With pond skim season is full swing we want to remind participants and spectators alike to remember that these fun and festive annual celebrations of ski culture can be seriously dangerous as evidenced by this notorious incident that happened at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania in April 2021.
For those unfamiliar with pond skims concept is simple, ski resort create a temporary pool (often a snow pit lined with plastic), fill it with water and challenge anyone in the crowd to cross it by gaining enough speed to hydroplane its length. Its for participants and entertaining for spectators, a win win.
After an afternoon of successful crossings, the final skier of the day decided to attempt the pond skim riding backwards (also know as switch) and lost control prior entering the pond. The skier crashed through a net fence and impacted two spectators who both appear to have been instantly knocked unconscious. Both members of the crowd were taken to local hospitals:
“At our annual end of season pond skim event, our last skier of the day lost control and skied off the course, broke through a fence and hit two spectators. Our ski patrol swiftly attended to them. The spectators were taken to local hospitals.” –Seven Springs
If you participate or attend a pond skim event please do not do anything that would imperil yourself or anyone in the crowd. These events are designed to be a bit rowdy and rambunctious but not at the expense of health and well being.
