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The lesson was organised by his grandson, Glen Greener, who runs a snowsports company, Gravity, which offers race training and specialist coaching at the Milton Keynes snow slope.

The team at SNO!zone now believe that following his lesson Mr Wilson could be the oldest skier in the UK.

From underground to overground

A former Bevin Boy, who worked in coal mines during World War II, Mr Wilson had never had the opportunity to try skiing or snowboarding and was fascinated by how the real snow is made at SNO!zone, as well as in his grandson’s unusual choice of career.

The thrill of speed

To allow Mr Wilson to experience the thrill of skiing, Glen organised for him to have a lesson with Disability Snowsports UK (DSUK), which runs a ski school in Milton Keynes, when he was paying a visit from his home village in Newby, near Penrith in Cumbria.

Mr Wilson was given his very first lesson by DSUK instructor, Charlie Laine, who showed him how to use a sit-ski, a moulded seat fixed to a metal frame. After a few runs with his instructor Mr Wilson was confident enough to follow in his grandsons ski tracks down the slope.

Glen said: “My granddad’s always been really interested in my job and how I’ve ended up in this industry, as well as the engineering that creates the snow at SNO!zone.

“I decided that whilst he was paying me a visit I would organise for him to have a lesson at SNO!zone so he could find out what it feels like to slide on snow and how much fun it is

Still working three days a week

“Although he’s still very active, working three days a week at a local branch of Age Concern, the easiest way for him to gain a taste of skiing was a lesson with Charlie from DSUK who showed him how to use a sit-ski.

“After a few runs of the slope he was doing well starting his turns unaided and he has already told me that he can’t wait for his next lesson!”

Mr Wilson said: “I’ve always been fascinated by Glen’s job and was delighted when he organised the lesson for me.

Just like riding a bike

“Steering the sit-ski was much like riding a motorcycle and the feeling of going down the slope was fantastic. I’ve booked myself in for another lesson already!”

Skiing can be for everyone

DSUK runs an adaptive ski school at each of the SNO!zone slopes helping people with disabilities all over the country to participate in snowsports. Special instruction and support is available to individuals or groups, provided by experienced instructors.

Sarah Porteus, head of marketing at SNO!zone, said: “The DSUK ski school and its instructors has become incredibly popular and makes sure that everyone can enjoy snowsports, regardless of their ability.

“We were thrilled to see Mr Wilson on the slope and he’s certainly the oldest customer we’ve ever welcomed onto our slope, if not the oldest skier in the UK!”

For more information about lessons with Disability Snowsport UK at Milton Keynes

 contact Charlie Laine at charlie@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

 or call 01908 680827.