Last year at Whitefish Mountain Resort, Jesus picked up where Shrek left off.
Adhering to the resort’s pond-skimming costume tradition, this particular skier dressed up as Jesus before skiing into a 100-foot-long pond and skipping across the frigid water’s surface. This may sound unusual, but there were actually two or three more Jesuses on the slopes that day.
But there’s only been one Shrek, in the event’s inaugural year. Donnie Clapp, the resort’s spokesman, remembers the green ogre fondly.
“It was really funny,” Clapp said. “That’s the one that sticks out the most for me.”
The fourth annual pond-skimming event will be held at Whitefish Mountain Resort on April 4. Four years ago, Clapp said, the resort discontinued its furniture races, where contestants mounted miscellaneous pieces of furniture on their skis and zipped down the hill. In the absence of that event, resort officials needed another spectator friendly race.
So pond skimming was born, along with its quirky costumes. The event is Whitefish Mountain Resort’s unofficial close to the winter season. More than 3,000 people attend annually.
“It’s the largest spectator event we hold by far,” Clapp said.
The basic fundamentals of pond skimming are straightforward, though the mechanics and execution are a bit trickier. Even the best of skiers and snowboarders can’t be sufficiently prepared for the sensation of hitting a pond at full speed at the end of their run. Workers dig the hole for the pond ahead of time, line it with plastic and then fill it with water.
“Some people seem to be better at it than others, but it’s not something you can really practice,” Clapp said.
Contestants gather at the top of the Middle Fork slope and then one by one they descend the hill, picking up as much speed as possible until they reach the water. The goal is to make it all the way across. In the past there have been optional jumps or grind rails for added effect.
For those who make it to the later rounds, when the starting line has been moved forward, decreasing the participants’ ability to gain momentum, the goal is to simply glide as far as possible. The winner earns $1,000.
Crashes are essential to the pond-skimming custom. In fact, prizes are given out for the most spectacular, artful or just plain ugly crashes. Prizes are also given out for best costumes, so even the Shreks with minimal downhill skills can go home with outdoor gear or a massage.
This year’s event begins at 2:30 p.m. Spectators are invited to bring chairs and gather around the bottom of Chair One, where the pond is located. Concessions and refreshments are available on site.
Participants are asked to register as early as possible. The cost is $30 on the day of the event or $25 for those who register ahead. Registration begins in the morning on April 4 and runs until 1 p.m., but no later. To keep the numbers manageable, only the first 60 applicants will be allowed to participate. Contestants must be 21 years or older. Skiers and snowboarders are both welcome.
“People get really crazy for it around here,” Clapp said. “It’s kind of like a big party, but it’s family friendly.”
For questions about the event call Whitefish Mountain Resort at 862-2910.