Final Days: Pond Skimming and Funky Atire

As today is the final day at Vail, I thought it was appropriate to post about common themes for closing days. Vail's final day celebration had many elements but the event that is infamous and at the core of the celebration is pond skimming. This article has a great summary of the history and activities that surround this event at Vail. Vail likes to call their event the World Pond Skimming Championship. This is the first year that Vail has held the pond skimming contest on the final day of the year. In years past, the resort held it on the second to last day as mentioned in this article. Vail is hoping to disperse the crowds and hopefully cut down on some of the partying by moving the event to Sunday rather than Saturday.

Not only do contestants fling themselves off a snow jump, but then attempt to skim across a 100 foot pond of water. The objective is to successfully go off the jump and skim across the entire pond to the other side without falling in. Over the years I have witnessed some pretty impressive costumes and tricks for this particular event. A lot of people try back flips and 360 and few land successfully or make it across the pond. It seems that the new wide powder skis with reverse camber technology make it easier on the contestants. The reverse camber concept came from water skis so it makes sense that they would perform while under these circumstances. However this event and final day at a resort has little to do with ski performance and tools. It is really a fun day where everyone gets dressed up, neon purple one piece suites seem to be a popular choice, to celebrate the season. Along with a pond skimming contest, a lot of skiers just have a big party on top of the mountain after the lifts close. Many resort fanatics want to preserve their final lift served run for as long as they can and some will wait until sunset or nightfall to make their final descent. This day also marks the beginning of the backcountry season. The lifts have closed down and it is time for everyone to earn their turns. Click here for more information on Vail's World Pond Skimming Championships. Here is the most recent article in the Vail Daily that outlines the events of the day.