[Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2017 and has been updated with fresh pond skimming tips.]
Pond skim season comes a knocking.
Depending on who you ask, spring is some skiers’ favorite season. Warm days, sunny skies, and soft slushy snow surround the mountains. Parking lot tailgates and patio hangs are well deserved after a long winter of putting cold boots on and shivering on the lift ride just for a few turns. Spring in the mountains is the time for parking lot hangs and taking in those snow-capped peaks before bringing the bike in for a tune-up. The cherry on top of all this spring atmosphere? Pond skim ski parties.
You may have seen photos and clips around the socials already. We’re fully in pond skim season these days. Pond skims usually bump up again on closing day weekends, to celebrate the wrap of another season. And since we had such a particularly amazing season, it’s a good year to jump into a pond skim event for your first time. Whether it’s your first time out on the pond or if you’re a seasoned skimmer, we’ve put together our best advice for a killer pond skim day out.
Pond Skimming 101: A Definitive Guide
Step one: Get the outfit
This skier takes costumes one step further by truly embodying the essence of his character with props and all. Watch below.
You’ll see it under most registration and information pages for pond skims: costumes recommended. We all know what that means. Show up with a cool outfit, or be laughed out of town.
Well, no one will laugh you out of town. But, part of the fun with pond skim parties is the fun costumes folks put together. If (or when) you fall into the pond, no amount of waterproof gear or Merino wool will keep you warm and dry. Why not wear a tutu, jorts, or full-on fuzzy onesie? Besides Halloween, we don’t get too many chances to dress up as our favorite characters, so do it up!
Step two: Nail the skim
Now, it’s go time. Think of the water like mega-deep pow—you’ll want to lean back a little and ride those tails. You’re not trying to carve on this water, you’re trying to stay on top of it. Getting those tips way up in the air will prevent those tips from diving and sending you over the handlebars.
Maintain some speed at your entrance. Too little speed and you won’t carry enough momentum to the finish line. Most pond skimmers find the most success by carrying speed, staying calm, and keeping a straight line.
Step three: Party!
If you don’t make it on to the podium for the best skim or outfit, it’s time to dance! Most of these events will come with plenty of music, beverages, and dancing, so bring some party shoes.
Your Colorado Pond Skim Calendar
Sound like a good time? While Crested Butte hosted their pond skim for the season already, there’s plenty of pond skimming to be had still. Check out Breck’s Splash Into Spring Pond Skim on April 27th. If you’re on Ikon, close out the Park side of Winter Park on April 21st with their “Spring Bash + Splash”. Steamboat is throwing down just this weekend on April 14th, and while registration is full, you know there will be excellent vibes at the viewing areas (and excellent spring skiing to be had).
Don’t forget about Arapahoe Basin, which will be towards the end of the month. A-Basin offers the best high alpine pond skim. When Lake Reveal reveals itself, you can tag a quick water ride on the way down from Lenawee. No rules or regulations.
Of course, in late spring and summer in the high alpine of the Rockies, you’ll find plenty of natural ponds to skim around the mountains.
