As someone in my mid 40s, I just would not enjoy skiing against a 17-year old girl or 68-year old man. I much prefer skiing against someone who is in a similar life situation that I'm in: a bunch of kids, trying to grow a business/career, squeezing in some youth sports coaching, working hard to keep off the weight my beer drinking adds, etc., etc. Regardless if I get smoked by some of the best skiers, I'm gaining on them and that brings a lot more satisfaction than beating someone who just wrapped up their sophomore year of undergrad.