By Abby Kreinheder
As the weather begins to warm in Western New York, Holiday Valley is ready to celebrate the end of another wonderful winter ski season. East coast skiers know how to enjoy every last inch of the white blanketed hills right up until the end. It is officially spring skiing here in Ellicottville which means the beloved Pond Skimming competition is just around the corner.
It is unclear where Pond Skimming first began. Some claim it originated in Canada back in the 1920s, or maybe it was was in someone’s backyard who wanted to have some fun in the slush. Either way skiers back then and now like to splash around in the spring conditions.
Pond Skimming is a thrilling and often hilarious event. Set up at the bottom of a ski slope is a large pool of freezing water that is dug into the snow for a seamless transition over the water. Courageous participants ski or board down the hill in an attempt to glide across the pool as far as they can make it before either sinking or successfully reaching the other side.
Spectators gather around the pool to watch the spectacle and cheer on the skimmers as the rush down the hill and skim across the the pool, or more often plunge into the frigid water.
Participants gather at the top of the run, donning everything from superhero costumes to tutus to full-body animal suits. Some competitors take the event seriously, carefully selecting their equipment and strategy for crossing the pond, while others are content to simply make a splash and entertain the crowd.
As the event kicks off, the first participants ski or snowboard down the hill, picking up speed as they approach the water. The goal is to maintain enough speed to glide over the water and make it to the other side, but that’s often easier said than done. Some participants crash spectacularly into the water, while others manage to skim across the surface, to the cheers of the crowd.
The skimmers are judged on their pond skimming skills, their costume creativity and flair, their graceful or not so graceful transition from snow to water, and of course whether they make it across the pond or not. This year’s competition categories include Best Skimmer, Best Costume, Best Kid and Best Splash.
Costumes are silly, outrageous, and definitely keep you on your toes because you’ll never know what to expect next. The winners are awarded bragging rights, and the crowd goes wild for their favorites.
While skiers and boarders skim across the water, DJ Tyler Swift will be playing some tunes to keep the crowd entertained. As an avid snowboarder at Holiday Valley, it’ll be great having him on a stage instead of the slopes this time. He’ll be playing from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, March 25.
Pond Skimming at Holiday Valley is a must-see event for anyone who loves skiing, snowboarding, and having a good time. So, head to the base of Yodeler Lodge for some good music, food and drinks at the outdoor bar, and maybe grab a free Red Bull from a Wings Team member.
The 2023 annual Pond Skimming will take place on Sunday, March 26 at 1pm. Registration begins at 11am. There is a maximum of 50 participants so make sure to sign up! Skiers or boarders must be at least 8 years old and have a parent’s signature if under 18.