TRAVERSE CITY — A new series called “Hoppin’ Hobbies” launched recently to highlight Northern Michigan residents with unique pastimes and the stories behind their interests.
The debut segment features 9and10’s Megan Huiskens taking her first-ever skiing lesson at a Mount Holiday.
The segment features Mark Goethel, a ski enthusiast who has volunteered at the resort for more than 20 years. Goethel provided instruction on basic maneuvers, including stopping and turning, while reflecting on how the sport has shaped his life and family.
Goethel began skiing at the same Northern Michigan resort where he now volunteers, Mount Holiday. His interest in the sport grew because his mother worked at the lodge bar. “My mom got a job here working in the bar and she got a free season pass,” Goethel said. “So, when she comes to work here at night, I would ski all night.”
Beyond the physical activity, Goethel described the ski resort as a community where he formed his most significant personal connections. He met his wife, his best friend and several other long-term friends at the facility. He now shares the hobby with his daughter. “Being able to ski with her is so much fun, because skiing is a huge part of my life and being able to do it here is great,” Goethel said.
During the lesson, Goethel focused on technical skills such as stopping and initiating turns. He identified edge control as the most difficult part of the sport for beginners because of how the skis interact with the snow. To improve speed control, he advised keeping toes “glued to the snow” while swinging the heel out to create more exaggerated movements.
Goethel also noted that falling is a natural part of the learning process for those who are not being “super cautious.”
He described the Mount Holiday as a safe and friendly environment where staff in the ski shop and at the lifts look after the skiers. “I can see where everyone’s skiing, wherever they are on these runs,” Goethel said. “So, it’s really safe. It’s a safe environment for a kid. And I just thought that was fun, hanging out with friends.”
If you have a hobby, you want Megan to try, you can email thefour@910mediagroup.com.