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The skiing in the Dolomites is massive including the magnificent “Sella Ronda circuit” – a 26-mile-long panoramic route around the Sella massif. The networks of lifts and slopes combines charm, warmth, great food, superb scenery, fine wines, and more. It’s an intermediate skiers paradise. 

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Val d’Isère, a legendary resort in the French Alps, offers an exceptional playground for all levels of skiers. Discover a world-class ski area linked with Tignes, featuring over 300 km of slopes, state-of-the-art facilities, and guaranteed snow throughout the winter thanks to its high altitude and advanced snowmaking systems. Whether you’re a beginner, an off-piste enthusiast, enjoy a unique experience in the heart of a preserved natural environment.

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Les 3 Vallées in France is the largest skiable area in the world with several resorts interconnected with 158 ski lifts and almost 400 miles of ski runs. The extent and variety of terrain is simply staggering.

The post 70+ Ski France Jan 24-31, 2026 appeared first on 70 Plus Ski Club.

THIS IS PART OF AN ONGOING SERIES ABOUT SKI PASSES.  While not intentional, this list may contain incorrect or out of date information. Ski areas may change prices or benefits at any time, so please defer to the ski areas posted pricing.  

Update July 2021 :  In March, Vail announced “Epic for Everyone” lowering the price of passes by 20% across the board.  This was welcome news after a tough year.  These discounted passes are an undeniable value for anyone skiing more than a few days this winter.  80+ Northeast skiers should definitely consider the  80+ Northeast Value pass for $39 -call Vail at 970-754-0004 to purchase (limited time offer).  There are other great options are available for skiers 65+.  IKON did not match this price reduction, but announced a new first tracks benefit available one designated morning per month in January, February and March of 2022 at each participating destination during the 21-22 winter season.  Powder Mountain joined INDY PASS now offering benefits at 66 resorts.

Based on the crowds they generate, skiers and boarders seem to be getting their money’s worth from their IKON, EPIC, INDY and other multi-resort passes.  IKON especially has been making headlines for driving tons of traffic to areas often to the dismay of some local snow enthusiasts.  Ski areas have been pressed to deal with the record crowds.  In one case, Crystal Mountain (WA), announced they will stop selling walk-up full day tickets on weekends and holidays to alleviate parking problems.  With all the hype, I bought an IKON pass last season.  I used it 12 days (at 6 resorts) which worked out to about $65/day. That is probably about half what I would have paid for walk up tickets at the window and even a little less than the group discounted lift tickets on our club trips.  I just renewed my pass with the goal of using it at least 25 days next season which would bring my average cost to about $30/day.  One 80 plusser boasted that he used his $29 80+ pass at Purgatory 35 days which worked out to about 80 cents a day – so I have room to improve.  I was not worried about COVID when renewing my pass.  I received some credit toward the purchase because of the abrupt end to last season and there is some protection if COVID is still a problem.  I think this is the case with other pass offers.  Don’t worry if you don’t purchase a pass, I’ve arranged discounted group pricing for all our trips.

Epic Northeast Value Pass

I think conventional wisdom would say consolidation in any industry is not good for the consumer.  My biggest concern since the introduction of the “big conglomerate passes” was that seniors would lose affordable options at their local mountain.  Vail has introduced a new Northeast Value Pass that alleviates some of that concern.  The new pass for the 2020-21 season with benefits at 16 resorts ($599 for adults and $449 for seniors 65-79) has an 80+ option for $49.  Limited time offer.

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97 year old Fred at the head of the 70+ Ski Club race line.

Everyone probably agrees on the importance of staying physically and mentally active, but I think our members also benefit from spending time outdoors enjoying nature. As people spend an increasing amount of time indoors looking at computer screens, there is more and more research promoting both the physiological and psychological benefits of being outdoors. I once asked 97 year old member Fred D what he attributes to his good health and vitality. He told me the strenuous hiking that comes with his nature photography keeps him in good shape. There is a great deal of research that suggests all the nice scenery along the way helps too. An article aptly titled “Take Two Hours of Pine Forest and Call Me in the Morning” (December 2012 Outside Magazine) cites a study from Japan that found “leisurely forest walks, compared with urban walks, yield a 12.4 percent decrease in the stress hormone cortisol, a 7 percent decrease in sympathetic nerve activity, a 1.4 percent decrease in blood pressure, and a 5.8 percent decrease in heart rate.” Another study showed those walks in the woods could also significantly increase virus fighting white blood cell counts. You may be familiar with one of the classic studies that showed hospital patients recovered from surgery faster when they had a window view of trees versus a wall. Even patients with a picture of trees and water fared better than those with just the wall. There are endless studies that show the benefits of spending time outdoors in nature, but I’m not sure anyone in this club needs any convincing. However, knowing that great feeling you have enjoying the scenery from the top of the mountain might be having some medicinal effect is just another reason to take some more runs this winter!

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Rolf had nothing to smile about after cracking his pelvis, but he did anyway!  Rolf, 82, was with friends for a Veteran Ski Instructors Reunion when he was hit by an out of control skier and suffered a cracked pelvis. As I followed his progress on Facebook over the winter, I could not help but notice how optimistic he was. He said it was bad luck but could be worse. He was grateful to the ski patrol and his friends that came to his aid, the medical staff that treated him, the hotel that was flexible with the change of plans, the airport sky caps who pushed him in a wheelchair (at both airports), the airline staff who got him safely onto the plane and improved his seat assignments. He was thankful for the good friends who insisted on meeting him with a wheelchair and thought of everything possible to make the return home as easy and comfortable as possible. He was happy when he graduated to a walker and by Easter he was in good shape and back on the snow. Rolf’s daughter said it best, “Nothing stops this guy and his optimistic attitude and zest for life… Love and admire him!”

I’ve seen injuries like Rolf’s spell the end of skiing for people. There is no shortage of people (usually non skiers) telling you it might be time to hang ‘em up. I wondered how much Rolf’s attitude played in his good outcome. I found a study funded by the British Heart Foundation carried out at the University College London that supported the old adage that looking at the glass half full can be good for your health. “Scientists surveyed the mental attitudes of 369 patients, who were admitted to hospital with unstable angina and heart attacks and monitored their health over the next 46 months. The research found after suffering a heart attack or angina, the most pessimistic patients were twice as likely to suffer a more serious health condition in the next four years, compared with the most optimistic patients. These conditions include a more severe heart attack, heart surgery or death. Lead author of the research, Professor Steptoe, said: ‘Our research shows that optimistic people are more likely to take advice about lifestyle changes on board, like quitting smoking and eating more healthily – this results in better outcomes after a patient suffers from unstable angina or a heart attack. Half of the most pessimistic patients who smoked were still smoking one year after going into hospital. In contrast, 85% of the optimistic smokers had quit their habit entirely, a year on. The study also showed that optimistic patients are more likely to increase their consumption of fruit and vegetables, a year after their heart attack or angina. 40% with a positive outlook were eating the recommended five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Meanwhile only 20% of the most pessimistic patients were eating the required amounts, 12 months after their hospital admission.” Other research showed optimists tend to have good social networks and strong social relationships which help cope them with stress. Maybe you can find another group of scientists who will say being a pessimist is better for your health, but I have no doubt that Rolf’s optimism and persistence had to be better than focusing on everything that went wrong.

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Below is the best information I’ve ever read on why and how to stay hydrated when you ski. This information is courtesy of Bridger Bowl Ski Area (Bozeman, MT)

Most skiers are inadequately hydrating while “just” riding the lifts. Did you know that …

• On cold days you lose most of your fluids through respiration?
• Altitude is a thirst suppressant as well as an appetite suppressant?
• Elevations above 6,000 feet you exhale and perspire twice as much moisture as you do at sea level?
• You can lose between a half to one quart of fluid per hour of skiing on lift-served terrain?
• After just 2.5 hours of skiing/riding without taking in fluids, you will likely be irrecoverably dehydrated for the remainder of the day? No, not even with 32 ounces of fluids consumed at lunch.
• After 2 hours of not replenishing lost fluids while skiing, your energy output will begin to significantly decrease, even if you started your day adequately hydrated?
• Beverages containing alcohol and caffeine actually rob the body of water?
• Cold weather causes diuresis – increased need to urinate?
• Sport drinks help you absorb and retain more water than drinking plain water alone … and you will need to urinate less?

If you’re dehydrated …

• You can not drink a lot of water and become re-hydrated in a short amount of time!
• Your metabolism will slow down up to 3%
• You will get colder easier and you’ll be more susceptible to frost bite
• Water can act like a diuretic if you wait to re-hyrdrate during lunch on a ski day
• You will experience increased fatigue … and you are more susceptible to injury
• You will have significantly more muscle stress compared to your skiing partner who has been hydrating with a sport drink

Recommendations for proper hydration:

• Avoid hydrating with just diuretics in the morning. Drink at least 20 oz. of fluids before coffee and limit your coffee or tea on ski day mornings.
• Sport drinks provide the best source of hydration while on the slopes. A sport drink will replace electrolytes, sodium (salt) and some have carbohydrates and proteins for more energy. Sport drinks help you absorb more water and you will need to urinate less than when drinking water.
• Try to consume at least 24 ounces of water or sport drink (a few sips at a time) for every 3 hours of skiing/riding.
• Refrain from consuming caffeine and alcohol during your ski day … wait for the end of the day and after you have properly hydrated with non-diuretics.
• Don’t ski without a water bottle
• Re-hydrate a few ounces during each lift ride
• Intake 24 fl. ounces every 3 hours of skiing
• Never wait until you feel thirsty
• Know and avoid diuretics

Visit MedExpress for 7 ways to stay hydrated (that don’t involve drinking water).

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Our trip to Big Sky Montana gets better every year! With over 300 named runs on 4 connected mountains, Big Sky is indeed a big place with great variety of terrain. Our prime ski-in/ski-out location at the base features comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a complimentary breakfast buffet, access to amenities like heated pools, and convenient proximity to Big Sky Village’s shops and restaurants all in a scenic mountain setting.

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