Grandfather of Two Proves Age Is Just a Number With Skiing Comeback
A British man has revealed how returning to the ski slopes after more than three decades away has left him feeling decades younger. Julian Chisholm, aged 78, from Winchester, Hampshire, recently raced down the mountains once again at what he describes as an exhilarating speed, claiming the experience made him feel 25 again.
A Determined Spirit Defies the Years
Julian Chisholm has always been a man of determination. His family and friends were not entirely surprised when, at 78, he announced his intention to strap on skis again after a 30-year hiatus. It's just ridiculous to think that you're crumbling away because you're getting older, Julian 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.
He added a powerful piece of advice for others: If you get that slight itchy feeling, go for it. It's a cliché but age really is just a number.
From Teenage Slopes to a Three-Decade Pause
Julian first hit the snowy slopes as a teenager. His passion for skiing deepened in 1970 while he was studying in Vancouver, Canada, where he regularly skied at both Grouse Mountain and the famed Whistler resort. In the winter term, skiing was very much what we did, he recalls fondly.
However, life and other pursuits led to a long break. It wasn't until a 2022 trip to Vancouver with his wife, Josephine, that the familiar itch to ski returned powerfully. Seeing the North Vancouver mountains sparked vivid memories, though doubts crept in. I had my doubts about getting down the run and if it was a sensible idea, Julian admits. I thought that I'd had my stint at the sport.
The Triumphant Return to Whistler
That visit planted a seed. Julian resolved that if he were to ski again, it would be at Whistler and only with his family. In 2024, he made his comeback, accompanied by strong skiers from his family and a remarkable 90-year-old instructor.
The first run was a challenge. A descent that once took 20 minutes stretched to nearly two hours. I kept falling over, Julian says. But then, suddenly, I got my ski legs back. As I went down the run, I remembered how good it felt. I felt this wave of immediate satisfaction and exhilaration wash over me.
Inspiring Others and a National Competition
Julian's story emerges alongside new data from Crystal Ski Holidays, revealing that 78 per cent of Brits contemplate returning to former hobbies, yet many fear they are too old. To combat this, the tour operator is launching a nationwide search for Britain's Rustiest Skier.
The competition invites all former skiers, whether their break has been two years or twenty, to share their story for a chance to win a £3,000 holiday voucher. Entrants must explain why they stopped, what they miss, and why they are ready for a comeback. The competition opens on Monday, February 2, 2026, and closes at 23:59 on February 28, 2026.
A Renewed Passion and Future Plans
Since his triumphant return, Julian has skied again in Mayrhofen, Austria, with Crystal Ski Holidays and plans another skiing holiday soon. He reflects that returning to the slopes has been one of the most rewarding decisions of his life, allowing him to rediscover a lost passion and create new family memories.
You shouldn't be afraid to go back to the beginning and start again if it gives you joy, Julian advises. Age is irrelevant providing you're fit, so if you've got that little itch, follow it. He hopes his journey will inspire people of all ages to reclaim the sports and activities they love.
