If you’re still skiing at 100 years old, you’re doing something right. Look at George Jedenoff, a celebrity on the slopes thanks to his longevity and never-ending desire for fresh powder.
For the past six years, Ski Utah has released a film on Jedenoff. At first, their mission was to encourage older people to stay active and keep skiing. But, as time passed, Jedenoff turned into a heroic fixture at Snowbird, where he’s been a season pass holder since he learned how to ski at 43.
In fact, fellow skiers who recognize him on the mountain approach and ask for pictures with him. He’s even had some heartfelt conversations with complete strangers.
“I’ve had women come up and weep, saying that ‘you’ve helped me in my philosophy in life, and overcome many of my problems.’ It makes you feel good that even at age 100, you’re still contributing, and still doing something that is positive for other people,” he said in the most recent Ski Utah film.
Here’s this year’s look at the master on the mountain:
Jedenoff was born in Petrozavodsk, Russia, but his family immigrated to the U.S. when he was 4 years old. He grew up in California and graduated from Stanford University, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering in 1940. Then he got an MBA in 1942. He also met his wife, Barbara, during his sophomore year. He worked for US Steel and then became the president of Kaiser Steel before retiring in 1980.
To celebrate his 100th birthday in July, he flew from his home in Orinda, Calif. to Utah, where Snowbird was happy to turn on the tram so he could take a lap with his friends.
As for his outlook on life?
“Age is just a number,” he told The Telegraph. “Forget about the number and live every day which you got and you’re gonna last longer.”
Who can argue with a powder hound like that?
