The Pond Skim is a closing of the season- a passing of the baton from winter to spring. It is also one of the most exciting and crazy events you can attend in Mammoth on your vacation getaway.
This end of the weekend party is all about the thrill of winter sports and how, even at the tail end of the season, the country’s finest and most seasoned masters can still commit to a thrilling romp down the snowy and icy slopes.
What is the Pond Skim?
So what is this mysterious event? The event features numerous competitors, often over 50, skim straight over a 110-foot pond from an elevated snowy slope. It may or may not be frozen over. If it is not completely frozen, expect to get just a little wet!
The pond sits at the bottom of a slope. The most daring will start from the top, glide down to the bottom, and soar over the icy pool. Some of the cleverer participants may spin, flip, jump, and commit to thrilling acts of bravery as they careen quickly along the ice.
Participants go by either ski or snowboard. You can review which option is the best overall as you admire these crazy skiers and snowboarders test their mettle in one of the most exciting Mammoth events for the season.
The event is on April 21st. The pond skims officially begins at 2 p.m. for viewers, though participants should arrive by 9 a.m. to guarantee a spot on the slopes.
What Happens After?
After the Pond Skim, you can attend the Pond Skim Party. The event acts as a warm welcome to the spring season. The end of the weekend party is dubbed the “Spring Afterparty.” It will feature drinks, games, and other antics. The party is considered a family-friendly event.
The party is slated to begin at 4 p.m.
Where is the Event?
The Pond Skim is at the Canyon Lodge. The lodge’s address is 1000 Canyon Blvd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States. The after party will officially begin at the Canyon Beach Bar. This is the bar located at Canyon Lodge.
Can You Participate?
You can absolutely participate! It is only open to anyone who has the nerve, of course.
At 8 a.m., visitors can line up to guarantee a spot. Tickets are only issued to the first 50 people in line. Registration officially opens at 9 a.m. Registration beyond the first 50 is not guaranteed, so be sure to arrive a bit early if you want to make it.
The event leaders like to add a fun spin to the event. If you want to participate in the Pond Skim event, you have to have a costume. It can be any costume as long as it wouldn’t impair your ability to hit the slopes and it is not offensive.
Grab some old Halloween garb. Create a makeshift costume out of scrap clothes. The costume does not have to be advanced, as past participants utilized a Batman cap, a simple mask, and other fun design choices to meet the costume requirement. Have fun with it and make sure you got a photo-taker at the bottom!
Do what it takes to soar down the slopes and glide, gracefully or not, along with the icy pool at the bottom.
Is it open to participants under 18?
Participants under 18 are required to have a parent present who will consent and sign their release.
This is an ideal opportunity to experience two seasons at the same time. Mammoth will be in an alluring state of transition by the end of April. The snow will dissipate enough to allow some subtle green to poke out from underneath. The weather will be crisp and cool, giving you the opportunity to check out the restaurants comfortably during the afternoons.
Mammoth is widely considered one of the most mesmerizing ski slope destinations in the country. Its alpine slopes attract tens of thousands of visitors a year. Its 400 inches of annual snowfall, on average, provide an idyllic winter backdrop. The perfect spot for a scenic moonlight cross country ski or snowshoe tour (available from December through April). Come on out and see a wild world of snow, crazy snowboarders, and fun weekend parties.
