With the successful hosting of the 2026 Winter Olympics (Milano Cortina 2026), the fervor for ice and snow sports continues to intensify. Skiing nowadays is no longer just a pastime for the young; a growing number of middle-aged and elderly individuals are joining the ranks. Sitting on the snow, fastening his boots and snowboard, Wang Hongchuan gently rolled onto his side, sprang to his feet, and waved with flair. At 77 years old, he carved a graceful "falling leaf" turn down the slope, his snowboard tracing a beautiful arc on the snow.
At Jinxiangshan Ski Field in Jinan, Shandong, Wang is a well-recognized "celebrity." As the oldest skier on the mountain, everyone affectionately calls him "skiing grandpa." The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics ignited a passion for ice and snow in him, forging an unbreakable bond with skiing.
"I remember my first time on the slopes—I didn't even know how to put on the skis," Wang recalled with a smile. At 73, his family worried about him, but the physical foundation built through years of regular exercise gave him the courage to try. He hired an instructor, started with alpine skis, and gradually found his rhythm on the snow.
A year later, watching others skillfully perform "falling leaf" turns and large "S" turns on snowboards, Wang felt a familiar itch. "My heart just yearned for it," he thus embarked on a new challenge. Now, he maneuvers his snowboard with effortless control. Asked about his secret, he explains, "For seniors, it's not about speed but about mastering the technique and, above all, staying safe."
Wang's daily routine is unwavering throughout the ski season, from Monday to Friday: wake at 6:30 a.m., leave home at 7:30, and arrive at the resort promptly by 8:30. He limits his time on the slopes to two or three hours, while his 76-year-old wife sits in the lounge, her eyes following him the entire time.
On the mountain, Wang has friends across the generations—a group of enthusiastic four and five-year-olds. Mentioning these young skiers, Wang beams with praise. "In recent years, there are more and more kids on the slopes. Their moves are so professional, some of them even ski better than I!" Sometimes he'll even joke with them, "Let's participate in the world winter games together! You'll be first and win the gold medal, and I'll try my best to get the silver!" His words are filled with admiration and hope for the new generation of ice and snow athletes.
After four years of skiing, Wang's greatest rewards have been "confidence" and "health." "Doctors often say seniors tend to lose muscle mass, but through this sport, I've actually built it up!" he says with evident pride. "My goal is to keep skiing until I'm 88! As long as I'm in good health, I'll come every year."
(Reporters: Ding Chunli, Hu Wolong, Zhao Hang; Camerapeople: Hu Wolong, Zhao Hang; Video Editor: Sammi, Hu Wolong; English Editor: Darius)
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