Pond Skim

The idea is simple: ski fast, don’t drown.

For those less familiar with ski culture, a highly-publicized skim across a manmade pond often marks the season’s close. Dubbed the pond skim by many resorts, this spring skiing event generally features the following: electronic dance music, plenty of bucket hats, at least one neon bikini, men sporting jorts (jean shorts) and Hawaiian shirts, skiers in tutus and a substantial amount of White Claw.

On Saturday, April 20, Big Sky hosted its annual Pond Skim to close out the 2019 ski season. Despite forecasted afternoon thunderstorms, the resort played host to hundreds of spectators fully decked-out in typical spring skiing attire. With 100 participants from various countries entered in the contest, viewers eagerly awaited the 2:30 p.m. starting time. “This was a lot bigger than I expected,” noted first-time attendee Connor Beck of the crowd lining the hillside.

Contestants of all ages and genders arrived to showcase their skimming skills. However, the standout performance of the day was an impressive crossing of the pond on a monoski by Robert Enigl of Bozeman. Enigl made his traverse of the pond in one smooth glide, his landing welcomed by a roaring cheer. “Let’s hear it one more time,” one of the event’s hosts urged the audience. The crowd echoed their initial howl. When asked about the difficulty of balancing on his ski, Enigl said that he was “an anchor,” referencing the monoski’s unique design in which the skier sits with legs outstretched..

Shortly following Enigl’s triumphant crossing, the projected lightning finally arrived. Accordingly, the mass exodus of attendees began a few minutes prior to the official ending of the event, with the first strike of lightning marking the close for the rest.

Only 75 of the 100 registered contestants had attempted to make their way across the water as hosts official brought Big Sky’s Pond Skim to a close. “Well, Pond Skim 2019,” quipped one of the hosts. “That was a good try.”