OCR Text |
Show Park Record Thursday, December 22, 1988 Page B3 It's never too late to ski City 67 year old starts anew teaching fx ' ' i " Ski Area program wishes one and M, or seniors Park by RANDY HANSKAT Record staff writer It's common knowledge that the Baby Boom Generation is growing old. But how old how fast? By the year 2000, demographic studies show that one out of five people in the United States will be 55 or older, making that group the fastest growing segment of the population. Skiers, like the population as a whole, are aging, are part of what is being called the "middle aging of America." Cheryl Russel, editor-in-chief of American Demographic magazine, says, "Skiing is ho longer a youth-dominated sport... The number of Americans aged 40 to 60 will increase by 68 percent (33 million) between 1986 and 2010. Those 60 and older will increase by 37 percent (15 million)... Skiing will soon be ruled by the middle-aged." But is the ski industry heeding such demographic studies? Somewhat, but not whole heartedly. The winter 1988 issue of The Professional Pro-fessional Skier, the official publication publica-tion of the Professional Ski Instructors Instruc-tors of America (PSIA), asks if the industry is doing the right things to attract the older skier. It questions methods of marketing. "Or are we creating the impression that skiing "ends" at 35 with heavy emphasis in advertising (and magazine covers! ) on young, flashy skiers caught by cameras in breathtaking, if not downright frightening to some, skiing situations? situa-tions? One could argue that these images scare off would-be skiers and turn off other skiers for whom skiing at this level may no longer be possible... By in large, the image im-age that skiing is a youth-oriented sport prevails." So, is the industry failing to heed this burgeoning market? Is it stuck in a Peter Pan mentally, never to grow up? ... Not if Jack Wells has his way. Wells, a 67-year-old Park City resident resi-dent is starting a new program targeted specifically to potential skiers 50 and older, appropriately named "It's Never Too Late To Learn To Ski." The program, which will be offered through the Park City Ski Area, begins Jan. 7 and may mark a new beginning for the entire Park City area. This area, which has always gone after the family market may now, if it takes the reins, be able to become the favored destination of the aging skier. Wells' idea came as an offshoot of another elderly program he started this summer. Since retiring a few years ago from Coldwell Banker (he still does some part-time part-time work for that company), Wells said he has come across many people peo-ple who "are living on memories." He didn't like the wasted potential poten-tial for happiness and got the idea for a show on Channel 45 titled "It's Never Too Late." The theme of the show, which began in June and was intended for the 2,000 Sun City people living in Park City during dur-ing the summer, was to take up any activity, to "do something." It didn't matter what. He says he was inspired by "people who think if you're active, you're happy." A good quote that sums up his philosophy comes from Malcomb Forbes. "It's not how old you are, i ; i ) pt Craig "Roper" Pearson (left) to make Wells' idea a reality. it's how you are old." Wells says he has met active older people over the course of his two-and-a-half years in Park City, but they've had a skiing phobia. "You're not getting me on those things!" He knew otherwise, being an avid skier. Avid may, in fact, be an understatement Wells skied over 100 days each of the past two seasons. So, he got the idea to expand ex-pand the "It's Never Too Late" idea to ski instruction. Early this summer he approached approach-ed Phil Jones, president of the Park City Ski Area, with the idea of offering an instruction program specifically for older beginners. Jones was receptive.and the program, pro-gram, which comes to fruition Jan. 7, was born. He admits he wasn't the first to think of targeting older beginners. The January 1987 Skiing magazine had a cover story about "The Seasoned Skier." The aforementioned aforemen-tioned PSIA publication devoted space to it this winter. And several areas, such as Waterville Valley, New Hampshire and Grand Targhee, Wyoming already have special learn-to-ski programs in place for seniors. But the idea is new to Utah. The Randy Hanskat and Jack Wells are working Never Too Late" starts the students in Steeps at the base of the Park City Ski Area. There, over a continental breakfast, the group gets acquainted and talks about skiing and what will be going on, long before ever getting on the scary boards themselves. "We want them to gain trust in their instructor," Wells says. "Plus, they can build friendships and identity." Trusting the instructors should be easy, since they will be primarily seniors themselves. Four of the teachers are Lou Lorenz (over 35 years teaching), Clark Parkinson (over 25 years), Dave Thurgood (over 25 years), and 67 year old Dave Bybee. Even Wells will be on the slopes. He passed his instructor's instruc-tor's test this week, after completing com-pleting the necessary clinics. Back to the program. From 10 a.m. to noon is instruction, followed by lunch from 12:15 to 1:15. Back to the slopes from 1:30 to 3:30. Then at day's end, it's back to Steeps to discuss the day's events. That reinforces rein-forces and aids the learning pro-. , 'cess. ' Over the course of the four days, hopefully each participant will acquire ac-quire a newsportjortherestof A good quote that sums up his philosophy comes from Malcomb Forbes. "It's not how old you are, it's how you are old." target is fairly broad, not intended to be solely seniors. Wells says he is interested in reaching the skier 35 and over who believes he or she is too old to take up skiing. "I want to encourage someone in that position to not hold back," he says. He believes that if a person finds out they can indeed learn to ski it will most likely "open a whole sequence" of activity and fulfillment. But why not let elderly people simply join regular ski instruction classes with younger students? Because they can get intimidated. The Professional Skier says that older students should be placed with their skiing peers both in terms of old age and abilities. That's where "It's Never Too Late" is different. The program lasts four days, no one or two day shots. That way nothing is rushed, and what is learned will last. Rather than rush right out onto the skis, as normal lessons do, "It's their life. Wells says he will get the most satisfaction out of getting a 70-year-old couple who doesn't think they can ski to do it. Cost for the four days is $180. Those over 65 get price breaks, making the total $160. For those over 70 it is even less, $140. At first, Wells' goal is the Wasatch Front skier. He is running the program on four consecutive Saturdays or four consecutive Sundays. Sun-days. But destination skiers can complete the program in four consecutive con-secutive days if they wish. Group needs will also be accommodated. Craig "Roper" Pearson of the Park City Ski Area is helping coordinate coor-dinate the instruction with Wells. He says he has a goal for the program. pro-gram. "Park City is known to be a good area for kids. I believe this mountain is good for all, including older folks, and hopefully that impression im-pression will get out." For more information, or to sign up for "It's Never Too Late To Learn To Ski" call 649-8111. OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY AVAILABLE AT 1700 PARK AVENUE Convenient Location Parking Easy Access Rates from $100 a Month I a White and Merry Christmas ! I i (0 I f i o Please join us on Christmas Eve for our Annual 7 torchlight Parade, preceded by Christmas Festivities in Steeps at the Base: 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:30 X Santa will be at the summit for photographs Santa skis the mountain Christmas Proeram ' Candlelight Service '' v!V 1 Torchlight parade led by Jolly Oldv St. Nick himself! Santa Claus will also be at Park City Ski Area on . . Christmas Day, greeting skiers in the Plaza, skiing oh f) the mountain and passing out Christmas tree i Whether it's 100 or 1,000 square feet you need, Call Jon R. Brinton at Jupiter Property Management 649-5900 (Commissions to brokers and realtors) |