99-Year Old Man Still Skiing
BENZIE CO. -- A Glen Harbor man is proving that age is just a number.
Louis Batori is well, simply amazing. At the age of 99, he still skis.
"I prefer advance terrain simply there’s less work involved." Explains Batori
Born in Hungary, his family eventually came to the U.S. He attended MIT and spent his life as an engineer; but it was in Hungary where he learned to enjoy the sport.
Batori says "skiing is a happy sport. You look at skiers and they are happy have you ever seen a happy golfer?
With age comes more caution on the slopes because a simple fall at 99 could mean a long recovery. His wife of more than 40 years doesn’t flinch a bit.
Judith Batori says "never nervous about anything because he is always in control so confident in whatever he does conservative but daring and forward going."
While the snow has stayed the same, a lot has changed since he started skiing in 1920.
Batori says "skiing then was very primitive, unheard of, essentially it consisted of two boards. It was really sledding on two feet. Maneuvering did not exist. Ski school did not exist."
It’s his life experience that makes you wonder – what is his secret?
Batori says " One, you have to have a good wife. Two, never ever, ever drink anything but quality booze. Three, pick your parents very carefully."
For now, Batori’s goal is simple.
"Make it to 100. I where this patch that says “90 Plus 5 Ski Club”. I would love to wear one that says “100 Plus Ski Club”.
