Submitted by Rachael Woods, Alpine Meadows Ski Resort
April 14, 2008

I thought I’d share just how special some of our skiers are. They truly make skiing great. In this photo are Margaret Wertheim (she’ll be 86 in May), John Dirnhofer (age 85), and Jack Keeler (he’ll be 85 April 19). Margaret recalls exploring what is now Alpine Meadows on skis before the resort was open (in 1961); Jack and John are both World War II Veterans (on opposing sides); among them are 256 years of life and a staggering 207 years of skiing. They, and a few others of similar age and energy, gather every morning at 7:45 for coffee and pastries before hitting the slopes.

This photo was taken this morning, and I had to hurry to take it (they were on their way to the chair lift and they worried they wouldn’t be first in line if they stopped to pose for a picture!). They are always the first to arrive every morning.

They inspire me and others here at the mountain every day and remind us that true friends and passion for fun must indeed be the key to a happy, healthy life.