GILFORD, N.H. (AP) — A costumed skier races down a slope, hits a pond and hydroplanes halfway across. He pirouettes and then plunges into the icy water before jumping up and waving to the cheering crowd.
It’s the wacky spring tradition of pond skimming, and it’s happening this month at ski resorts across the country. It’s often held to celebrate the last day of the skiing season before the chairlifts close until the following winter.
Among the resorts holding pond skimming events this weekend are Snowbasin in Utah and Winter Park in Colorado. Mountains in New England and California have already held events or have them scheduled for later in the month. The tradition dates back decades, made famous by the late filmmaker Warren Miller who began documenting the annual Mt. Baker Slush Cup in Washington state in the 1950s.
These days, most resorts make their own ponds with plastic sheeting and water about 3 feet (1 meter) deep. The idea is that skiers and snowboarders try to gain enough downhill momentum to skim clear across a pond. People ski in pajamas, dressed as movie characters, holding fishing rods or shirtless.
Africa Energy Indaba highlights prospects of South Africa
AUKUS Pillar Two: Defence Minister Judith Collins meets with top US military contractor
West Coast emergency staff preparing for deluge
Bail for man accused of grabbing schoolgirl in west Auckland
Don't call them 'sanitary' products! World
West Coast emergency staff preparing for deluge
Haiti PM Ariel Henry in Puerto Rico as gang violence continues
90s rock star, 57, showcases her timeless beauty as she returns to the spotlight after 20
Public Private Partnerships for flood protection would only add to costs
John Tortorella says he failed to get Flyers to 'close the deal' in wake of late
Fire kills 29 people at Istanbul nightclub during daytime renovations