WILMINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A warm spring day, not the best conditions for skiing but, they make perfect conditions for pond skimming.
Skiers and snowboarders are making a big splash to mark the end of ski season at Whiteface Mountain.
Whiteface Mountain hosted their annual international pond skimming competition Saturday, and the rules are simple.
“You get as much speed as you can and try to make it as far across the pond as you can. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t quite make it all the way,” said Lauren Garfield, the sales, and marketing manager of Whiteface Mountain.
Skiers and snowboarders started at the top of the slope and glided their way down to the pond in wacky costumes.
Some contestants got their inspiration from their favorite skiing movie.
Vaughn Thingvoll of Oswego N.Y. said it was his first time pond skimming, and he has a strategy.
“I’m going to try and make it across and if I don’t, I’m going to try and fall as hard as I can,” said Thingvoll.
Contestant Ivan Favreau of Tupper Lake N.Y. says this isn’t his first rodeo and he’s prepared for the conditions of the pond.
“It’s a lot colder than you think, it will take your breath away, but they got poles to help bring you out,” said Favreau.
There were also rescue aides in the pond to help contestants take off their skis and snowboards.
After contestants take their plunge, they are scored on longest distance, biggest splash, and best costume.
Pat Connors, who is a two-time pond skimming judge, said this event is widely anticipated.
“We do it every year, it’s kind of our last hurrah as far as our events go and it’s one of the most participated. We normally have 100 people, and we must turn people away,” said Connors.
And after a weekend packed with events–whiteface mountain also hosting an eclipse viewing party on Monday.