Hilary Bradt, 83, returned to the slopes in Austria after decades away from skiing, joined by her siblings and friends. Despite initial concerns from family and friends, she decided to rediscover the thrill of snow, frosty air, and the satisfaction of making it safely to the bottom of the slope. Her brother Andrew, 86, and sister Kate joined, along with a younger friend, Penny, 67. None had skied for more than 40 years.
They chose Seefeld in Tirol near Innsbruck, known for family-friendly winter activities and a calm, traditional Austrian atmosphere. They stayed at the family-run Hotel Helga and explored a new restaurant each evening. Their guide, Janina, noted the group’s perfect weather, calling it “Kaiserwetter,” with cloudless skies and plenty of snow.
The group approached the ski lessons with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Their instructor, Ulrich, who had been warned about their ages, guided them patiently. Modern skis, shorter and lighter than those used in the 1960s, helped them gain confidence quickly. A moving walkway made it easier to reach the top of the beginner slope, where the group was surrounded by young, fearless skiers. Two hours into their lesson, they had mastered snowplough turns and even a basic parallel turn without falling.
The week offered more than skiing. The group explored scenic hikes around lakes and traditional villages, and tried sledding at Hämmermoosalm. Though the climb uphill was tiring, the descent was exhilarating. Hilary found herself grinning as she slid down the slopes, and her sister Kate shared the thrill, laughing through the icy patches. Cross-country skiing was another highlight, providing gentle exercise without the fear of falling.
The group also sampled local wellness experiences, including the region’s mixed-sex sauna. Hilary described it as unusual and slightly alarming but interesting, with hot steam and classical-style statues around the room. By the final day, the group embraced slower adventures, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snowy landscape while enjoying local cuisine and glühwein.
Hilary reflected on the experience as a perfect mix of challenge and enjoyment, proving that age does not limit adventure. Her “Old Crones” group motto, “We do because we can,” reflected the spirit of their trip. The four-day journey reminded them that trying new experiences, even later in life, can be exhilarating and rewarding.
The trip was organized by Visit Tirol and Seefeld. Hotel Helga offers double rooms starting at €952 per week in January 2026, with ski hire available from €232 for six days at Sailer.
