Top 10 Senior-Friendly Ski Resorts in North America

These mountains prove there’s no age limit on winter fun.

Next time you board a lift at your favorite mountain, there’s a good chance a senior skier or two will be riding along with you. Powder hounds in their 60s and 70s (and beyond) are an increasingly common sight on the slopes thanks to the millions of baby boomers hitting retirement age. Their love for the sport is significantly impacting national skiing demographics. In the 2020–21 season, riders age 65 and up accounted for more than 16 percent of all visits to American ski resorts, according to the National Ski Areas Association.

Contrary to the stereotype of sun-seeking snowbirds, many older adults head straight to their favorite ski resorts when winter arrives. However, some mountains are better than others at catering to the needs of senior skiers. Riders of retirement age may not have the funds to afford pricey lift tickets, nor the joints to tackle steep headwalls and large bumps. Nonetheless, some older visitors seek challenging terrain and a vibrant après-ski scene. Therefore, the best ski resorts for seniors offer varied terrain, from advanced runs to family-friendly bunny slopes, and shorter lift lines are an added benefit. If you’re searching for the perfect place, consider these 10 North American ski resorts that roll out the red carpet for senior skiers.

Waterville Valley Resort, New Hampshire

Ski-loving seniors can find a thriving social scene at Waterville Valley Resort. The long-running Silver Streaks program, designed for visitors age 50 and up, offers midweek skiing and other events for veteran riders and late-in-life newcomers to the sport. The program includes both Nordic and Alpine groups, meeting on almost every winter weekday. Additionally, at Waterville, lift tickets are free for riders age 80 and up, with 100 percent of the mountain’s terrain groomed daily, ensuring soft, fresh corduroy that’s gentle on aging knees. For those seeking a challenge, Oblivion, the resort’s longest trail, stretches an impressive 1.9 miles.

Powder Mountain, Utah

Blessed with over 500 inches a year of what’s often called “The Greatest Snow on Earth,” Powder Mountain is well named. With more than 8,400 skiable acres, this is the largest ski resort in North America by area. However, its modest crowds make it perfect for those who want to leisurely enjoy the slopes. Guests aged 75 and older ski for free at Powder, and those between 65 and 74 receive discounted lift tickets — typically around $50 lower than standard prices. With 40 percent of the park’s 154 runs rated as “blue,” visitors can enjoy some of the country’s best intermediate terrain. Ian Matteson, an official at Powder Mountain, noted, “We offer slopes and terrain perfect for all riders of any age. Seniors are welcome to come and enjoy the vastness of the Wasatch Mountains without feeling pressured to rush around.”

Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont

Although known as a fantastic resort for families, Smugglers’ Notch also caters to seniors. The Smuggs 55+ Club, affectionately dubbed a “senior center on the slopes,” offers skiing, boarding, and snowshoeing every Wednesday on primarily beginner and intermediate terrain. Moreover, if you’re traveling with multiple generations, the resort provides spacious condos (up to six bedrooms) equipped with full kitchens, dining rooms, hot tubs, and an on-demand shuttle for easy property navigation. Importantly, seniors age 65 and up receive about a 20 percent discount on daily lift tickets, with even steeper savings on season passes — riders age 70 and above gain unlimited access for just $299, compared to $699 for non-senior adults.

Kimberley Alpine Resort, British Columbia, Canada

Seniors can connect and engage at Kimberley, largely thanks to the mountain’s Volunteer Resort Host program. The hosts primarily offer daily tours to new resort visitors, but the program, filled by retirees, has also created a vibrant senior social group. While not guiding guests, these hosts ski together and enjoy weekly après-ski social events. Additionally, seniors will appreciate the reasonable prices at this resort. Recently, the vacation rental company HomeToGo ranked Kimberley as the second most affordable ski resort in North America, and they offer generous discounts for senior riders. Skiers ages 65 to 74 receive roughly 20 percent off the standard season pass rate, while those 75 and older can ski all season for as little as $99.

Shawnee Mountain, Pennsylvania

Situated in the Poconos, where snow accumulates swiftly and frequently, Shawnee Mountain provides wide, groomed slopes that are ideal for senior skiers. Notably, those aged 70 and above ski for free, allowing retired guests to enjoy pristine first tracks each morning if they choose. Rachel Wyckoff, Shawnee’s marketing director, shared, “We want our skiers to enjoy the sport for as long as possible and hopefully encourage future generations to ski as well. This is our way of thanking them for keeping the sport alive and providing an affordable way to continue.” Many seniors have been skiing in groups for years, often meeting by the fireplace in the early mornings to enjoy coffee together before hitting the slopes.

Purgatory Resort, Colorado

Located in the diverse and rugged San Juan Mountains, Purgatory Resort features both challenging tree skiing and gentler glades. With 45 percent of the resort’s 105 trails rated intermediate, it is especially suitable for senior riders who want to experience a variety of runs that are neither too challenging nor too easy. Purgatory’s Super Senior season pass allows free, unlimited skiing for ages 75 and up both here and at Purgatory’s eight sister resorts across the Western United States. Purgatory benefits from Colorado’s high elevation and abundant snowfall, but its remote location in the southwest means visitors can enjoy world-class skiing without the heavy traffic typical of the major Colorado resorts.

Gunstock Mountain Resort, New Hampshire

Gunstock Mountain Resort opened in 1937, earning it favor among seniors who skied here during the park’s early years. Daily lift tickets are complimentary for those aged 70 and up who are willing to queue at the ticket window. For regular visitors, a Golden Pass is available for $49, permitting seniors to go directly from their vehicles to the lift throughout the season. For those visiting with family, Gunstock offers ample activities to keep everyone entertained, from tubing to guided snowshoe tours.

Pomerelle Mountain Resort, Idaho

Pomerelle boasts some of the best beginner and intermediate terrain in Idaho. The main beginner trail, Milk Run, is wide with a gentle pitch, making it perfect for seniors seeking a stress-free ski day. For those seeking refresher lessons, numerous instructors understand the senior skiing experience. Many instructors have been with the resort for over thirty years, including Barry Whiting, the former director of ski instruction and a Pomerelle skier since the 1960s. The cost of admission is appealing: tickets for riders aged 70 and up start at just $27 for a single day and $199 for the season.

Swain Resort, New York

As one of the oldest ski resorts in New York State, Swain offers free lift tickets to seniors aged 75 and older, alongside $10 season passes for those preferring to sidestep the ticket line. Riders aged 65 to 74 can also take advantage of discounts, with day passes starting at $29. Swain guarantees that popular trails are promptly groomed to ensure easy navigation of the terrain. Many seniors enjoy the casual atmosphere of the Shawmut Grille for après-ski, particularly on weekday afternoons. Marketing director Suzy Male emphasized, “Our senior skiers are the heart and soul of this community. Many are integral to multiple generations of skiers and riders, supporting the growth of the sport.”

Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, New Mexico

Skiing in New Mexico offers a unique experience where delectable cuisine and rich history rival the skiing itself. Pajarito Mountain provides free skiing for riders aged 75 and up, with 70 percent of its 44 trails classified as beginner or intermediate. Additionally, Pajarito sits near Los Alamos, where the first nuclear bomb tests occurred, making it a historic site for skiing. This resort was established by nuclear scientists seeking relaxation on the slopes after long lab hours, and history buffs will appreciate skiing in the tracks of Enrico Fermi and Robert Oppenheimer, who both enjoyed this area when it was known as the Los Alamos Ski Club.