Ski Younger Program Q&A

By: Abby Golebiowski

January 17, 2025

Category: People of the Parks

It's never too late to learn something new! Meet Roger Wangen, an inspiring 81-year-old downhill ski instructor who proves just that.

Roger has been teaching the adult Ski Younger program at Hyland Hills since 2010 and has been a ski instructor for over 35 years. He specializes in helping the 55 and older community discover, or rediscover, the joy of downhill skiing.

A ski instructor named Roger Wangen demonstrates skiing technique on a snowy slope at Hyland Hills, wearing gray ski gear and yellow gloves, with other skiers visible in the background.
Roger Wangen teaching a Ski Younger lesson.

In this blog, we sit down with a few of his students to answer some questions about what it’s like to participate in the Ski Younger Program, where Roger teaches a "soft skiing" approach to the sport. Whether you’re considering giving skiing a try or signing up for the Ski Younger Program, this Q&A will provide insights, tips and plenty of inspiration!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience with skiing prior to this program?  

Jon: I am 72 years old and have been skiing since I was 8 years old. I never took lessons prior to 2022 and was self-taught, by observation and mimicking. At best, I only reached an upper intermediate level of skiing.

Steve: In 1991, I tore my ACL on my first day skiing at Sandia Mountain in New Mexico. I made the mistake of succumbing to peer pressure and “one last run". My friends were all expert double black diamond skiers.

A group of skiers from the Ski Younger class follows instructor Roger down a snowy slope, with evergreen trees and a ski lift station in the background.
Roger leads Ski Younger students in a drill.

How has this program and skiing impacted your life?  

Jon: I love to ski, and the feeling that it brings, and I hope to continue for many years to come. These lessons are helping me to get out of the intermediate rut and start to reach the expert level. As Roger says: "we want to thrive not just survive."

Steve: This program has allowed me to ski confidently and consistently with my wife and daughters. We enjoy one ski vacation to New Mexico annually while visiting family. In addition, I’ve noticed it has improved my strength and my mobility. I’m a Disabled American Veteran (DAV) who had a slight limp in my gait. I feel like that’s disappearing.

Can you share a memorable experience you have had during a lesson?

Jon: During the last session of Roger's advanced lessons, we had the good fortune of a 6" snowfall the night before. This gave us the opportunity to learn to ski in powder– something that does not happen too often in Minneapolis. Powder skiing uses a different technique of skiing than on regular groomed trails. Thanks to Roger's lesson that day, for the first time I felt the pleasure and ease of powder skiing. It was effortless, with little stress and lots of fun.

Steve: Roger is the "Ski Whisperer" for getting me down the hill in one piece! His aphorisms ring in my head when I ski: "Too fast? Ski uphill, Ranger, ski uphill! Bend the ski, Stevo; make it do the work. Losing control; lean downhill, complete the turn…." His dry Norwegian humor and joking drill sergeant manner make every lesson fun!

A ski instructor named Roger and an adult student in a pink jacket practice ski movements together on a snowy slope, and celebrate an accomplishment, with evergreen trees and a tow rope visible in the background.
Roger celebrates with a Ski Younger participant.

Do you think adults can benefit from learning to ski?

Jon: Absolutely; there are many reasons. It provides a social outlet while with family and friends, is great exercise, you get to spend some time in beautiful mountain scenery and appreciate winter, it's relatively low risk, but most of all it's fun.

Steve: Absolutely! “Use it or lose it” is the secret sauce to longevity. Adults need to maintain an active lifestyle to stave off sedentary disease states.

Do you have any advice for someone who is on the fence about learning to ski?  

Jon: Yes, to quote the Nike commercial: "just do it". Take lessons, but most important is to have the right instructor. Set a plan and follow it. Roger's soft skiing for adults technique is the right plan to enjoy skiing for years to come.

Steve: Take one beginner lesson with Roger. Make sure you have a full tummy, the right clothing and an open mind. He will uncoil anyone’s hidden ski talent. He got me back on the mountain after a three-decade absence!

Try "Soft Skiing" For Yourself With Ski Younger Lessons

Whether you're looking to challenge yourself, connect with nature, or have fun, skiing offers endless benefits for adults of all ages. As Roger and his students show us, it is never too late to learn, or rediscover, the joy of skiing.

Ready to try it for yourself? Sign up for Ski Younger lessons this winter to discover (or rediscover) the joys of skiing at any age.

About Roger Wangen

Roger Wangen is a ski instructor at Hyland Hills Ski Area. He is passionate about helping people ski smarter instead of harder, teaching adults the skills they need to ski no matter their age or how long they’ve been away from the sport. Roger has taught the Ski Younger program at Hyland Hills since 2010, and has been a ski instructor for 35 years, including seven seasons at Beaver Creek in Vail, Colorado.  

About the Author

Abby takes a selfie against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains at sunset or sunrise with the sun beginning to become visible over the top of the peaks. She is wearing a green beanie, yellow long-sleeve shirt and orange backpack.

Abby Golebiowski is the marketing coordinator at Three Rivers Park District, bringing her experience in communications and advertising to the team. She is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys running, cross-country skiing and has a special interest in learning new hobbies and finding fresh ways to stay active outside.

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