This time of year, when the winter is winding down, most ski areas in the country have events that pay tribute to the winter and have parties celebrating the arrival of spring. A lot of people wait for this time of year because the temperatures tend to moderate, sun is more plentiful, and in short- spring skiing is worth the wait. Don’t quit too soon because you can miss a pretty good time. Instead of playing golf in the mud, continue to ski as long as you can and enjoy – spring skiing.

One of the iconic events at most areas are the annual pond skimming events where the ski areas build a large pond usually near the ski lodge to allow full visibility for people in the lodge as well as people who have made their way down off the mountain. The idea is to get a good run at the pond, jump into it on skis, and hope that your momentum helps you skim over the water safely to the other side. Well as you can imagine, safe passage is not the norm, and there are lots of hilarious crashes, submerges into the water, and other mishaps that make the beer fueled crowd, laugh with delight.

The event at our local mountain – Seven Springs, evolved from what was the original “Pond Jump”. This event was held in the past before skimming became popular. In those days, the same party atmosphere happened but it was centered around a pond on the backside of the mountain near the Gunnar Chairlift at Seven Springs. Guys would build a huge ramp with a kicker that sent you high into the air, and the result was a splash in the pond for all to enjoy. There was no escaping to the other side in those days. It was, get a good start, get maximum air and do a dive bomb into the pond. Lots of great crashes in those days too with hoots, howls, and laughter.

Personally, I have never participated in the pond jump or skim. I was always concerned about the landing with skis and boots in the water and hoping not to blow out my knees. In short, I always took a pass and watched the frivolity. But it does take a certain type to participate and mostly it is the younger generation. I always say youth is wasted on the young, but in this case, they earn their stripes. If you get a nice sunny day, it is warm, and the plunge in the water is not that bad. But there have been many pond skimming days recently where it has been in the 30s with snow flurries or rain, and that is what tests your fortitude if you don’t make the other side. It takes a certain outgoing type who is willing to dress in a funny costume, hurl themselves down the slope towards the water, and launch themselves into the unknown of success or failure. People always come out of the water, freezing or not, and have a huge smile on their face. The crowd goes nuts, and their outgoing personalities and confidence are rewarded with huge applause, hoots and hollers, and a cold beer waiting at the end. Pond skimming is not for the meek and mild. It is for the confident, outgoing, show- off types who we all love to watch. I tend to be like them in most aspects, but I have always stood on the sidelines of the pond jump or skim.

So, when I think of the fun that we all have at spring skiing time, I have a smile when I think about that big party called the pond skim. No matter what area you visit in the spring, there are events like this, and you can choose to participate or watch and really, there is nothing more entertaining. It is part of the culture of spring skiing and whatever you do, if you are a skier, don’t quit on the season too soon. You will miss a lot- including the carnage in the water. Thanks for reading and enjoy the spring skiing.

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