Jackie Ricciardi for The Boston Globe

Octogenarian skiers and members of "The Greatest (Skiing) Generation" competed in the Hochgebirege Challenge Cup last weekend.

Jackie Ricciardi for The Boston Globe

The 76th annual Hochgebirge Challenge Cup is the country's oldest ski club race.

Jackie Ricciardi for The Boston Globe

Only 2 percent of North America's 10.2 million alpine skiers are 65 and older.

Jackie Ricciardi for The Boston Globe

Alphonse Sevigny, 83, finished the race after suffering a fall in the first round.

Jackie Ricciardi for The Boston Globe

"I spent 30 years learning how to go slow," said George MacNeil, 82. "Then I turned 65 and had to learn how to go fast."