ThomasOwen

I learned at 57 and have not looked back since. I use a upper body protection from Demon and highly recommend that type of armor.

But, the number one thing I would recommend is a good instructor 'day-1'. I used a very experienced guy at Beaver Creek and he started me out very slow. Yes, I still had some falls but knew when to call it quits for the day.

Now, 2 years later, I go to Colorado twice during the winter and the instructor has become a great friend.

Best of luck -

pharcyde

id be hesistant to recommend it. bone loss occurs steadily after age 40-45 or so. falls are a part of skiing and snowboarding and can cause fractures in even young people.

Donutz

Screw that. You wanna put me in an old folks home, you'll have to catch me first!

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Illegitimi non carborundum

Mountain Days: 30

wrathfuldeity

If a person has been active and relatively healthy habits all their life, its not much of an issue. The current thinking is if a child is active and doing some bone jarring activities they develop higher bone density than a couch potato kid...and that the higher bone density is a boone later in life.

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Bones

Ah, the arrogance of youth.

The only real difference I've found at 50 versus 20 is that 1) it takes me longer to recover from the various bangs and bruises or hangovers and 2) when I'm done, then I'm done. If my legs are rubber at 2:30, then they're not coming back that same day.

pharcyde

physical activity stimulates muscle growth, the main factor contributing to increased bone density is calcium and D3 intake during the growing years along with thyroid hormones. and its not arrogance, its a fact that bone loss occurs and risk of fractures increases with age. im not saying he shouldnt be on the slopes any more than im saying older people should have other activities restricted. were i a doctor, id want to know more details before id be all for it. previous broken bones? arthritis? flexibility? does he think he'll be able to handle black diamonds lickity-split?

wrathfuldeity

Sir you are confusing the exuberance of youth verses the treachery of old age. Geezers are well aware of limits and risks; the fun factor and sense of accomplishment is perhaps better appreciated and not so wasted as in youth.

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Donutz

Youth is wasted on the young.

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Little bastards.

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Illegitimi non carborundum

Mountain Days: 30

mixie

and smart money bets on treachery and old age every. single. time.

y'all kids better get the fuck of mah gawddamn lawn!


plus the little victories mean so much more when you're old :P

tennis is probably harder then snowboarding.

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if a cat fucked a shark, the babies would be called women. snowklinger

Oldman

I did't learn to ride until I was approaching my 50th. Had done a little skiing up to that point, but never really got hooked on it. My only regret is that I didn't start riding 20 years ago!!!!

Best advice: Sound out the locals, find the BEST instructor and head straight to the bunny hill. You will have far fewer falls, superior satisfaction, greater confidence sooner and it is also great fun to hang around kids. You will be shredding in no time. Bring on the snow!!!!!!!!