News Archive

• Participant registration must be completed online; no on-site registration is available
• World Pond Skimming Championships will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 10

 
VAIL, Colo. – March 14, 2016 – The World Pond Skimming Championships make a triumphant return to Vail Mountain’s Golden Peak base area for the 14th year on Sunday, April 10, 2016. Skimmers from far and wide will gather in Vail to test their buoyancy on Lake Golden Peak for the chance at the title of 2016 World Pond Skimming Champion. One male and one female winner will each win a 2016-2017 Epic Pass and a pair of Liberty Skis. DJ Bulby, who has worked with artists such as Rihanna, Jimmy Cliff, Britney Spears and Michael Franti, will be at Golden Peak spinning tunes starting at 4:30 p.m.
 
“The World Pond Skimming Championships is always a highlight of Spring Back to Vail,” said Jim Kellen, director of marketing for Vail Mountain. “The crowds love coming out to see the competition and indulge in some wet, wacky, fun.”
 
The closing day tradition of donning costumes and skimming across icy water at the legendary World Pond Skimming Championships holds strong as participants will soar off a snow jump in the hopes of coming out on the other side. The spectacle defies the laws of physics and common sense as a panel of highly-skilled judges scores each competitor on distance, style, creativity and water resistance. The contest begins at 3:00 p.m. and the Golden Peak venue opens at 1:00 p.m. for sponsor expos and giveaways.
 
Registration for this year’s World Pond Skimming Championships is now open at springbacktovail.ticketleap.com/pondskimming/ and costs $75 per competitor. The field is limited to 75 participants ages 14 and older on a first-come, first-served basis. Entries for this outrageous event sell out quickly each year, so those interested in participating are encouraged to register immediately. Registration to participate must be completed online prior to the event; no on-site registration will be available.
 
The World Pond Skimming Championships is a long-standing closing day tradition on Vail Mountain and is a well-loved part of the lineup of entertainment at Spring Back to Vail, the yearly festival to celebrate the conclusion of the skiing and snowboarding season in Vail. The schedule of entertainment also includes a free concert from Chris Robinson Brotherhood with opening act Eminence Ensemble at Solaris in Vail Village on Friday April 8 to kick off closing weekend.
 
For more information on the World Pond Skimming Championships, including rules and judging criteria, as well as the full Spring Back to Vail schedule visit www.vail.com/springback.
 
Extend your stay and save up to 50% on spring break lodging! Visit www.vail.com and check out the ‘Sunshine and Savings’ deal. 
 
Spring Back to Vail 2016 Schedule
April 8-10, 2016
 
THE CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD presented by TOWN OF VAIL 
Opening Band – Eminence Ensemble
East Meadow Dr, Willow Bridge Rd, Solaris Plaza
FRIDAY, April 8
5pm Concert Venue Opens
5:30pm Music starts
 
VAIL FILM FESTIVAL VIRTUAL REALITY TENT
Slifer Square
FRIDAY, April 8 – SUNDAY, April 10
11am – 5pm 
Be sure to check out the Vail Film Festival Virtual Reality 20' x 20' tent (at Checkpoint Charlie) that will feature FREE virtual reality programming such as Cirque Du Soleil, Safari, News Stories, etc. for both festival pass holders and the general public.
 
SPRING BACK TO VAIL “TRIPLE R REWARDS”
Vail and Lionshead Businesses
FRIDAY, April 8 – SUNDAY, April 10
Various Vail and Lionshead businesses will be offering “Triple R Rewards” throughout the Spring Back to Vail weekend. Think great deals promoting the three R’s: Restaurant, Retail and Relaxation.

TIKIS AND TUNES LUAU
Sarge’s at Mid-Vail
SATURDAY, April 9
12pm – 3pm 
Pig roast, Drink specials, Live music, Games and Giveaways

WORLD POND SKIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Golden Peak 
SUNDAY, April 10 
1pm Venue Opens including a BBQ and Spring Back to Vail Expo Village
3pm World Pond Skimming Championships Begin
4:30pm DJ Bulby

EXPO VILLAGE 
Gondola One
FRIDAY, April 8 – SATURDAY, April 9
9am-4pm
 
Spring Back to Vail is presented by Vail Mountain, Pepsi, Bud Light, Town of Vail, Audi and Smith, and brought to you in part by Helly Hansen, Nature Valley, Vibram, GoPro, Liberty Skis, Vail Resorts Retail and Colorado Mountain Express.
 
About Vail Mountain
Under blue skies more than 300 days each year, Vail is an extraordinary mountain resort destination. The vacation experience is exceptional, from the awe-inspiring terrain and natural beauty of the surrounding Gore and Sawatch Ranges to world-class events, activities and festivals, shops and spas, and the abundant culinary experiences and luxurious accommodations that line the pedestrian-friendly streets of Vail Village and Lionshead. Vail is where outdoor pursuits meet village sophistication. Offering more than 5,200 acres of developed ski and snowboard terrain including seven legendary Back Bowls in winter, and flourishing with new summer activities in preparation for the debut of Epic Discovery in 2016, the options for year-round adventure are endless. Coupled with the vision inherent in the spirit of Vail’s founders, and a modern day commitment to excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail is a mountain resort like nothing on earth.

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Media Contact
Sally Gunter, (970) 754-3001, sgunter@vailresorts.com
Maggie Meisinger, (970) 754-4528, mmeisinger@vailresorts.com