Memoirs of A Geriatric Ski Bum

About the Book

This lighthearted memoir, refl ecting the author’s 39 years of skiing, is meant to entertain, educate, and above all, elicit the spirit of staying young. His learning experiences are related with humor, insight, and deeply felt observations. Not primarily a book of instruction, the techniques he has learned and passed on to others are clearly described to help the senior skier. Notables in the world of skiing vividly described include Jean-Claude Killy, Alberto Tomba, Ingemar Stenmark and Pepi Gramshammer. Adventure, history, joy and tragedy are intertwined in narratives concerning such diverse individuals as Albert Einstein, Sonny Bono and Michael Kennedy. Descriptions of many of the slopes and runs in the 152 areas Hirsch has skied include tales of the sites and sounds of the Winter Olympics at world famous resorts. Triumphant adventures are woven into stories of celestial sightings, off-piste skullduggery, and confessions of some horrendous, even life-threatening mistakes, frequently providing additional romantic, fascinating and exhilarating experiences.

About the Author

Stanley Hirsch, a mere 84 years old, has been published in a variety of venues, in ski magazines and in the Encyclopedia of Bronzes, reflecting his family’s well established business enterprise. Lyrics he has written to music he has composed include charming children’s songs, designed to educate as well as entertain. His writing skills were nurtured during his years as a prominent discussion leader with the Great Books Foundation. Hirsch has served as a ski consultant to travel agencies, ski clubs and various publications. Once he discovered the joys of skiing at the age of 45, the die was cast. Eight years later, Hirsch sold his family’s business to the fourth generation in order to devote more time to his favorite sport. A resident of Long Island NY, where the only skiing is on water, he will drop everything at the suggestion of a snowflake.