Get out that wacky costume and get ready for world cup in pond skimming
Pond skimmers, mark your calendar for May 23, 2016. That’s the day Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine at Banff National Park in Canada plans to hold the world’s first Pond Skimming World Cup.
The event co-sponsored by Powder magazine will be part of the resorts’ 88th pond-skimming competition called the Slush Cup. But what contenders really need to think about is this: What will they wear?
Don’t know what pond skimming is? Skiing magazine describes it as an event “wherein spring snow enthusiasts strive to cross a small and very cold body of water on skis, usually while dressed as, say, giant hot dogs or robots.” Or wearing a bikini, or a rabbit costume. You get the picture.
Ski resorts from east to west fill up a pool at the end of a run and watch skiers hit the water. The object isn’t so much to ski to the other side of the “pond” as it is to -- pardon the pun -- make a splash.
The Canadian ski resort announced last week that qualifying events for the new “world cup” would take place at a variety of ski resorts in North America next winter. Finalists then converge at the Banff ski resort for a competition (no, there’s not a pond skimming world governing body).
If you want to train up for the event (you have a year), check out Ski.com’s “Serious Guide to Successful Pond Skimming.” And remember, it’s all about your look:
“Truth be told, the duds you choose to wear while pond skimming can really make or break the decibel of cheering you’ll receive.”
More to Read
Sign up for The Wild
We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.