Ski Mountaineering: My Secret to Feeling 40 at 60

Aging is inevitable, but feeling old is a choice. At 60, I refuse to slow down. In fact, I feel more alive, energetic, and mentally sharp than I did in my 40s. My secret? Ski mountaineering (skimo), also known as randonnée or mountain skiing.Some people think extreme sports are just for the young. I say they’re for those who refuse to grow old. Skimo isn’t just about skiing down mountains—it’s about climbing them first, using your own strength, endurance, and determination. And that challenge is exactly what keeps me feeling young.

1. A Strong Heart = A Long Life

Nothing keeps the heart young like climbing a mountain on skis. Every step I take uphill gets my blood pumping, strengthens my cardiovascular system, and keeps my metabolism fired up. Unlike running or high-impact workouts, skimo is gentle on my joints, so I can keep doing it for decades without wrecking my knees.

I don’t need a treadmill in a gym—I’ve got the entire mountain as my training ground. And trust me, breathing in that crisp alpine air beats any artificial climate-controlled workout.

2. Keeping My Muscles (and Joints) Young

One of the biggest myths about aging is that we naturally lose muscle mass. The truth? We lose it if we stop using it. Skimo forces me to engage my entire body—my legs power me up the mountain, my core stabilizes me, and my arms help balance and propel me forward.

And let’s not forget joint health. While many people my age complain about stiffness, I feel agile because skimo keeps my joints moving and lubricated. My body isn’t deteriorating—it’s adapting and thriving.

3. Burn Fat, Stay Lean, Feel Light

Let’s be real: metabolism slows down with age. But that doesn’t mean weight gain is inevitable. Skimo burns fat like crazy because it engages slow-twitch muscle fibers and promotes metabolic flexibility. In simple terms: my body learns to burn both fat and glucose efficiently, keeping me lean and full of energy.

And since this sport demands endurance, I don’t just burn calories during the workout—I keep burning them long after I’m off the mountain.

4. Stress? Not in My World.

Aging accelerates when stress takes over. But when I’m climbing a snowy peak, surrounded by silence and untouched nature, my mind resets. There’s no room for stress, overthinking, or the daily grind—just me, my breath, and the rhythm of my movement.

Ski mountaineering naturally reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosts endorphins (the feel-good hormones). It’s like therapy, but better—because instead of sitting in an office, I’m standing on top of the world.

5. My Brain Is Sharper Than Ever

I’ve watched people my age start to slow down—not just physically, but mentally. Their reflexes get dull, their memory fades, and they stop taking risks. That’s not happening to me. Skimo forces me to think fast, make quick decisions, and stay fully present.

Whether I’m choosing my route, reading the snow conditions, or navigating my descent, my brain is constantly engaged. This sport isn’t just keeping my body young—it’s keeping my mind sharp, preventing cognitive decline, and making me feel more alive than ever.

6. Cold Exposure: The Ultimate Youth Hack

Ever heard of cold therapy? Biohackers pay a fortune for cryotherapy chambers and ice baths. Me? I just head to the mountains. Training in cold weather activates brown fat, improves circulation, and strengthens my immune system. It’s like flipping a switch in my body that tells it to stay young and resilient.

7. Nature: The Ultimate Anti-Aging Elixir

Let’s be honest—most people spend too much time indoors. Staring at screens, sitting under artificial lights, and breathing stale air is no way to stay youthful. I age backwards because I immerse myself in nature. The mountains, the fresh air, the vastness of the landscape—it all reduces stress, balances my energy, and reminds me that life is meant to be lived, not just survived.

The Bottom Line? I’m Not Slowing Down.

People ask me why I still do this at my age. My answer? Because I can. I don’t just want to exist—I want to thrive. I want to push my limits, feel strong, and wake up every morning knowing that I’m still capable of incredible things.

Ski mountaineering is my anti-aging secret. It keeps my heart young, my muscles strong, my mind sharp, and my spirit free. At 60, I feel 40. And if I have anything to say about it, I’ll still be climbing mountains at 80.

So if you think aging means slowing down, think again. The mountains are waiting. Are you coming with me?