Meet Otto Ross, the 97-Year-Old Ski Instructor Who Shows No Signs of Stopping

People might retire from a job, but they never retire from an occupation they have loved their whole life. The 97-year-old skiing instructor, Otto Ross, from Washington is no different. The old man has dedicated his whole life to skiing and continues to do so. In an interview with wkyc Studios, Otto Ross and several people linked with him revealed their feelings about Ross’s relationship with skiing.

In this article, let us find out a brief history of Ross’s early life and his journey of skiing. Moreover, let us have a look at what different people said about the skiing teacher.

The immortal tale of Otto Ross and skiing 

The legendary teacher had his first encounter with the sport when he was just eight years old. His father introduced him to the sport as he gifted him a pair of wooden skis. There was no turning back since then. Even at the age of 97, he continues to spread his teachings and love for the sport and mountains among the students at Mission Ridge. Not only now, but he has been associated with Mission Ridge since its inauguration in 1966. However, after teaching there for some time, Ross later traveled the world and extended his teaching around the globe before getting back to Mission Ridge.

Let us have a look at what Ross, and the people who have been associated, said about him while talking with wkyc Studios. 

The director of the skier service at Mission Ridge shared her experience. She said, “He’s just so special, you see him, you smile, he smiles back and it’s gonna be a good day.” For his legacy, Mission Ridge has even named the magic carpet that takes the beginner uphill after Ross’s name. It is called ‘The Ottobahn’. 

Whereas a student of Ross, Pat West Turner, who has won medals in amputee ski racing, also shared her heartfelt thoughts on Ross. She even wrote a book, “Skiing Uphill: A Story of Strength and Perseverance,” about everything she went through with Ross during the difficult times of her life. She said, “When I was 17 and lost my leg, he asked me if I wanted to ski again.” 

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It was Ross who introduced her to the then-latest adaptive skiing equipment which helped her to come back and win those medals. Turner said, “He’s still kinda cute, but back then he was really good looking,” she laughed. “And to be 97 years old and still instructing is a testament to who he is. He loves the sport and skiing.”

When Otto Ross was asked about his long career, he said, “I just always have loved the outdoors and appreciate what mother nature has done for us. Look here at the conditions, look at the people, how they’re smiling, that’s what’s so great about teaching skiing.”

It is an extraordinary sight to see a 97-year-old man out in the mountains teaching people about what he loves. The excitement for his work is what keeps him going. What are your thoughts on Otto’s career? Let us know in the comments section.

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