Attention East Coast Super Seniors on Sticks: Ski Butternut hosts the annual 70+ Ski Club ski race this Wednesday, February 7th. The race is open to any member of the 70+ Ski Club, but the club welcomes any qualified senior. Cost to join the 70+ Club is just $10, and an officer is usually prepared to sign people up the morning of the race if needed. But be sure to bring proof of age. A driver’s license is best. Racers can speed up the process by printing off their online application, and filling it in prior to the race. To download an application, visit www.70PlusSkiClub.com.
According to Richard T. Lambert, the 70+ club president and organizer, the race is divided into the following age groups: 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, and 90+. Last year Mr. Lambert gave out gold, silver and bronze medals to winners in each age category based on the fastest times. "This is a competitive group," Lambert said. "Notwithstanding our advanced ages, we still know how to go fast and have fun." In recent years, the fastest super senior has been Gerhart Menzel, an active member of the Butternut Ski Patrol.
However, "all entrants 90 years of age or older are recognized every year regardless of their racing prowess," Lambert said. "We don't have too many that still race as they get on into their nineties, so those that do deserve special recognition."
The modified giant slalom race starts at 11:00 a.m. Registration for the event will take place in the Lower Lodge the morning of the race starting at 9:30 a.m. Lift tickets are just $10 for anyone age 70+. Ski Butternut's Ski School desk staff will be happy to assist anyone with directions or information if needed. Ski Butternut is located near Great Barrington, MA, in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. You can buy a 70+ season pass, valid every day of the season, for only $99.
