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.
'The Apprentice,' about a young Donald Trump, premieres in Cannes
Noah Eagle picked by NBC as play
An NPR editor who wrote a critical essay on the company has resigned after being suspended
Owner of ship in Baltimore bridge collapse asks cargo owners to help cover salvage costs
Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
House prices fell 0.2% in last year, official figures report
Clemson guard Chase Hunter enters NBA Draft, but retains eligibility to come back to college
Nathan MacKinnon races to career season, looks to power Colorado Avalanche on another title run
IF starring Ryan Reynolds lands at the top of a lackluster box office with less
Seinfeld's upcoming Netflix movie about Pop
Red Lobster seeks bankruptcy protection after closing some restaurants
Tesla asks shareholders to reinstate Elon Musk's $55 billion pay package