Pond Skimming World Championships

Today was the last day of skiing here at Vail. To celebrate the end of a great ski season, there was a pond skimming contest. The "pond" was literally built into the snow. It definitely puts the amount of snow still piled up at the base area into perspective. I wonder how long it took to dig the pond...it was about the size of an underground pool. The sides were covered with plastic and a fire hose was constantly pumping more water into the pool. About an hour into the competition it became clear that the "skimmers" were displacing more water than the hose could pump into the pond. There were definitely some big splashes! Some skiers came down in style-catching a lot of air and pulling off some neat tricks. Others got a lot of air but failed to stick the landing. People were quite impressed whenever somebody made it all the way to the end of the pond and skied up onto the edge. Another thing to take note of was the costumes. Some of them were a bit crazy. There were Easter Bunnies and Teenage Mutant Ninga Turtles, a two person horse, people wearing just their swim suits, somebody in a "shower", cowboys, and so much more. Lots of crazy people! Here are some pictures and video clips just in case you are having a hard time picturing all of the festivities...

The "pond" and very large group of spectators.

The top of the run and beautiful blue sky!

Close up of the pond and jump.

The pond with a very brave swimmer.