A 95-year-old Ontario woman is still hitting the slopes, a passion she's pursued for over eight decades. Doris Pierson remains a fixture at Sir Sam’s Ski hill in the Haliburton Highlands.
Pierson began skiing at age 13 when her brother gifted her a pair of skis. What started as a way to stay out of trouble quickly became a family tradition. Her daughter recalls parents working as ski patrollers, ensuring their four children skied weekly.
Today, that legacy spans four generations, with Pierson's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren also skiing. She notes two great-great-granddaughters join her on the slopes.
Fellow skiers describe Pierson as inspirational, bringing energy and warmth to the hill. Her love for skiing has led her across Europe, the United States, and Chile, even teaching at Whistler. She considers Sir Sam’s her second home.
Despite having both knees replaced, Pierson remains undeterred, viewing skiing as a daily motivation. She prioritizes sunny days due to her eyesight, ensuring that when the sun shines, Doris is on the mountain.