Retro Pond Skim: A Splashy Send-Off to Ski Season
As the snowy slopes of Blue Mountain Resort begin to soften under the late March sun, a buzz of excitement ripples through the air. The ski season is winding down, but not without one final, unforgettable hurrah: the Retro Pond Skim. Scheduled for March 29, 2025, this annual event is a splashy farewell to winter that draws locals and visitors alike to the base of the Smart Alec trail.
For Jamie Thompson, a Collingwood skier with a passion for all things retro, this day is circled in neon marker on their calendar. “I’ve been counting down to this all year,” Jamie says, zipping up a bright orange ski suit paired with oversized sunglasses straight out of the ‘80s. “It’s not just the skimming—it’s the costumes, the music, the whole community vibe that makes it special.”
The Retro Pond Skim is exactly what it sounds like: a thrilling challenge where skiers and snowboarders attempt to glide across a pond carved into the snow. Participants are encouraged to channel their inner retro spirit, decking out in throwback gear that turns the event into a colorful time capsule. According to the Blue Mountain Resort website, the pond opens at 1 p.m., giving each of the 200 participants—one run per person—the chance to skim or swim. Helmets are a must, and the event often sells out fast, a testament to its popularity.
“The Retro Pond Skim has always been a favourite event for Blue Mountain skiers and riders,” says Tara Lovell, the resort’s Public Relations Manager. On the big day, the atmosphere crackles with energy. Spectators bundle up along the slopes, many sporting their own retro outfits—think bell-bottom snow pants and vintage goggles—cheering as the skimmers line up. Music blasts from speakers, and laughter mixes with the occasional gasp as someone hits the water. Jamie, waiting their turn, feels the adrenaline kick in. “You only get one shot,” they say, grinning. “It’s all or nothing.”
When Jamie finally launches down the trail, the crowd holds its breath. With a burst of speed and a little luck, they skim across the pond’s surface, skis barely kissing the water, and land triumphantly on the other side. The cheers are deafening. Not everyone nails it—plenty of participants end up soaked, splashing into the chilly pond to the delight of onlookers—but every attempt, successful or not, is met with applause and good vibes.
Once the last skimmer has taken their plunge, the focus shifts to the prizes. Judges award the best retro costumes, celebrating creativity over perfection. Jamie doesn’t snag a prize this time, but that’s beside the point. “It’s about the experience,” they say, still buzzing from the run. “Being part of this, celebrating the end of another epic season—it’s what keeps me coming back.”
The day winds down with après-ski festivities, where skimmers and spectators mingle over warm drinks and shared stories. The Retro Pond Skim isn’t just an event; it’s a love letter to winter sports and the tight-knit community that rallies around them. For folks like Jamie, it’s the perfect way to wave goodbye to winter and welcome spring.
Want to join the fun? The Blue Mountain Resort website has all the details on registration and updates. Whether you skim, splash, or just soak in the scene, it’s a day of pure, retro-fueled joy.
