Ski instructor Fumio Hirasawa has been teaching seniors how to ski for more than 20 years, drawing on his strong belief that the winter sport isn't only for the young and boosts both the physical and mental health of the elderly.
One of the major stumbling blocks to spreading skiing among the older set, however, is the lack of established techniques suitable for their level of physical strength.
At ski schools, students both young and old are taught the same way, although closer attention might be paid to seniors so they don't get tired or hurt.