Finding My Balance Through Winter Sports

Winter wasn’t always my favourite season. For a long time, it felt like something to get through, with short days, cold mornings, and that constant urge to stay indoors where it’s warm. But over time, winter has become the season I feel most like myself. It’s not because it’s easy or comfortable. It’s because winter strips things down and makes you show up honestly.

As a university student, my head is usually full. There’s always an assignment coming up, something I should be studying for, or a list of things I haven’t gotten to yet. Winter is when I find a break from that, not by resting, but by moving. The cold has a way of pulling you out of your thoughts. You stop overthinking when the air stings your face, and your breath turns to clouds.

Skiing is what anchors my winters. Every ski day starts the same way: too early, too cold, and with boots that never seem to fit comfortably. There’s always that brief moment of questioning why I’m doing this at all. Then I get to the mountain. The snow reflects the light, everything feels quiet in a way you don’t get anywhere else, and suddenly it all makes sense.

I’m not chasing perfection on skis. Some days everything clicks, and I feel strong and smooth. Other days, my legs are tired by lunch, and I stop more often than I’d like. I’ve fallen in front of strangers, laughed at myself, and kept going. Skiing has taught me that you don’t need to be perfect to enjoy something. You just need to be willing to try.

When I’m not skiing, I spend time hiking and snowshoeing. These are slower days. No lifts, no rush. Just snow-covered trails and the sound of my own footsteps. Winter quiet is different. It’s deeper, heavier, and calming in a way that’s hard to describe. Those moments, standing still, listening to nothing, are some of my favourites.

Snowshoeing surprised me the most. It’s harder than it looks, and progress is slow and steady. You learn to accept the pace and focus on each step instead of the destination. That mindset has a way of following you back into everyday life. Not everything needs to happen right away.

Even though winter limits some of my time on the water, it doesn’t disconnect me from the sports I love. It becomes a season for training, staying active, and building discipline when motivation isn’t always there. It’s not flashy, but it’s necessary. Winter is where a lot of quiet progress happens.

Tennis still fits into my routine, but mostly indoors during the colder months. It keeps me moving and gives structure to days when outdoor plans don’t work out. Winter tennis feels more focused, more intentional, and it reminds me how important consistency is, especially when energy is low.

What winter sports have really given me is resilience. Cold mornings don’t care if you’re tired. Snow doesn’t adjust to your schedule. You learn to prepare, adapt, and respect the conditions. Over time, that carries into everything else, from school, work, to life in general.

There’s also a sense of connection that comes from being outside in winter. A nod from someone on a trail. A quick smile on a chairlift. That shared understanding that we’re all choosing the cold for the same reason: it makes us feel alive.

Winter isn’t something I rush through anymore. It challenges me, clears my head, and reminds me why movement matters so much to me. When spring finally arrives, I don’t just feel relieved. I feel stronger, calmer, and grateful for the season that taught me how to slow down and keep going at the same time.