Can older skier improve their fitness as they go downhill?

As we age, there is a decrease in muscle mass and function where muscular strength and power decrease, an increase in blood pressure, and an increase in balance-related issues. As the loss of functional capacity occurs, social isolation and decreased feelings of happiness may also be experienced. Numerous published studies have noted that physical activity can slow many of these changes. However, it has been reported that physical activity levels can decrease by upwards of 70% in the elderly during the winter months. Alpine skiing could be a viable option to improve activity levels during the winter. Current physical activity guidelines to gain healthful benefits include aerobic-based activities of at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes/week of vigorous activity with an exercise intensity range of 50-80% maximal heart rate. Seifert et al. (2016) reported that heart rate during skiing met the recommended guidelines during a single run while Stöggl et al. (2016) noted that energy expenditure during 2.5 hours of alpine skiing is comparable to an hour of Nordic skiing. In a group of articles published by the Salzburg Skiing for the Elderly Study, indicators of functional capacity and muscle quality increased significantly in skiers when they skied for 28 days over a 12-week period. Additionally, in an unpublished study, Seifert found that balance, blood pressure, and happiness significantly improved in elderly skiers over a full ski season. In conclusion, while skiing cannot stop the aging process, there are both short- and long-term health benefits to skiing. It appears that skiing a minimum of twice/week throughout the ski season results in positive physical and mental adaptations.