Pond Skimming Picture Bonanza
As the snow melts, resorts everywhere are celebrating the end of the season with the time-tested tradition of pond skimming. Enjoy these hilarious photos of the costumed, intoxicated antics of spring.
The infamous Glen Plake shows off at Big Sky's BIG pond skimming event. Big Sky hosted a great event this year with two ponds with some air built in between. A great turnout for a fun event on closing weekend.
To check out more events going on at Big Sky, go tobigskyresort.com
To check out more events going on at Big Sky, go tobigskyresort.com
Big Sky in Montana went above and beyond the typical ski-down-a-hill-and-make-it-across-a-pond event. Adding two ponds into the mix left a very bumpy ride and some excited spectators.
For more information on Big Sky and the event, Click Here
For more information on Big Sky and the event, Click Here
North America’s original pond crossing, the Lake Cushing Classic, returns to Squaw Valley USA for the 19th consecutive season this weekend. This wildly entertaining competition challenges local lunatics and gregarious guests to cross the vast and chilly waters of Lake Cushing on skis, a snowboard or any ski or snowboard-based vessel. Notorious for its colossal crashes, hilarious costumes, and ultra-creative pond skimming contraptions, the annual Lake Cushing Classic comes to the frigid waters of Squaw Valley USA on Saturday, May 9, 2009.
More information on the 19th Annual Cushing Classic and the most up-to-date resort conditions, operation schedules, events, video and live mountain cams are available on squaw.com.
More information on the 19th Annual Cushing Classic and the most up-to-date resort conditions, operation schedules, events, video and live mountain cams are available on squaw.com.
Pond Skimming has become a fixture on spring event lineups at ski resorts around the world. However, it was at Squaw Valley, 19 years ago, when the event was first conceived. At the end of each ski season, when the large pond at the base of the mountain (“Lake Cushing”) had melted, Squaw Ski Patrollers would attempt to ski across Lake Cushing as a ceremonious goodbye to the season. The ritual developed into a public competition and later, Squaw Valley’s signature spring event. Since then, plenty of ski resorts have their go at pond skimming events, but none do it quite like Squaw Valley. Perhaps it is because the characters at Squaw are a little more daring, a little more agile, and a little bit better on sticks. Or maybe it is because “Lake” Cushing is a real pond, rather than a tarp-lined ditch or kiddie pool. Whatever the reason, the Cushing Classic blows other pond skimming events out of the water, and the thousand plus spectators each year are testament to that.
More information on the 19th Annual Cushing Classic and the most up-to-date resort conditions, operation schedules, events, video and live mountain cams are available on squaw.com.
Prizes are awarded in five divisions – men’s and women’s ski and snowboard divisions and the fifth, and often most amusing, the unlimited division. This last group of participants has been known to attempt the Cushing Classic on beach chairs, old snowmobiles without engines and even a chair lift affixed to three snowboards. Judging is based on style, grace, creativity, and of course, successfully crossing the lake. The grand prize is a 2009-10 Squaw Valley Season Pass and a $100 cash prize is awarded to the highest scorer in each class.
Judges for the 19th Annual Cushing Classic are 5-time X-Games Gold Medalist Nate Holland, ski legends Tamara McKinney and Scott Gaffney, and the royalist of Squaw Valley royalty (hint: their last name’s are Cushing and McConkey).
The Cushing Classic is open to the first 50 registrants. Registration takes place on the Sun Deck rotunda at noon with the competition starting at 2 pm. The cost to participate is $15 per person. All entrants MUST be 18 years of age or older and have a life preserver and a helmet, and sign a liability release form.
Mt. Bachelor's Annual Pond Skimming event always has tons of beer, costumes and of course, a very long and challenging pond.
To check out a video of the festivities, Click Here
To check out a video of the festivities, Click Here
The decked out participants in Mt. Bachelor's Pond Skimming contest await their turn to take on the pond. People get creative when thinking of costumes for the event, as it really is the best place to showcase a wacky personality.
Check out mtbachelor.com
Check out mtbachelor.com
On Saturday, April 4, Saddleback Mountain had their sixth annual Pond Skimming contest. This is the second event of the "Spring Fever" event series which started with the fifth annual Cardboard Box Race and finished on April 11 with Park Shark Two.
Pond Skimming is a local favorite and often quite a spectacle. The event is just as the name suggests. Participants ski or snowboard across a manmade "pond" in an attempt to reach the other side as dry as possible. Those who fail to navigate the pond are treated to an ice water bath.
For more information about the annual end to skiing, Click Here
Pond Skimming is a local favorite and often quite a spectacle. The event is just as the name suggests. Participants ski or snowboard across a manmade "pond" in an attempt to reach the other side as dry as possible. Those who fail to navigate the pond are treated to an ice water bath.
For more information about the annual end to skiing, Click Here
Saddleback's Spring Fever is only curable by banana, and lots of them. Their event welcomes both snowboarders and skiers to the pond in an attempt to ride on water.
saddlebackmaine.com
saddlebackmaine.com
The annual Pond Skimming Contest will be the first event of Spring Grüv. It’s one of those traditions that has been wild from the start. The Pond Skimming Contest is The Canyons’ most popular party and is the true indicator that spring has arrived. Contestants must dress in costume (the funkier the better) as they attempt to cross a 100-foot pond on skis or a snowboard. The pond and the excitement happen at mid-mountain just outside Red Pine Lodge.
This year over 6,000 spectators witnessed as bubble-wrap boy didn't exactly skim, so much as float through the pond.
For more information on summer activities at The Canyons, click here.
This year over 6,000 spectators witnessed as bubble-wrap boy didn't exactly skim, so much as float through the pond.
For more information on summer activities at The Canyons, click here.
Park City's BIGGEST Party, the Spring Gruv had arguably the biggest pond skimming contest in the nation with over 6,000 people waiting for it all year. The Wailers played after the event in the resort village, topping an all over huge day off.
To check out more information on Spring Gruv or summer activities at The Canyons, Click Here
To check out more information on Spring Gruv or summer activities at The Canyons, Click Here
Killington just had their epic spring bash on April 18 with a whopping 125 participants. This beautiful female specimen had a hard time staying up.
Stay tuned to SkiNet.com for a few videos from the event.
For more information on summer activities at Killington, Click Here
Stay tuned to SkiNet.com for a few videos from the event.
For more information on summer activities at Killington, Click Here
Burke Mountain’s 20th Annual Pond Skimming Event. Despite many competitors suiting up as super heroes, not too many actually ever make it across the pond.
For more information on Burke Mountain, Click Here
For more information on Burke Mountain, Click Here
After getting snowed out on Saturday, Vail brought back the World Championships of Pond Skimming on Sunday for some incredible, ahem, feats of talent. This competitor was obviously excited about winning at the event earlier in April.
For more information on Spring Back to Vail or Vail itself, Click Here
For more information on Spring Back to Vail or Vail itself, Click Here
Holiday Valley's Pond Skimming Queen Darlene takes flight across the pond in Elliotcottville, New York. Holiday Valley is now fully in golf mode and has lots of information available.
To check it out, click here
To check it out, click here
Whitefish Mountain in Montana hosted their fourth annual Pond Skimming contest on April 4 this year. Some competitors got down to their skivvies this year, perhaps making the event organizers reconsider a dress code? A huge crowd turned out for the event.
For more information on Whitefish, Click Here
For more information on Whitefish, Click Here
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