Pond skimming is the undisputed grand finale of the ski season. It’s equal parts athleticism, costume design, and public humiliation, saying goodbye to the winter with a massive party. Colorado has a lot of great pond skims, some more unique than others. If you’re hoping to watch one of these events, or participate, here are 5 great Colorado pond skims that you won’t want to miss.
Peaks & Beats – Breckenridge
The Peaks & Beats pond skim takes place both Saturday, April 25th and Sunday, April 26th at the base of Peak 8 at Breckenridge, running from 10am to 1pm each day. All participants must register online in advance. Registration is $30, with proceeds benefiting the Epic Promise Foundation. Skimmers must be at least 14 years old, and spots fill quickly so early sign-up is encouraged. Athlete check-in runs from 8:30–9:30am, followed by a mandatory athlete meeting at 9:30am. Registration opens in April.
Skimmy Dippers Pond Skim – Copper Mountain
Set for April 26th, the Skimmy Dippers Dual Pond Skim invites teams of two to compete on side-by-side water courses featuring a 60-foot rail and jump elements. Participants, who must be at least 12 years old and wear helmets, will be judged on creativity, technique, and difficulty. The winning duo receives two 2026-27 Copper season passes, with additional prizes for runners-up, best costumes, and best tricks. Registration is $50 per team and requires a completed waiver.
Splashdown Pond Skim – Steamboat Resort
The Splashdown Pond Skim returns to Steamboat Resort on April 12th, 2026, starting at 1:00pm. Limited to 75 participants aged 9 and older, this rowdy tradition requires mandatory costumes and a $20 cash entry fee (waived for employees). Competitors are judged on a 50-point scale covering costume, distance, style, crowd response, and air. To stay eligible, skimmers must check in by 11:30am, avoid inversions, and leave ski poles behind. The event crowns one overall champion from a single diverse division of skiers and riders. Registration opens April 1st.
Pond Skim – Purgatory Resort
Scheduled for April 5th between 12:30pm and 3pm this year, Purgatory’s annual Pond Skim offers a day of “glory and bragging rights” fueled by Ska Brewing and High West spirits. Registration opens at 9:30am on event day at the ticket office for a $20 fee. Participation is limited to the first 100 skimmers aged 12 and older. To win, athletes must drop in fast, no poles allowed, and prioritize style with wild costumes. While the competition focuses on flair and crowd response, local prizes are up for grabs. Spectators can enjoy the “beach” party atmosphere, provided they watch out for the legendary pond alligators.
Keystone Slush Cup – Keystone Resort
The Keystone Slush Cup returns to the Mountain House Base on Sunday, April 5th, 2026, offering a killer end-season celebration from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Advanced skiers and snowboarders are invited to don costumes and skim across adult or kids’ ponds to compete for prizes. Registration must be completed online in advance, costing $30 for adults and $15 for children, with all proceeds supporting the Epic Promise Foundation. Participants must wear helmets, leave their poles behind, and be capable swimmers. Following a morning check-in and mandatory meeting, the competition kicks off at 11:30am, concluding with a 2:45pm awards ceremony.
Bonus: Arapahoe Basin
If you’re looking for a pond skim without the competition, Arapahoe Basin is the place to go. Lake Reveal, as they call it, tends to come out toward the last few weekends of the season, allowing skiers and snowboarders to try their hand at crossing the pond without many guidelines. The snowy shoreline is generally a huge party full of killer costumes and great vibes. If you want to participate, keep an eye on Arapahoe Basin’s social media to see when the lake has emerged. The best party will likely be closing weekend, though, so be prepared to head to the slopes for the final few days.
