Celebrate Spring at Ski Area Pond Skimming Competitions
March 19, 2024

Pond skimming competitions are a rite of spring in ski culture. Between March and May, ski areas across the world celebrate the end of the season with skiers and snowboarders gliding across a man-made pond in wild costumes.

Vermont pond skimming events have been around for over 50 years, dating back to the 1960s.

The costumes contestants wear—from wedding dresses to tutus to superhero costumes—make pond skimming festive and fun. You can watch or participate in pond skimming events at many Vermont resorts, including Sugarbush, Stratton, Burke and Mount Snow.

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How to Pond Skim

If you’re thinking of participating in a pond skimming event, try keeping your tips up (but skis/board flat), go for maximum speed when you hit the water and go straight.  Wax your skis beforehand so the wax will naturally repel the water and keep you above it.

Banff in Canada is said to have the oldest pond skimming event in the world, and this year it will host the 96th pond skimming event. In Vermont, pond skimming at most resorts takes place between late March and mid-April.

Vermont Pond Skimming Events

-Photos courtesy of Sugarbush Resort

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Here’s a round-up of select pond skimming events taking place at ski areas around Vermont this season.

Burke Mountain
Postponed to April 7, 2024 at noon

Pond Skim Paradise is the theme of this year’s Burke Mountain’s pond skimming event. Registration opens at 10 a.m. The event is limited to 65 participants Fee $25 to compete. Must be 18 years or older to participate.

Mount Snow
March 23, 2024 at 11 a.m.

Get in your best costume and try your luck in the Sink or Skim pond skimming competition across at 100-foot pond. Registration opens at 9 a.m. at the Cape House and is limited to the first 80 competitors on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no fee to register, but a valid pass or lift ticket is required.

Stratton Mountain
April 7, 2024 at 11 a.m.

Try not to take a dip during the 2024 Pond Skim at Stratton. Be ready to skim the pond on your skis and snowboards, dressed in your favorite costume. Multiple winners will be judged on Best Costume, Best Crash and Best Skim. Fee is $45 to enter and the event is open to all ages. Registration to participate is online only.

Smugglers’ Notch
April 6, 2024 at noon

Elvis costumes, a gorilla, skiers in tutus – you’ll see it all on the Practice Slope at Smugglers’ Notch Pond Skimming event. Registration for this free event starts at 10 a.m. at the Smugglers’ Notch tent in Parking Lot 1 for the first 100 people only. Prizes awarded for best costume.

Sugarbush Resort
April 6, 2024 at 11 a.m.

Take the plunge across a 120-foot pond at the base of Lincoln Peak.  Prizes for overall style, biggest splash and best costume  will be awarded. Registration and bib pick-up will be in the Lincoln Peak Courtyard between 9-10:30 a.m. Fee is $55 to enter. Participants must be at least 8 years old.

Killington Resort
April 13, 2024 at 11 a.m.

The annual spring Pond Skim returns to Killington. Join the party by spectating or participating—just try not to get wet! The event is open to both skiers and snowboarders. *Tickets to participate are sold out, but there is a waitlist.

Jay Peak
Cancelled for 2024

Jay Peak’s pond skimming participants will be judged on best run, best costume, best bail and best splash. Registration opens at 10 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Fee is $15 to enter. Must be 18 years or older to compete.

Find more Vermont Events 

From the Pond Skimming Archives

-An April 8, 1990 photo of pond skimming at Sugarbush Resort. Burlington Free Press/Newspapers.com

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