One of North America’s most hilarious pond skimming contests, the Lake Cushing Classic, returns to Squaw Valley USA for the 19th consecutive season on Saturday, May 9, 2009. This wildly entertaining competition challenges local lunatics and gregarious guests to cross the vast and chilly waters of Lake Cushing on skis, a snowboard or any ski or snowboard-based vessel.

Now notorious for its colossal crashes, hilarious costumes, and ultra-creative pond skimming contraptions, the first Lake Cushing Classics took place at the end of each ski season, when the large pond at the base of the mountain — “Lake Cushing” — had melted and Squaw ski patrollers would attempt to ski across Lake Cushing as a ceremonious good-bye to the season.

Prizes are awarded in five divisions: men’s and women’s ski and snowboard divisions and the fifth, and often most amusing, the unlimited division. This last group of participants has been known to attempt the Cushing Classic on beach chairs, old snowmobiles without engines and even a chair lift affixed to three snowboards.

Judging is based on style, grace, creativity, and of course, successfully crossing the lake. The grand prize is a 2009-10 Squaw Valley Season Pass and a $100 cash prize is awarded to the highest scorer in each class. Judges for the 19th Annual Cushing Classic are five-time X-Games Gold Medalist Nate Holland, ski legends Tamara McKinney and Scott Gaffney, and Squaw Valley royalty (hint: their last name’s are Cushing and McConkey).

Open to the first 50 registrants. Registration takes place on the Sun Deck rotunda at noon with the competition starting at 2 p.m. Cost to enter is $15 per person. All entrants must be 18 or older, have a life preserver, a helmet, and sign a liability release form. Details: www.squaw.com.