First-Time Skier Finds New Hobby

A year ago, COVID-19 forced everyone to make dramatic changes in their lifestyles. Many people could no longer
continue the hobbies they loved and had to pick up new ones during quarantine – such as: cooking, reading more, working out, or gaming. Joey Cormier, a recent high school graduate, found himself in that position a couple months ago after his hockey career as a goalie ended when COVID cancelled their season. No particular hobby really stood out to him, but he knew he wanted another sport to play so he could keep active, he also wanted to be outside for a change.

With strict limitations to which sports are even allowed to be played, for him, it seemed he’d have to keep searching a while for something to come along. After the hockey season ended, Joey heard from a former teammate, in early January, that people were continuing to ski during the pandemic. Instantly he knew he had to try it – an outside sport with multiple similarities to skating in hockey – it was exactly what he was hoping for.

He made the trip up to Crabbe Mountain a few Sundays ago, hoping to find a passion for the new sport. As any normal first-time skier would do, Joey skied down the bunny hill his first few runs to get a feel for all the new equipment. He’s never had to deal with any ski gear before, loving how much lighter it was compared to his usual full goalie set-up. It didn’t take him long to get down all the necessary basics and make a run on a more challenging trail, even hitting a jump once. He stuck to the beginner and intermediate level trails throughout the day, mainly focusing on his form and making sure he was doing the little things right.

Joey said the day flew by, that it felt like he only did five runs when he actually did close to 15. Since that Sunday, he’s been back at Crabbe the past two Thursday’s for day and night skiing. It looks like he found the new sport he loves, and it’s one that he can do on his own schedule, making it possible for him to go whatever days off work he can.

With the snow going away, Joey might only be able to go skiing once more until next winter. For him, winging’ it the first time at a new sport resulted in him finding what he was looking for in having a new hobby he can do. Morale of the story is, if you’re someone who feels like they need something to fill in more time of the day or feel you’re in need of just a small change – find something new you’re interested in and just try it. Even if it’s not what you hoped for, no experience is bad experience and it will lead you towards something you’ll love.