Caution: Snow is slippery when wet. And by wet … yes, we mean water. Spring skiing can sometimes mean powder, but more often than not, it means warmer weather, the shedding of layers, and the slushiest of snow.
For more than 60 years, ski resorts across the country have celebrated as the sun shines and snow melts. And they do it with pond skimming.
Essentially, pond skimming has skiers and snowboarders launching down a snowy run into a landing zone of water that can vary from actual lakes to water elements built by the resort.
Though, there’s some element of risk, as the incident at the 2018 Copper Mountain Slopesoakers so accurately demonstrated. In other words, come ready to sign a long waiver.
Aside from skiing or riding headfirst into a pit of cold water, it’s a blast. Remember, it’s the journey, not the destination. There are usually crowds of folks in swimsuits, people on the “beach” knocking back cervezas — it’s as summery as you can get in the snowy Mountain West.
2024 Ski Resort Pond Skims
April 2: Crested Butte Resort Pond Skim (CO)
April 10: Steamboat Splash Down Pond Skimming Championships (CO)
April 13: Park City Pond Skim (UT)
April 13: Solitude Pond Skim Beach Party (UT)
April 13: Heavenly Mountain Resort Pond Skim (CA)
April 14: Purgatory Pond Skim (CO)
April 14: Steamboat Splashdown Pond Skim (CO)
April 15-16: Keystone Springstastic Pond Skim (CO)
April 20: Snowbasin Pond Skim (UT)
April 21: Winter Park Pond Skim (CO)
April 30: Breckenridge Resort’s “Splash Into Spring” Pond Skim (CO)
May 4: The 32 Annual Cushing Crossing at Palisades Tahoe (CA)
June TBD: Skim whenever the snow melts at A-Basin (CO)
Did we mention it’s a competition? Bring your best bag of tricks, consider practicing striking a pose or sticking a landing, and get ready to compete for awards like “biggest air” and “best wipeout.” Costumes are highly encouraged. If you aren’t keen on competing, trust us — you’re still welcome to spectate and enjoy the party.
Don’t forget to register if events require. Grab your swimsuit, floaties, board shorts, Hawaiian shirt, ski boots, and your coolest-looking shades — we’ll see you out there.
Here’s a taste of all the pond skimming fun to look forward to:
