A 78-year-old grandfather from Winchester has described feeling "25 again" after making an exhilarating return to skiing following more than three decades away from the slopes.
Three-Decade Break Ends on Whistler Slopes
Julian Chisholm, a Hampshire resident and grandfather-of-two, first learned to ski as a teenager but hadn't touched skis for over thirty years before his recent comeback. The decision to return came after a 2022 trip to Vancouver with his wife Josephine, where seeing the mountains sparked memories of his student days in 1970 when he regularly skied both Grouse Mountain and Whistler.
"Back then, Whistler had just five lifts," Julian recalled of his student years. "I spent much of my time on the slopes while studying in Vancouver."
From Doubt to Exhilaration
In 2024, Julian finally returned to Whistler alongside family members who are strong skiers. His first run, which once took him just twenty minutes, stretched to nearly two hours as he rediscovered his technique.
"I had my doubts about getting down the run and if it was a sensible idea," he admitted. "But then I started to paint a picture in my head of racing down the slope – and suddenly I was doing it. I felt this wave of immediate satisfaction and exhilaration wash over me."
Research Reveals Widespread Hesitation
Julian's experience aligns with research from Crystal Ski Holidays, which shows that 78% of Brits contemplate revisiting old hobbies but many fear they're "too old" to return. The study found that a quarter of Brits would love to pick back up a hobby they miss, yet 21% stop in their early twenties and never return.
Furthermore, 27% of Brits plan to go back to a beloved activity one day, but 15% shy away specifically due to concerns about their age.
Motivating Others to Rediscover Passions
Julian is determined to motivate others to rediscover activities they're passionate about, regardless of age. "It's just ridiculous to think that you're crumbling away because you're getting older," he stated emphatically.
"If there's something I want to do, nothing will stop me. The essence of life is to keep doing what you love – if you get that slight itchy feeling, go for it. It's a cliché but age really is just a number."
Nationwide Competition for 'Rustiest Skier'
To encourage former skiers to return to the slopes, Crystal Ski Holidays is launching a nationwide competition to find "Britain's Rustiest Skier." The competition invites all former skiers to share their story for a chance to win a £3,000 Crystal Ski Holidays voucher.
Entrants are asked to explain:
- Why they stopped skiing
- What they miss about the sport
- Why they're ready to make a comeback
The competition opens on Monday 2 February 2026 and closes at 23:59 on Saturday 28 February 2026.
Rewarding Decision Despite Initial Apprehension
Since his Whistler return, Julian has continued his skiing journey with a trip to Mayrhofen, Austria. He describes returning to skiing as one of the most rewarding decisions of his life.
"You shouldn't be afraid to go back to the beginning and start again if it gives you joy," he advises. "Age is irrelevant providing you're fit, so if you've got that little itch, follow it."
Julian's story serves as powerful inspiration for anyone hesitating to revisit past passions, demonstrating that physical activities can be successfully resumed decades later with proper preparation and determination.
