In celebration of his 100th birthday year, Toronto-born skier Gordon Precious made his way to the Canadian West to heli-ski. No, that’s not a typo. One hundred. Triple digits. A full century of life and still chasing powder.
At CMH Cariboos, in the heart of British Columbia’s Cariboo Mountains where the snow-laden peaks make a damn good effort to kiss the sky, the centenarian was back in familiar territory. It was here that Gordon once claimed the official Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest heli-skier in 2019 at the spritely age of 94 years young.
This time, he returned with a few more birthdays to his credit, and in the company of his partner Tracy, grandson Trevor, and neighbour Charles.
My life has been full of adventure.
Gordon Precious, 100 years old
Gordon, a World War II veteran, was born in 1924 (he’s turning 101 this month). He started skiing as a young boy, which began a love affair of sliding on snow that has taken him across North America, Europe, and Asia.
“I’ve had the good fortune of skiing in many incredible places,” he said.
As for what sustains his passion, Gordon’s answer was simple, “I love the incredible scenery and being outdoors. And I just love skiing.”
Pre-trip preparations
Heli-skiing is a physical endeavour for just about anyone, never mind someone over 100 years old. That said, Gordon has been heli-skiing for more than four decades and earnestly prepared for his most recent trip.
Gordon and his neighbour Charles, who accompanied him to CMH, regularly practiced on the slopes of Glen Eden, their home ski resort in Ontario. Charles has been a key part of Gordon’s training.
“He is a great gentleman and so kind. He has driven me to several nearby places to get some skiing in,” Gordon said.
When he’s not skiing, Gordon’s fitness regime is mightily impressive in its own right. He heads to the gym two-to-three times per week, keeping his muscles and joints in tip-top shape. Mountain biking used to be one of his great loves, but he admitted he parked his bike a few years ago.
When asked for the secret of his physical condition, his answer came with a chuckle, “I take the stairs!”
Testing the waters
Most heli-skiers at CMH are between 20-60 years old, so Gordon’s trip was one of a kind. It required a little extra preparation from the guiding team and some carefully considered timing in order to create a successful and safe ski day for Gordon.
By Gordon’s own admission, he finds it difficult to maintain his balance when the clouds roll in and the visibility deteriorates. Any skier will tell you how much they loathe flat light, so Gordon certainly isn’t alone in that regard.
“We were very patient with waiting for a clear sky day so the light would be perfect,” Geoff Ruttan, Area Manager at the Cariboos, explained. “We also skied Zillmer, the run we planned to use, just before Gordon came out and got his grandson Trevor to confirm that the snow conditions were appropriate for Gordon to give it a go.”
Making history
With every box ticked, it was time to ski. On April 24th, 2025, Gordon hopped out of the helicopter and skied down Zillmer, becoming what we believe is the world’s oldest heli-skier. It wasn’t witnessed by Guinness World Records this time around, but we’re pretty sure Gordon is in a league of his own.
He was cautious at first during the run, taking his time to get used to the snow. Before long, however, a lifetime of skiing kicked in and Gordon began linking turns in trademark style. The other two groups skiing that day watched on from below, witnessing something truly special, and absolutely historic. What a day it was.
Even in a place where adventure is the norm, Gordon’s moment is something else entirely.
Afterwards, the vibes were high. The joy of the accomplishment was shared by everyone at CMH Cariboos. Ever the entertainer, Gordon even performed magic tricks for the other guests and staff at dinner.
The life in our years
We caught up with Gordon by phone while he was at the Cariboos to hear about this experience, and a life spent on skis.
“My life has been full of adventure,” he said. “Skiing can be an incredible way to experience other places around the world. I’ve skied in Iran and in the Cedars of Lebanon, where I met my late wife in 1952. I’ve skied all over with my grandson, Trevor. And I once drove my family from Ontario to Chile in a jeep to go skiing. Of course, we had to see Machu Picchu on the way. The trip took us four months! We had to take our kids out of school a little early, and we got them back a little bit late, but we cleared that with their teachers beforehand!” he laughed.
The time came to end our conversation with Gordon so he could get back to spending time with his partner, Tracy, his grandson, and his training partner and neighbour, Charles. Before hanging up the phone, he had one last thing to say:
“I’m sat in the lounge looking out at the mountains here in the Cariboos. And I caught myself thinking that I’m in heaven on earth. I’m in heaven. What a place to be.”
He reminds every one of us that adventure doesn’t just belong to the young. With a little luck on your side, it belongs to the willing.
Comments
What wonderful memories.
My first trip to CMH was in 1969 staying at the old Sarack motel in the Caribou’s. Head skies stiff as a rod, but we made it.
At least 30 wonderful weeks with CMH and I am so thankful for everyone At 95 still thinking of another week?
Will Van Ert
I was there with my son when he set the Guinness record in 2019. So glad to see that he’s still rippin’ it down the slopes! Not only did he set the record but he proceeded to do a magic show for the entire lodge that evening and had the entire place in the palm of his hand, He’s one of a kind. Go Gordon!!
Well there’s someone that has been around cmh for longer than myself.