On Saturday, May 30, 2009, Arapahoe Basin will host their Spring Splash pond skimming festivities. From the A-Basin webz:

Join us Saturday, May 30, 2009 for the official Spring Splash at Lake Reveal.

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Lake Reveal is the natural lake currently forming mid-way up the mountain. Ski or snowboard across the lake and win all kinds of cool prizes.

Registration is FREE and starts at the top of the course on Lenawee Face at 1:00 p.m. Just look for the big, orange Sobe flag.

Win prizes for best costume, best run, best dunk, best trick and many more.

Bring your camera, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to photograph this one!

This pond skimming event puts all others to shame, ’cause it’s free and easy, and anyone who shows up early can probably skim their ass off before the competition begins at 1 p.m. Plus, the pond is a real temporary pond that forms, unlike all the man-made ponds with plastic liners that other ski resorts build for their pond skimming events.

The pond has been slowly forming for a few weeks, and should be large and in prime shape by Saturday. Last year there was so much snow that the pond never formed before A-Basin closed. The last time the pond was this good was 2006.

A couple of quick tips: The skimming is easier in the mid-morning before the sun and warmer temps cause the snow to get softer and slower. And the crowd is smaller earlier in the day, so there’s less intimidation factor for noobs to give it a whirl. Scope out the pond before your first skim to size it up and pick a smooth exit spot to ride out of. Remember to stay loose and keep your weight back a little. Also, don’t feel like you have to skim the whole pond on your first try, just bite off a piece of it before you go long and impress your brahs on your next run.

Check this video from last weekend for some pointers (and sweet liquid yard sales):