A skimming star from Philadelphia soars for the crowds at the 2007 World Pond Skimming Championships.
Like all good things, Vail’s season, a season that saw more snow than ever in the institution’s history, must come to an end. And although everyone knows that in seven short days, they’ll no longer be able to ride Vista Bahn, someone forgot to tell Mother Nature because she continues to shower the Valley with snow. We’re all but guaranteed to have an epic final week, and so instead of a somber march towards Mud Season, let the coming days be a celebration of a truly fantastic season.
How does one celebrate a season as great as ’07-’08? Spring Back to Vail, of course. The annual end of the season party (week-long, mind you) returns with big musical acts, movie screenings, nightly parties and pub crawls, and the consistently crowd-pleasing Bacardi World Pond Skimming Championships.
Spring Back to Vail has developed quite a reputation for bringing amazing national musical acts to the Valley for the season’s final huzzah, and this year is no exception. While past years saw the likes of Snoop Dogg and Kid Rock, this year’s headliner is the equally renown Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals. Keep it tuned to Fresh Tracks every morning on Channel 16 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a chance to win tickets. Other musical guests include Gov’t Mule, the Kottonmouth Kings, local rockers Little Hercules and a host of local and visiting DJs who will be playing at various on-mountain locations.
If you’re unable to make it to any of the Spring Back performances, you’ll still be able to send out the season in style. Bacardi and Coors Light will be hosting parties nightly at various Vail Village locations including Tap Room, The George, The Red Lion, Los Amigos, Garfinkels and Samana. And let’s not forget the ever-popular end of the week festivities, the World Pond Skimming Championships (Saturday, April 12) and the affectionately named Gaper Day (Sunday, April 13). World Pond Skimming will pit brave men and women against a slope and stretch of water, armed with nothing more than skis or a board. Only the strong will live to make it across the icy depths. Pond Skimming competitor spots are already all filled up, but, trust us, this is a highly entertaining spectator sport. Gaper Day, the final day of the season, is a silly celebration of ridiculous ski attire and all day parties across Vail Mountain. If you miss this ludicrous affair, you’ll be regretting it all summer long.
For a complete schedule of Spring Back to Vail Events or information on how to order tickets, check www.springbacktovail.com
Enjoy Plum’s coverage of the 2007 Bacardi World Pond Skimming Championships below.
Video
Every year, the top pond skimmers from around the world gather in Vail for the Pond Skimming World Championships. Over 100 pond skimmers put their snow/water sport skills to the test for a first place prize of $1000.
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