Killington area skier Doris Reed prepares to turn 90

By James Kent

Doris Reed is no ordinary skier. At 89 years old, she proves age is but a formality. You’ll find her resilience, determination, and passion on the slopes of Pico and Killington most days of the week. Reed’s story is more than skiing; it’s about living life to the fullest every year, every day, and every moment.

Reed was born on March 8, 1935, and grew up in Trenton, New Jersey. Her introduction to skiing came during a “Learn to Ski” trip to Killington when she was 30 years old, and it was “love at first downhill.” Not long after, her family purchased a home in Vermont, and for the past 45 years, Doris has cherished her vacation/retirement home in Ira.

Despite the passage of time and numerous physical challenges, Doris has remained dedicated to skiing. She tries to ski nearly every day, or at least every day that Pico is open. On Wednesday, Feb. 5, Reed and her friend Norma Levy (82) were at Snowshed in Killington Resort. It was a cold day, with temperatures in the teens, but that didn’t deter Reed. While Levy no longer skis due to a back injury during the COVID-19 pandemic, Reed continues to embrace the slopes with enthusiasm and vigor.

Reed’s journey has not been without its hurdles. She has battled Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects connective tissues, as well as torn ACLs in both knees, leading to a double knee replacement. In 2017, she was diagnosed with heart failure, and doctors prepared her family for the worst. However, Reed had different plans. She gradually rehabilitated her heart back to working order with sheer determination and a positive mindset. Reed increased her daily activity by taking short walks to the mailbox until she could walk further and further and eventually return to her favorite passion: skiing. 

Today, her heart is in good condition, and she credits regular exercise as one of the keys to not only living long but living well.

The importance of friendship

Another secret to longevity, according to Reed and Levy, is the importance of friendship. The two met on the slopes of Pico and have been friends for years. Their friendship and close-knit circle of friends have been a source of joy and support. At one point, their group consisted of up to 30 friends who would ski at Pico and enjoy lunch together afterward. Although the group has dwindled over the years, the remaining members still meet once a week for lunch at different places in the local area, cherishing the bonds they have formed.

After retiring from her career as a nurse, Reed moved permanently to Ira, Vermont. She still travels back to New Jersey once a month for injections to treat her macular degeneration, but her heart and home are firmly rooted in Vermont. The picturesque landscape, the sense of community, and the opportunity to ski regularly have made Vermont the perfect place for Reed to enjoy her golden years. Reed’s remarkable journey is a reminder that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s passions. Her story is a celebration of life, resilience, and the joy of skiing.

Reed will visit New Jersey a few days before her birthday in March, but her birthday plans on March 8 include skiing at Pico. So, if you are skiing at Pico on Saturday, March 8, and see Reed on a run, make sure to wish her a happy birthday. Happy Birthday, Doris! Here’s to many more!