Colorado’s unbelievable ski season is coming to a close and what better way to end this year but with style, grace and a healthy dose of friendly competition. On Sunday April 20th, Vail will host the World Pond Skimming Championships presented by Red Bull. This glorious display of physical prowess happens only once a year, with competitors from across the globe, gathering in their Sunday best to take on the pond.

Vail World Pond Skimming Championships

Vail World Pond Skimming Championships

A pond skim is a fairly simple game. Charge down hill strapped to either your skis or your board and try to gain enough speed to launch off an on snow jump and skim effortlessly across a freezing cold pool of water and hop out on the other side victorious. It’s a spectacle that rebels against the laws of physics, sanity, and the limit of afternoon laughter.

Getting air at the World Pond Skimming Championships in Vail, Colorado

Getting air at the World Pond Skimming Championships in Vail, Colorado

Any daredevil 14 years or older is welcome to compete; and all participants will receive a base layer from Helly Hansen. There is a $75 registration fee per participant and you must register by Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 6:00 PM mountain standard time. While most compete for the stories and glory, some fierce competitors keep their eyes on the prize. The last man and woman standing will go home boasting the title of “The Golden Skimmer” and they will receive a 2014/15 Epic Pass from Vail, as well as a pair of Liberty Skis and a Helly Hansen base layer.

 

The World Pond Skimming Championships are a sight to be seen; with wild costumes and crazed athletes the show is memorable to say the least. The event opens to the public at 1:30 p.m. with brand and gear expos, as well as giveaways from the sponsors. With the heat of competition turning up at 3 p.m., you can shred all day and still witness the mayhem. This may be the happiest happy hour of your season.

The Deets:

Where?

Ready for the descent into the Pond

Ready for the descent into the Pond, Vail Colorado

  • Lake Golden Peak at Vail Mountain’s Golden Peak base

When?

  • Sunday April 20th, 2014

Timing?

  • Venue opens at 1:30 p.m.
  • Competition begins 3-4:30 pm

Mileage?

  • 97 miles west of Denver on I-70W

Registration?

  • Register for the 2014 World Pond Skimming Championships at active.com

Registration Fee?

  • $75 for all participants

Limited Space?

  • Yes, the competition is limited to 75 participants, so you should sign up now.

Extra Goodies?

  • Steel Pulse, Bonfire Dub, Spring Back to Vail Events, General Debauchery