Updated April 2026
Spring is here, and there’s no better way to close out the ski season than pond skimming. The premise is simple: ride down the hill as fast as you can and try to ski or snowboard across a pool of icy water at the bottom. The result? Pure, glorious chaos and one of the most fun days you’ll have all season.
Pond Skimming Costumes? Heck Yeah!
From bikinis to full-on onesies, pond skimming is as much a costume contest as it is an athletic event. The more creative (and hilarious) the better. Imagine the glory of skimming across the pond as a giant pizza. Pure podium potential! Resorts often hand out extra points (and serious bragging rights) for the best-dressed competitor, so don’t hold back.
Beyond Distance: Tricks and Style
Pond skimming requires a delicate balance of speed, technique, and a little bit of luck. Sure, distance is king, but don’t forget about style points! Experienced skimmers use the water as a launchpad for epic tricks. Check out this epic video of a flip after making it past the pond at Solitude Mountain Resort:
@solitudemountain Alternate angle of our 2023 Pond Skim Winner! #GoPro #SolitudeMountain #PondSkim #PondSkimming #fyp 🎥: @gopro ♬ original sound – Solitude Mountain Resort
Après-Skim Celebration
After all the pond skimming is done, it’s time to celebrate! Most events have a festive after-party with live music, food trucks, and a chance to swap stories with fellow pond warriors. Bond over epic splashes, near misses, and maybe even a trophy or two.
Remember: Safety First!
Pond skimming should always be done at a designated event with proper safety measures in place. These events have experienced staff on hand to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. Leave the backyard pond attempts to the imagination.
Find a Pond Skim Event!
Look for pond skimming events near you or check out the upcoming 2026 events below:
- Park City Mountain: April 12, 2026 – Park City, UT
- Stevens Pass: April 16, 2026 – Skykomish, WA
- Jay Peak Resort: April 18, 2026 – Jay, VT
- Sugarloaf: April 18, 2026 – Carrabassett Valley, ME
- Crystal Mountain: April 18, 2026 – Enumclaw, WA
- Breckenridge: April 25 & 26 – Breckenridge, CO
- Copper Mountain: April 26, 2026 – Frisco, CO
- Banff Sunshine Village: May 18, 2026 – Alberta, Canada
And if you’re traveling to compete at a pond skimming event, you don’t want to worry about how your costume will fit in the overhead bin — or how your skis will fare in checked luggage. Check out ShipSkis: we’ll make sure your gear (and your costume) arrives safely so you can focus on crossing the pond.
Written by: Erika Austin
