In what’s believed to be a world first, The Snow Centre indoor snow facility in Hemel Hempstead north of London is organising an outdoor pond skimming competition on Saturday, July 4th. Snow from inside the facility will be moved outdoors and put on a snow ramp, with a pool created at the bottom for skiers and boarders to attempt top slide across.
Pond skimming involves sliding down a snowy slope and trying to cross a pool of water without sinking in.
Usually seen as a ski season ending festivity, events have been organised in some resorts for more than 50 years, but pond skimming has been growing in popularity and many variants have emerged including sliding on a wide variety of devices and in one case at least trying to cross a large lake around 200m wide (no one has quite managed it but some have got close).
“Participants will get wet! The Snow Centre advise bringing a towel and a change of clothes, there are no showers available,” a spokesperson for the facility warned.
Pond skimming sessions will take place between 1pm – 2.30pm and 3pm – 4.30pm on the 4th and would be participants must book in advance by calling 0844 770 7227. Skiers or boarders must be aged 14 or older, wearing a helmet and pay £5 to take part. All ability levels (so long as you can stand up on skis or board) are welcome and ski or snowboard equipment will be available to hire for no extra charge. Wearing fancy dress is optional but welcomed with prizes for the best costumes.
There’s also a major prize available for whoever travels furthest across the pond before sinking – four nights’ accommodation in Telluride, Colorado plus three days of skiing for two people for the 2015/2016 ski season staying at the five star Peaks Lodge and Spa.
There will also be an outdoor snow bar and food stall to keep non-skimmers entertained.
