World Pond Skimming Championships registration now open

VAIL — The World Pond Skimming Championships make a triumphant return to Vail Mountain’s Golden Peak base area for the 14th year on Closing Day, Sunday, April 10.

Pond skimming

Skimmers will gather in Vail to test their buoyancy on Lake Golden Peak for the chance at the title of this year’s World Pond Skimming Champion. One male and one female winner will each win a 2016-17 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.”

Participants will don costumes and soar off a jump in hopes of skimming across the water and coming out on the other side. A panel of highly skilled judges scores each competitor on distance, style, creativity and water resistance. The contest begins at 3 p.m., and the Golden Peak venue opens at 1 p.m. for sponsor expos and giveaways.

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Registration for this year’s World Pond Skimming Championships is now open at http://www.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 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.

Other events

The entertainment schedule includes a free concert from Chris Robinson Brotherhood with opening act Eminence Ensemble at Solaris Plaza on Friday, April 8, to kick off closing weekend.

Be sure to check out the Vail Film Festival virtual reality tent at Checkpoint Charlie, which will feature free virtual reality programming such as Cirque Du Soleil, safari, news stories, etc., for both festival pass holders and the general public from Friday, April 8, through Sunday, April 10.

Also, throughout Spring Back to Vail weekend, Vail Village and Lionshead Village businesses will offer Triple R Rewards. Think great deals promoting the three Rs: restaurant, retail and relaxation.

Spring Back to Vail is presented by Vail Mountain, Pepsi, Bud Light, the town of Vail, Audi and Smith and is brought to you in part by Helly Hansen, Nature Valley, Vibram, GoPro, Liberty Skis, Vail Resorts Retail and Colorado Mountain Express.

For more information, visit http://www.vail.com/springback.