It’s time to sink or skim as resorts around New Mexico celebrate the final days of the ski and snowboard season with a series of unforgettable pond skimming competitions.
The rules are simple — get down the slope as quickly as you can and preferably in the wackiest costume you can find, then do your best to sustain both verticality and forward momentum as you glide or skim across the surface of an ice-cold body of water.
Make it all the way across and glory will be yours as you bask in the roars of the appreciative crowd. Fail to get enough speed, mistime your jump, or get slightly out of balance and there will be no mistaking the chill of failure.
Either way, showmanship is key. Like the ancient gladiators in the Roman Coliseum, the crowd can often determine your fate and sway the judges’ decisions in your favor. Do something truly unique and even a splashdown could be rewarded with victory!
Whether you’re going for ultimate glory as a competitor or choose to be a warmer, drier spectator, there’s nothing like the fun of pond skimming. Be sure to check the great competitions and parties happening in New Mexico this month!
Sipapu
March 21 | 1 p.m. | Free! (registration & helmets required)
The 11th annual Pond Skimming Contest will feature prizes to the best finishers who brave the freezing waters of 75-foot long “Lake Sipapu.” Reps from Sierra Nevada will be on hand pouring beers, offering specials, and giving away brewery swag from 4 – 6 p.m. at Riverside Cafe.
Ski Apache
March 16 | 11 a.m. | Free!
The Pond Skim & Beach Bods Contest is open to any skier or snowboarder who is unafraid to freeze. To compete in the free Beach Bod contest, men and women must make one run in beach attire and parade on the Plaza. The two winners will then become judges for the Pond Skim, judging contestants on distance and style.
Red River
March 22 | 3 p.m. | Free!
The Red River Pond Skim is one of the favorites of the area’s Beach Weeks events with fabulous prizes being awarded for Best Splash, Best Costume, Best Run, and Best Team Effort. This year’s Pond Skim takes place on Gold Rush Hill with a beer and wine garden at the Chalet.
