Where Skiing Meets the Unexpected

There’s nothing quite like watching a costumed skier or snowboarder bomb down Cloverleaf, hit the lip, and attempt to skim across a 100-foot-long pool of icy spring runoff. Some glide through with style. Others? Not so lucky. But every splash, crash, and crowd-roaring save is part of the magic.

For nearly two decades, the annual Pond Skim at Mammoth Mountain has been drawing spectators of all ages to Canyon Lodge each April. It’s a one-of-a-kind event that blends spring snow, wild outfits, and a whole lot of cold water—making it a must-see on the end-of-season calendar.

Where Did It All Begin?

Pond skimming as a concept dates back nearly a century. Legend has it that in 1928, two friends—Cliff White and Cyril Paris—were spring skiing in Banff, Canada when they decided to test their luck skiing across thawing backcountry ponds. What started as a dare eventually inspired the organized (and much more theatrical) events we see today.

How the Pond Gets Built

Ever wonder what it takes to create a pond fit for skimming? A lot more than you'd think.

The process kicks off days before the event, as the park crew preps the area—sometimes adding snow or adjusting the grade to get everything just right. They also brainstorm features and obstacles to keep things fresh each year.

The heavy lifting begins the night before. At 4:30 PM, the crew starts digging out the pond—a process that takes several hours. Once shaped, a liner is installed and left to settle overnight. By 8:00 AM on event day, the crew starts filling the pond with water, keeping it flowing right up until the 2:00 PM kickoff.

As for dimensions, the pond spans roughly 100 feet long by 30 feet wide—big enough for big moves, big splashes, and big crowd reactions from the Canyon Lodge sundeck.

Always Upping the Ante

Pond skims are now a spring tradition at ski areas across the country—but Mammoth’s is known for going bigger.

In 2023, the crew took it up a notch by adding rails into the pond—giving riders the option to slide or skim. It was such a hit, it’s become a staple feature ever since. But it’s not just about wild setups. It’s about delivering a day that’s as unforgettable for the riders as it is for the fans.

Each year, Mammoth’s Pond Skim raises the bar—blending creativity, adrenaline, and springtime stoke in one truly splashy sendoff to the season.