Annual Pond Skim at Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth’s Annual Pond Skim is the mountain’s end-of-season rite of passage, staged at Canyon Lodge where costumed skiers and riders try to skim a long, icy pond without sinking. In 2026, plan around spring conditions: the pond is often faster and firmer earlier in the day, while later attempts get slushier and more unpredictable as the sun softens the run-in. If you want the best viewing, arrive before the main crowd and stand slightly down-course from the pond’s entry so you can see both the speed build and the splashdown.

Bring a small towel and a dry layer for kids because the spray can reach the front rows, and keep sunglasses handy because the high-elevation glare makes everything feel brighter than a typical spring day. Treat the event like a full Canyon Lodge afternoon.

Between heats, warm up with a snack inside, then step out for the atmosphere as people rotate costumes, tweak gear, and rehearse their approach. After the laughs, keep the day going with a scenic gondola ride for wide views of the Minarets and the crest, then shift to a calmer reset with a short walk near nearby lakes if roads and conditions allow.

One practical 2026 tip: Mammoth spring weather can change fast, so pack for sun and sudden wind at the same time. A light shell, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle make the difference between a quick watch and an all-afternoon hangout, especially if you are staying through the final attempts when the crowd energy peaks.