Why Skiers are Closing Out the Season with a Splash: Preserving the Thrilling Tradition of Pond Skimming

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For nearly 100 years, die-hards have been saying goodbye to winter by speeding down the slopes and water skiing over massive puddles

Anna Fiorentino – Freelance writer

April 18, 2025 12:04 p.m.

As winter draws to a close, a vibrant display of costumes fills the slopes, heralding the arrival of slush cup season. This year, a group of thrill-seeking skiers and snowboarders braved the icy conditions at the Sunday River ski resort in Newry, Maine, taking part in the beloved tradition of pond skimming.

The event showcased a colorful array of characters—one notable participant, Colby Ray from Saco, Maine, donned a Maine Moxie hat and waved a rubber lobster as he skillfully navigated a 60-foot pond. Despite the slushy and unpredictable conditions, Ray managed to stay dry, much to the delight of the spectators eagerly watching from the sidelines.

Pond skimming events are a staple of springtime ski culture across North America, marking the end of the ski season with an exhilarating mix of enthusiasm and humor. Skiers and snowboarders launch themselves down the slopes, gliding across ponds and large puddles, often in creative costumes, all while hoping to stay afloat. The crowd’s reaction is electric—cheering for those who make it across and laughing for those who don’t.

Among the anticipated highlights is the 95th annual Slush Cup at Sunshine Village in Banff, Alberta, scheduled for May 19, 2025. Initially a lighthearted staff event, this gathering has transformed into a major celebration attracting 5,000 to 6,000 attendees, all eager to bid farewell to winter in spectacular fashion.

Participants arrive in vibrant attire, ranging from neon colors to Hawaiian shirts, with barbecues and live music amplifying the festive atmosphere. Certain events even incorporate jumps and rails, increasing the level of excitement for both participants and onlookers. The origins of the Slush Cup can be traced back to the late 1800s, when friends dared each other to cross a small pool of meltwater near Banff, igniting a tradition that has only grown over the decades.

Pond skimming’s humble origins in Banff

The story of pond skimming is deeply rooted in the history of the Canadian Rockies. The tradition began in Banff during the late 1800s when industrialist William Cornelius Van Horne fulfilled his vision of connecting the Rockies with the rest of Canada via the transcontinental railway. This venture brought new visitors to the area, and amidst the excitement, two friends dared each other to tackle a small pond of meltwater while skiing.

With a bit of courage and perhaps a hint of foolishness, they sped down the slope—a moment that would set the stage for countless springtime celebrations. This May, as skiers gather at Sunshine Village, they will notice the legacy of those first adventurous friends as they skim across the same waters.

Slush Cup goes viral

By the 1950s, the pond skim phenomenon began to gain global traction, largely fueled by filmmaker Warren Miller, who showcased the quirky activity in his ski films. The 1954 Slush Cup at Mount Baker in Washington marked a significant moment, as spectators were treated to bikinis, beer, and plenty of spills, captured on film and shared widely. This laid a foundation for what would eventually become a cherished tradition at ski resorts worldwide.

In the 1990s, the concept firmly entrenched itself at Palisades Tahoe, thanks to the influence of avid ski patrollers. This led to an informal challenge that has drawn crowds eager to showcase their talents on naturally formed ponds, adding an authentic touch to the experience.

Resorts such as Quebec’s Mont Tremblant and Colorado’s Breckenridge now host creative variations of pond skimming, incorporating obstacles and themed events that keep skiers returning year after year. As ski resorts adapt creatively, events are becoming more elaborate, with some offering live music and themed celebrations to enhance the atmosphere.

Even smaller resorts have started to join in on the fun, with events like the East Coast Pond Skim Championship at Sugarloaf and a lively competition in Gunstock, New Hampshire. These local gatherings highlight the enduring appeal and communal spirit of pond skimming, rekindling the same sense of joy that sparked the original events decades ago.

Only skimming the surface

Kendra Scurfield, a regular attendee of the Slush Cup, reflects on the unique culture surrounding these events, highlighting how pond skimming fosters camaraderie among participants and spectators alike. Legendary athletes, like Paralympian Tyler Turner, now contribute to the tradition by encouraging creativity and enthusiasm instead of purely competitive aspirations.

As the Slush Cup continues to flourish, the specifics of scoring vary based on several factors, including distance covered, technique, and the overall crowd response—emphasizing the rollicking fun that characterizes these celebrations.

Interestingly, while there is no official record for the longest pond skim, informal claims, such as Philippe Troubat’s impressive 509-foot skim in France, demonstrate the extreme lengths to which enthusiasts are willing to go. This spirit of adventure embodies the essence of pond skimming, bridging generations of skiers excited to embrace the thrills of spring.

As the ski season draws to a close, the culture of pond skimming promises to live on, continuing to bring joy to mountain communities and reminding everyone why they first fell in love with winter sports—a joyful celebration of skill, laughter, and the enduring thrill of adventure.

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www.smithsonianmag.com