At lunch the other day we were discussing funny skits where professional athletes get transformed with makeup and/or dress up as old people to then shock and prank an unexpecting group of innocent bystanders. There was Kyrie Irving as Uncle Drew, Eli Manning as Chad Powers, and of course the original Johnny Knoxville as Bad Grandpa. Ryan Rodgers from our team turned me on to one I hadn’t seen though. It was professional freestyle skier, Alex Ferreira, as “Hot Dog Hans”.  

I’ve written about my love of skiing in past MIBE messages, and that love has grown now that I can enjoy the sport with my children who are quickly becoming little rippers. Two weeks ago, though I had the fortune of catching a powder day at Beaver Creek. Fifteen inches of new snow had fallen overnight and for that morning, I left the family behind to get as many fresh tracks as possible. As I floated down the white untouched runs with a smile ear to ear, I found myself thinking of “Hot Dog Hans”, and wondering what it would take to actually still be skiing as an old man.

Klaus Obermeyer is the inventor of the down jacket and founder of Sport Obermeyer, a leading company in ski and outdoor apparel. In December of 2022, Klaus turned 103 years old and celebrated by doing something he’d done for a century- he skied. His commitment to physical fitness has been well documented and he credits his exercise routine to his ability to keep skiing past 100 years old. At 104 he still practices Aikido, uses his elliptical, lifts weights, and swims. At 95 years old he was swimming more than a mile each day. At 98 years old, he was quoted saying; “Skiing is easier than walking. You’re limping as you get older, but when you’re on skis, no one can tell.”  

Klaus also refuses to fully retire and still can be seen on occasion at the Obermeyer headquarters in Aspen. He has always had an optimistic view of business - seeing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. He once said; “You’re never made. You’re always making it in life and business.” I also appreciate that his approach to life has been about helping others, in an interview about his success, he said; “I think the biggest thing is to make win-win situations when you meet with people.”

If you spend time in Aspen, it won’t take long for you to see a “Be Like Klaus” bumper sticker. He is an icon in the community and the ski industry as a whole. I have to think that in addition to his commitment to taking care of his body - the optimistic view he has on life, his appreciation for nature, and his desire to help other people have all contributed to his longevity and well-being. As we get older, there is always room for us to “MIBE” and these are great attributes for us as leaders to incorporate into our day-to-day lives. It’s one thing to aspire to live to 100 years old, it’s another to aspire to live well at 100 years old and beyond. I know if I’m lucky enough to live to 100 years old, I hope to be like Klaus and still be skiing when I get there. What will you be doing in your golden years?

To learn more about Klaus, check out this short video.