely slowed down a bit from previous years but that's because I haven't been skiing as much due to life happening.
Sounds like you're already there, just keep it rolling. The older we get the more we lose our ability of balance, strength, endurance so if you can include a workout regime a few days a week to keep these up, you will be rocking!
Rails and jumps are going to get better as you build confidence and do them more. Like mentioned above, get some padded shorts as they will help prevent some bumps and bruises but also be prepared to fall. Pick and choose your lines carefully as it's no fun being injured and as I know you know, it takes a bit longer to get healed up.
Go have fun, be you, who cares what others think and keep progressing. We are never too old to ski park, I hope to be like Hot Dog Hans one day.
Jan 23 2025 2:09PM
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stickacorkinit
Posts: 40 - Karma: 148
i’m 18 but with chatting people on lifts since i could form sentences i’ve noticed no matter where you are, there’s every sort of person skiing park in some capacity. chatted with the kids and their fathers on the lift who - as a family - are crushing jumps or simple box spins. you’ll find with some other responses there’s always gonna be old rippers out there, i look at it all as a matter of will and enjoyment for what you love. best advice and what ive already seen in the thread, is dude, go for it. have fun and make it YOUR fun, dont sweat what others are doing, dont pressure yourself, etc. you already have the pipe game under your belt so why not start back with something you previously enjoyed? you’ll i’ve it, you’ll get addicted, soon those 1 inch barely lipped boxes are gonna become your crack. go 4 it!!!
Jan 23 2025 2:38PM
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je_t.aime_canard
Posts: 191 - Karma: 2,170
47 is a good age to ride park, but 15 is too old
Jan 23 2025 3:43PM
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KilaTsunami
Posts: 3228 - Karma: 30,867
Go for it dude! Start small, you’d be surprised how easy some of the small features are. You’re not really that high off the ground on them. Just wear a helmet! Maybe stretch before too
Jan 23 2025 3:46PM
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Ethan99
Posts: 17 - Karma: 46
Just go for it, nothing is wrong with being 47.
Jan 23 2025 4:11PM
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skierman
Posts: 8407 - Karma: 7,863
If you don't keep up with your workouts to prevent injuries for when you will fall, yes that's fucking stupid.
Jan 23 2025 4:11PM
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Way*Mo
Posts: 696 - Karma: 2,435
Look at Mikey Leblanc and Frank Gerwer. Both 50 years old and ollie-ing down huge stair sets. You can hit some tubes, just maybe sneak some pads under your gear.
Jan 23 2025 4:19PM
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lil.Boye
Posts: 2734 - Karma: 12,503
Never, just have fun.
If you’re not having fun, you are doing it wrong
Jan 23 2025 4:21PM
1 0
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Goretex_Vidal
Posts: 821 - Karma: 11,564
40 off a knee reconstruction two years ago and two shoulder surgeries. I’m never going to be “good” at park skiing or drop a big cliff again but I just keep finding fun ways to ski that fit where my body’s limits are now.
Jan 23 2025 5:14PM
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jompcock
Posts: 1566 - Karma: 11,619
My dad is 60 and can do all 4 2's out of tubes. It's been a minute since he's hit anything kinked but he still rips.
Jan 23 2025 6:31PM
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Angioedema
Posts: 406 - Karma: 1,838
hell naw
Jan 23 2025 6:38PM
1 0
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J-jibs-12
Posts: 3 - Karma: 20
Nah it’s valid
Jan 23 2025 8:22PM
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