INSPIRATION

Meet Klaus Obermeyer: A Living Legend of Active Aging

At over 100 years old, Klaus Obermeyer continues to inspire with energy, purpose, and a love of life.

Klaus Obermeyer is a living testament to the power of vitality, resilience, and an active lifestyle. As the founder of the global ski brand Obermeyer, he has not only revolutionized the world of skiing but also become an inspiring figure for aging with purpose and passion.At 103, Klaus continues to embrace life with an infectious energy, demonstrating that age is no barrier to adventure, creativity, or achieving one’s goals. His approach to life challenges conventional views on aging, proving that with the right mindset, health, and a commitment to staying active, the later years can be a time of growth, fulfillment, and endless possibility. Through his example, Klaus shows that true aging gracefully is not about slowing down, but about finding joy and purpose at every stage of life.

A Life Carved in the Snow

Obermeyer’s love affair with skiing began in 1922 when, at just three years old, he strapped makeshift wooden skis onto his feet and glided through the Bavarian Alps. That early passion shaped the rest of his life, but his journey to becoming a skiing legend was anything but smooth. As World War II escalated, he made a daring escape from Nazi Germany, braving gunfire and the elements. The courage and resilience he showed then carried into everything he did after making his way to the United States—and eventually, Aspen, Colorado.

Shaping the Future of Skiing

When Klaus arrived in Aspen in the late 1940s, the town was little more than a sleepy former mining hub. He took a job as a ski instructor and, as legend has it, even taught Hollywood’s Gary Cooper how to ski. But Obermeyer didn’t stop at teaching. He saw firsthand how ill-prepared many skiers were for the extreme mountain conditions, so he started crafting better gear. And just like that, the modern ski parka was born—stitched together from a down comforter his mother had given him.

That was only the beginning. Over the years, Klaus Obermeyer would go on to revolutionize ski apparel with mirrored sunglasses, high-altitude sunscreen, double-walled ski boots, and tapered aluminum ski poles. His innovations made skiing not only more comfortable but safer and more enjoyable for generations of snow lovers.

The Power of an Active Lifestyle

At 105, Klaus is living proof that movement is life. While most of his peers long ago retired to their rocking chairs, Klaus still skis, practices aikido, swims daily, and embraces a diet packed with fresh, whole foods. His philosophy is simple: keep moving, keep smiling, and keep doing what you love.

He often compares life to a dance: “Always create win-win situations and work to make life better for people.” That same philosophy applies to aging—adapt, keep learning, and hold onto the things that bring you joy. Seeing Klaus still out there, doing what he loves, reminds me that growing older doesn’t have to mean slowing down.

Lessons on Longevity from Klaus Obermeyer

Klaus doesn’t just talk about longevity—he lives it. Here are a few key lessons we can all learn from him:

  • Stay Physically Active: Whether skiing, swimming, or practicing martial arts, Klaus moves every day. Movement keeps the body strong and the mind sharp.
  • Keep a Positive Attitude: His infectious enthusiasm for life keeps him engaged and energetic, proving that mindset is key to aging well.
  • Eat Well: Klaus focuses on fresh, nutritious foods that fuel his adventurous lifestyle.
  • Embrace Change: Instead of resisting aging, he has continuously adapted, always finding new ways to enjoy life.
  • Follow Your Passion: Skiing has been Klaus’s lifelong love, and it gives him purpose, fulfillment, and joy.

Final Thoughts

If skiing is a tonic for the soul, then Klaus Obermeyer is the ultimate testament to its power. “The longer you ski, the longer you live,” he often says, and at 105, he’s still out there, showing us all how it’s done. I’ve lived in Aspen for the past 20 years, and seeing Klaus on the mountain is nothing short of inspiring. There’s something magical about watching a centenarian carve through the snow with the same energy and enthusiasm as someone a quarter his age.

Resources

  • Sport Obermeyer Website: www.sportoberemeyer.com – Explore the legacy and latest innovations of the brand he built.
  • Aspen Historical Society: www.aspenhistory.org – Discover how Aspen became the skiing mecca it is today.
  • Interviews with Klaus Obermeyer: YouTube and various news outlets feature inspiring conversations with Klaus about skiing, longevity, and life.

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