The smiles on the faces of children learning to ski keep 80-year-old Sal DiSalvo coming back for more.
DiSalvo has not missed a Sunday in 11 years as a volunteer for the Douglas County Ski Club.
"I am always there," he said. "It is a commitment. A mother sends an 8-year-old child to the mountains and somebody better take care of them."
The Douglas County Ski Club sponsors ski trips for children ages 8 to 18 at Heavenly Ski Resort on Saturdays and Sundays. DiSalvo is one of two chaperones who accompanies children as they make their way to the resort.
The Gardnerville resident skis with the children and fearlessly navigates all levels of runs, including the double black diamonds. But his focus is on the kids, not what he can do.
"The kids are so great," he said. "They learn so fast and they are not afraid to fall."
After taking his children skiing, he decided to give it a try instead of sitting in the lodge. He enjoyed it so much he went out and bought a pair of skis. Forty-two years later it is an addiction.
Each year he skis the number of days corresponding to his age.
"As long as God keeps me here I will (continue to ski)," he said.
DiSalvo also volunteers for the Kid's Fishing Derby, which is in its 14th year at Lampe Park.
"It's so fun to watch the kids," he said. "The looks on their faces when they catch a fish is incredible."
He helps children bait hooks, remove them from the hook and bring them to a table where they are cleaned and weighed.
DiSalvo has volunteered at the derby for three years and plans to help out this spring.
"I feel I am needed out there to help them do it," he said. "(They need) someone who's been around and can fish."
Before retiring in 1979, he farmed in the Santa Clara Valley, growing cherries, prunes, apricots and walnuts. His family owned a ranch across the bay in Pleasanton, where they grew tomatoes, corn, sugar beets and wheat.
He moved to the Carson Valley in 1989 because he wanted a quieter lifestyle. His two brothers share in that lifestyle. DiSalvo and wife, Betty Anne, have five children who live in the Bay area.
