von Nicolas Lair
25 November 2025
Winter
This 83-year-old just wanted to ski again... and wrote a life story.
Do you believe that adventure is only for young people? Then think again. In Seefeld, three extraordinary siblings have proven that age is just a number – and that courage, curiosity, and a pinch of craziness might be the best anti-aging formula of all.
This story does not begin with medals or great victories, but with an 83-year-old woman and a dream.
Let's meet Hilary Bradt, MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) – travel pioneer, author, and founder of the largest independent travel guide publisher in the world. For decades, she inspired others to explore the world. But this time, she wanted to rediscover something very personal: the exhilarating sensation of gliding down a snowy slope, the sun on her face, the cold air on her cheeks – the pure joy of skiing.
There was just one problem: She hadn’t been on skis for over 60 years.
An extraordinary trio
Unwavering, Hilary picked up the phone and called her siblings. Kate, the youngest, a marathon runner and "Use it or lose it" ambassador, needed no persuasion. And Andrew, proudly 86 years old and still a true adventurer, immediately agreed – even though he hadn't touched skis in three decades. "Why not?", they thought. "If not now – when then?"
And so the trio of adventurers boarded a plane to Seefeld, right into the Tyrolean ski area where they had last been on the slopes as children. Through the airplane window, the snow-covered peaks glimmered beneath them, calling them back to the past – and at the same time into a completely new adventure.
Can we still do that?
At the foot of the mountain, excitement and nervousness mingled. "Can we still do this?" – the unspoken question hung in the air. But with Ulrich from the Alpinpower Ski School, later fondly referred to as "Angel on Skis", uncertainty quickly gave way to laughter.
The first turns on the Rosshütte were wobbly, balance uncertain. But just after a few minutes, muscle memory took over – and the iron will. The three siblings exchanged their "Pizza" for "Fries" and descended the slope with the joy of beginners and the calmness of seasoned veterans.
The conclusion
Two hours later, out of breath and happy, they came to their conclusion:
Hilary: "It was a wonderful feeling to still be able to do it. We were all nervous, afraid of falling – but we didn't fall once! It was a beautiful, liberating experience."
Kate: "At the hotel, I wasn't sure if I could do it. But today on the slopes, I realized that everything had become easier – lighter gear, safer slopes. I'm so glad I gave it a try."
Andrew: "The skis may be lighter than before, but believe me – they felt heavy enough! Nevertheless, it was a fantastic reminder of how beautiful skiing can be. When you're my age and wonder if you can still do it – just give it a try! You'll be surprised."
It's never too late
Later, over hearty Tyrolean specialties in a cozy mountain hut, they laughed about sore muscles and shared that special feeling of happiness that arises only when you do something you weren't sure you could still do.
And the adventure didn't end on the ski slopes. In the following days, they hiked, tried their hand at cross-country skiing, visited saunas, and rediscovered Seefeld's alpine magic. This is also covered in Hillary's own article that appeared in the Guardian. They returned home with tired legs but fulfilled hearts – and a message for us all:
You are never too old to dream.
It is never too late to start anew.
Just. Keep. Going.
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