The Silver Streaks Make Senior Skiing Unique: What A Great Idea.
Credit: Waterville Valley Resort
When it comes to picking a spot to ski, seniors are after two things: Other seniors to ski with and a price that’s less than a bundle. That is why my husband and I have come to enjoy skiing at Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire.
Skiing began here in the 1930s with the building of Civilian Conservation Corps trails on Mount Tecumseh and Snow’s Mountain. Fast forward to 1966 when Olympic skier Tom Corcoran, fresh from Aspen, opened this self contained family resort in a scenic cul-de-sac along the Mad River circled by the White Mountain’s 4,000-foot peaks.
Waterville Valley has great intermediate and challenging terrain, designed by a world champion skier, Corcoran. You’ll find humdingers like True Grit and Lower Bobby’s Run mixed with fun intermediate cruisers with stunning views of the Tripyramids and Osceola. I like Upper Bobby’s to Old T (Tecumseh), or Periphery to Lower Tippy; and the popular Oblivion. High Country puts you up top with more intermediate runs and a peek at Mt. Washington to the northeast. Stop for lunch at the cozy Schwendi Hutte. All trails lead to the base area; you can always find the person you got separated from.
Lot to Lift Access
- The parking areas can be a schlep, so best to drop off gear, then park. A shuttle picks you up from farther lots. But, members of Silver Streaks, the Waterville Valley Resort community of senior skiers, get to park close in Lot 1.
- Visitors staying in the valley can park the car and relax. The valley is very walkable, and a free shuttle connects you to the mountain. The village is really a small town complete with lodging, dining, shops, condos, schools and services of all kinds.
- Freedom pass (includes White Mountain Athletic Club) comes with your hotel stay at any of five lodges. For seniors, it means more folks to meet and chat with.
Snow and Terrain
- Waterville Valley Resort has 220 skiable acres with snowmaking ability on every trail. The ski area peaks at 4,004 feet, with a vertical drop of 2,020 feet, 50 trails, and 11 lifts.
- Novice: 14%, Intermediate: 64%, Advanced: 22%
Senior Program Is Fantastic
Silver Streaks is the longest running senior skiing program in the country. Because of its super senior-friendliness, Waterville Valley Resort has been awarded SeniorsSkiing.com’s Super Friendly Award for two years in a row. Silver Streaks is open to skiers 50 years and over. It meets Monday-Thursday mornings in the base lodge on non-holiday days for for coffee and pastries and a warm-up run with resort staff. Other benefits of belonging to Silver Streaks include:
- Reserved parking area in Lot 1
- Complimentary Snowsports clinics for seniors only
- Aprés ski party every Wednesday
- Banquets and other special events
- Reduced price NASTAR every Wednesday
Nordic Streaks meets Wednesdays, non-holiday, 10 a.m. at the Adventure Center in Town Square for two hours of Nordic skiing with professional guides. Waterville has a 70+ km trail system groomed for both skate and classic. Streakers then enjoy lunch at the Center, with complimentary coffee and pastries. Membership rates for Silver Streaks (2016-17): Alpine , $80; Nordic Streaks, $50 (Lift passes not included)
Bottom Line
Senior Rates: Daily Lift Ticket: (65 plus) $57; (80 plus) free. Season Pass: (65-79) $499; Super Senior (80 plus): $25. You can get a season “Value Pass” for $399 (65-79), if you don’t mind a few blackout dates during school vacations. If you buy online, you can get a mid-week lift ticket for as little as $26 midweek. And, if you buy your season pass now, you get free skiing for the rest of the season. Click here for more.
Credit: Waterville Valley Resort
I am looking for a ski school that was designed as a school; not an apendage to a ski resort.
I know I saw on in the press last year. I thought it was in West Virginia, but I can’t find it. The school had slopes designed to teach students.
Have you seen such a school? If not, can you suggest a “good” school for beginners on the east coast?
Thanks,
Carol Zanoni
FYI – We live in Raleigh, NC. We are originally from NJ.
We’re getting an answer for you, Carol.