While skiing and riding truly are perfect lifetime sports, ones that (knock wood and with a little luck) you can do into your 80s or longer, there are some key ways to keep yourself on snow long-term.

Continue to invest in your gear: Good gear doesn’t just look cool, it helps you ski better and even protects you somewhat from injury. While it’s always fun to see that advanced aged skier on classic gear, save that for the “history of skiing” day and instead, stay up to date on gear.

Good, professionally fit boots are more important than ever not just for comfort but for control. Invest in them and replace them regularly (your boot fitter can help you figure out how often based on your total annual ski days). Well-maintained and modern skis do the same. Why not make turning easier? And attire? It’s gotten warmer, dryer and better looking. Treat yourself.

Put in the side work: I can feel myself losing some flexibility as I shift to this part of my life. The answer? Stay active and consider working with a trainer. Focus on your ski goals year-round and put the work in. You need not be a gym rat; an hour a few times a week accompanied by regular walking (and some hiking) will do you well and keep you solid on the snow.

Consider a brush-up lesson: It’s easy to develop, as I like to call them for myself, “lazy habits.” When you’ve skied most of your life, you can find work-arounds to get down the hill, and they might not always be what’s best for your long-term goals. A lesson every year or two is the solution, and will absolutely extend your ski career. Just do it.

Join a group or club: They may not even been officially listed on a resort website, but most areas (particularly smaller ones) have a group of semi-same aged folks as you who meet up regularly. At Wachusett Mountain they are the “10 By 10” group; they meet up, ski 10 runs by 10 a.m., share coffee time and then either ski more or head home. Attitash offers the Thank Goodness I’m 50+ Program: the midweek all season program is about “no stress improvement on technique while building companionship” – aka your ski gang. All levels are welcome and you can choose season long or a drop in day.

Call your favorite spot and ask them how to find their local crew. Gang skiing is fun at every age, and socializing on the snow keeps us young.

Bring a friend: It’s never too late to learn to ski or ride. Convince a friend and then, if you have the budget, treat them to a lesson with rentals (and January is Learn to Ski and Ride Month nationally so you can find deals). It’s fun to introduce a friend to this amazing world. I find it keeps my view of the sport fresh. Plus, that’s another friend to grab on a powder day and of course, age through skiing together.