Growing up near Tahoe with some of North America's top ski resorts practically in my backyard, I was surrounded by snowboarders and their tales of adventure on the slopes. It was the 90's, and snowboarding was exploding across the world. But my family couldn't afford to invest in this expensive sport, and I was left feeling like a wannabe snowboarder in my cousin's hand-me-down Burton jacket. When we moved to Northern Utah when I was 15, with its reputation for the "Greatest Snow on Earth," it only added insult to injury.
It wasn't until I joined the military and was stationed in Northern Japan that I finally got my first taste of snowboarding. My friends invited me on a dirt-cheap trip to Nagano courtesy of the base recreation department, and despite my lack of experience, I eagerly accepted. They took me to the top of the mountain on day one and left me there. Trial by fire! After some frustration, I finally learned how to snowplow with the help of two kind Japanese girls who didn't speak English but took pity on me.
From that moment on, I was hooked. Even though, in my young mind at the time, I had started "later in life." I figured I still had a good 10 years of snowboarding left before I turned 30 and became "too old" for it. Maybe I could take up skiing at that point, since I saw a lot of "old" people doing that. But when I hit 30, I finally realized that maybe age really was just a number, and I didn't stop snowboarding. This month I turn 40 and still proudly punch my season pass as many times as I can each season, year after year after year. Each year I'm a better snowboarder than I was the year before.
Snowboarding isn't just for the young. The feeling of being on the mountain, whether challenging friends or taking on the slopes alone, is unparalleled at any age. I've even managed to bring several of my friends back from "retirement," showing them that their time on the slopes doesn't have to have a shelf-life.
When I see a gray-bearded snowboarder I'm reminded that I still have many years of this ahead of me. And I'm excited to see how good I can be by the time I hit 50. So, if you're thinking about hitting the slopes again but think you're too old, think again. I've met snowboarders shredding it well in their 70's. Snowboarding is a sport that you can enjoy at any age, and it's never too late until you decide it is.
Dust off that gear and get shredding, my fellow greybeards and grandmas. If you're a grey on a tray (or even on skis, I won't judge), I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.
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I turn 40 this year. Admittedly, i sometimes feel too old out there (mainly in lift queues when i look around), but I’ve been teaching my 7yo this season, which has really helped. That is, until this Saturday, when i was out there alone and made to feel like i should check my mailbox for my social security check when i get home.
“You 40 and still riding!? Good for you man. Be careful out there.”
Not the most degrading statement, but it definitely made me feel closer to a boomer than the old millennial that i actually am.
Glad your article came my way. Perfect timing!
A fellow Elder Millennial! I do sometimes feel out of place when in the queue with folks half my age. But then I get to chatting with them on the lift, then they see me shred, and I realize it doesn't really matter. Sure, I take a lot more Motrin these days, and sure it takes me twice as long to recover from a powder day. But I think about how I'm a far better snowboarder than I was 20 years ago, shredding double blacks I'd have never touched back then. And I think of how my buddy who's my same age is even better than I am. Not to mention that time his Dad went riding with us and put us both to shame... haha.
I'm 44 and I definitely plan to keep snowboarding into my mid 50's! It's all about staying in shape and avoiding injuries!
I turned 40 this year and am going back up for the first time in 27 years on Thursday! So stoaked!
I’m 45 now and have 89 days so far this season on a snowboard. Just went and shredded Steamboat trees all weekend in the daytime and danced at Winter Wondergrass at night. SLEEP WHEN YOU’RE DEAD!!!
*also, stretch before every session!
I'm 50 this year and started snowboarding at 36. I improve every year, due in part to incorporating more cross training in the last few years. I'm not doing park jumps or jibbing off rails, but I can hold my own on steeps and deep pow in the trees. I want to keep doing this until well past retirement!
I'm 52. I ski the whole mountain, double blacks and all. My cousin, nearing 60, still snowboards. We're planning a trip together this month. Just stay in shape. There's no reason you can't ski/ride for years to come.
Damn right. I saw this old codger once at the mid-mountain lodge, must have been 80. Kind of shuffled when he walked. I'm thinking, "How did he even get up here!?" I struck up a conversation, he said he'd been coming to this mountain for many years, and skis better than he walks. Admitted sometimes he needs directions on how to get down because he forgets. I saw him pop into his skis and glide down the mountain like a fish in water.
I'm 52 disabled and still trenching. Here is my story.....https://youtu.be/Kge6S0QPc1Q
I am a 45 yo mom of twin teenage boys. I learned last year how to snowboard and I am loving every minute! When my boys started boarding I thought why sit in the lodge when i could be getting exercise and spending QT with them. Best decision I ever made. It has been very empowering and fun and I plan to continue for years to come!
Wife and I are 46 and 45 year old riders. No end in sight. We keep improving and (try) to ride more days each year. Funny as we get older, we put more effort into improving.
I started snowboarding at age 33 . I had grown up surfing and skateboarding in HB. After taking one lesson I was hooked! I’m 60 now and shred as much as possible every season. Retiring soon and will have time to ride as much as I want, whenever I want. I plan to ride till the day I die!
Never too old. I’m 48, live in flatland Chicago, but am in Chamonix as I type this just to get in one day of riding in the Alps before heading further for a business conference. As you age, you just appreciate each day riding more….whether you are in Wisconsin or the Alps!
I’m 52 and still snowboard every year in Brianhead, UT with my 17yr old son. We have a blast!
Cool and inspiring story bro! I started really “late” at 44 when I was ready to retire from the military! Me and the wifey took a lesson at Big Bear CA and got hooked ever since. Life gets in the way and didn’t get to do it fully until I was 50 lol. Since NOBODY knew how to snowboard in my family, or any of my friends, I pretty much watched a bunch of YouTube videos and researched ALOT lol. Despite the steep learning curve and the numerous falls and overstretched muscles, not to mention a bruised ego, we have progressed immensely (to us anyways). I’m 52 now and we are tackling blue runs with less falls, doing more body conditioning and staying healthy overall (I’ve lost 20+ lbs because of this sport!). I got the Epic and Ikon Season passes (expensive, I know), but to me well worth it when you can experience different ski resorts. I spend quality time with the wife and kiddos and enjoy the incredible scenery that comes with it! It’s an experience like no other and I intend to shred until my legs fall off haha! I thank you and many others who encourage, inspire and keep us “young @ heart”! Stay stoked my friend!
Thank you for the encouragement and for sharing your story! I get the two passes thing. I get my season pass from White Pass in Washington every year which is Powder Alliance, but for next season I just bought the Epic Pass in addition to it. Can’t beat the Veteran’s discount on Epic. Especially for retired military like yourself, it’s practically free! Nothing better than traveling and shredding. Much appreciated!
When I turned 40, I realized I was way too much of a bad a$$ to keep hanging with children, so I started snowskating. I’m almost 55, and I think it’s time to snowskate barefoot all season just to keep it challenging. Ha. True on the age and the snowskating, but I still snowboard on occasion to go over cliffy areas with my son where the essential double-eject of a snowskate fall is too dangerous. I help run our local snowboard school. Too old? Too soft is what will stop you. Old Man Army is unstoppable
I am 62 this year and still go most weekends during the season and sometimes during the week I mainly snowboard MtHutt NZ