By Ben Durant.
Every August, a familiar envelope shows up in my mailbox. It is the annual reminder to renew my ski pass. And every year, I pause for a moment and think, Do I really need it? Will I go enough? Isn’t winter long enough already?
Over time, I have learned something important. It is something that resonates with Vermonters of all ages, especially those of us who understand how easy it is to slow down as the seasons change. The answer is always yes. Buy the pass.
Not because you will ski every weekend. Not because you are chasing vertical feet or powder days. You buy the pass because it is a commitment. It is a promise to yourself that you are going to keep moving, keep striving, and keep showing up even when the cold tries to convince you otherwise.
Winter Tests Us, Which Is Why We Need a Reason to Go
Vermont winters are beautiful, but they are also demanding. The cold settles in, the days shorten, and the temptation to stay inside grows stronger. For many older Vermonters, that quiet drift toward inactivity can happen faster than we realize. A skipped walk here, a postponed outing there, and suddenly the season feels isolating.
That is why the ski pass matters. It is not about skiing. It is about going. When you have already paid for the pass, you are far more likely to bundle up, brave the cold, and head out. And once you are out, whether you ski one run or ten, you feel alive again. You remember that your body still wants to move, your mind still wants stimulation, and your spirit still wants challenge.
The Days You Least Want to Go Are the Days You Most Need To
Ask any longtime Vermonter and they will tell you that the coldest days are the ones that give back the most. Those bitter January mornings when the thermometer reads five degrees. The gray afternoons when the wind cuts across the parking lot. The days when staying home feels easier.
But those are the days when showing up matters. You do not have to ski fast. You do not have to ski long. You just have to go. Because going, physically and mentally, is one of the most powerful things we can do as we age.
And Here Is the Secret: It Does Not Have to Be Skiing
Maybe skiing is not your thing. Maybe your knees have retired from the slopes. Maybe you prefer warmth, museums, or quiet indoor spaces. The principle is exactly the same.
Buy the pass anyway.
Buy the gym membership. Buy the season pass to the museum. Buy the punch card for yoga classes. Buy the ticket bundle for lectures, concerts, or workshops.
Whatever your version of the pass is, get it. Pay for it upfront. Put it on the calendar. Make it a commitment you have already invested in. Because once you have paid for it, you are far more likely to go, even on the days when motivation is low and the couch looks inviting.
Momentum Is Everything
Activity creates more activity. Engagement leads to more engagement. When you keep moving, you stay connected to your community, your health, and your sense of purpose. Buying the pass creates momentum. It nudges you forward when winter tries to pull you back.
Keep Striving, Keep Showing Up
As we move through the seasons of life, it becomes more important to keep striving. To keep doing your thing. To keep pushing yourself in small but meaningful ways.
So, when that envelope arrives in the mail, do not overthink it. Do not wonder whether you will go enough. Do not debate the weather.
Buy the pass.
Because it is not a ticket to the mountain or the gym or the museum. It is a ticket to momentum, vitality, and the promise that you will keep showing up, no matter how cold the day.
Ben Durant is the owner of The Durant Agency, a Vermont-based real estate company specializing in helping seniors and Boomers navigate the downsizing journey with confidence and care. With a deep understanding of the local market and a passion for the community. Ben offers personalized support to make transitions smoother and a passion for community; whether you’re selling a longtime home or exploring new housing options.
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