A 97-year-old New England skier went viral Wednesday after completing his final run in Haverhill, Massachusetts.
Herb Oedel, a North Andover native, has been hitting the slopes for nine decades and made his final run at the Bradford Ski Area, according to a report.
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“Herb Oedel age 97 has been skiing 90 years and after his run today at Bradford has decided to retire his skiis !” the ski resort posted to Facebook. “He stops by Bradford every year with his wife Ginny who is 100 and his biggest supporter ! Congratulations Herb it has been a GREAT RUN !!!”
Oedel has visited the resort every season over the past few years, Ski Patrol Director Dennis Gauvin said. Before his final run, Oedel told staff that Wednesday it was going to be his last, according to Gauvin.
“He’s decided to hang up his skis for good,” he said and described Oedel as “mentally and physically very strong.”
The 97-year-old has always been friendly on the slopes but decided to hang up his skis over safety concerns, Gauvin said.
“He’s befriended the staff,” according to Gauvin. “He says hi to the patrollers every day he comes.”
Oedel is usually accompanied by his beloved 99-year-old wife, Ginny, the report noted.
“His wife tried skiing once, she told me,” Gauvin said. “She didn’t like it as much.”
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Even though Oedel is done skiing, he said he will still visit the resort and returned on Thursday to plan a visit next week, Gauvin said.
“His attitude is great,” the ski patrol director said. “You would not think that he’s 97.”
