There’s a moment every spring in the Sierra when winter loosens its grip—but refuses to go quietly. The snow softens, the sun sticks around a little longer, and the mountains trade powder days for something a little more… entertaining.
That moment is here.
On Saturday, May 2, the 34th Annual Cushing Crossing returns to Palisades Tahoe—and if you’ve never seen it in person, this is one of those Sierra traditions that’s worth experiencing at least once.
What Makes Cushing Crossing Different
Pond skimming isn’t new. You’ll find versions of it at resorts across the West every spring. But Cushing Crossing? This one has roots—and a personality all its own.
Unlike most events built around manmade features, this one happens on a natural alpine pond—Cushing Pond—giving it a raw, unpredictable feel that fits the Sierra perfectly.
And then there are the costumes.
We’re not talking about a simple wig or retro ski suit. This is full-send creativity: inflatable dinosaurs, retro throwbacks, team skits, and outfits that somehow manage to both impress and completely fall apart mid-run.
The goal is simple:
- Build speed
- Stay upright
- Make it across the pond
The reality? Most don’t. And that’s exactly why the crowd shows up.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM
- Location: Cushing Pond at Palisades Tahoe
- Spectating: Free
If you’re thinking about entering:
- Registration: Starts at 8:00 AM
- Where: Wildflower Baking Company (in the village)
- Cost: $20 (cash only)
- Spots: Extremely limited, first-come, first-served
More Than Just the Splash
Cushing Crossing isn’t just about whether someone makes it across—it’s about the entire show.
A panel of local celebrity judges scores each run, factoring in:
- Style
- Costume
- Creativity
- And yes… survival
Add in high-energy emcees and a crowd that’s just as committed to the spectacle as the competitors, and it turns into one of the most entertaining afternoons of the Sierra spring season.
Winners walk away with prizes from brands like:
- Smith
- Darn Tough
- The North Face
- Smartwool
- Chomps
- Honey Stinger
The Sierra Rec Take: Why This Event Matters
There’s something about events like this that remind you what Sierra culture really is.
It’s not just about chasing the best snow or the biggest lines.
It’s about:
- Letting go of the “perfect day” mindset
- Embracing the weird, the fun, and the community
- And celebrating the end of a long winter with a little chaos
You’ll see locals, weekend warriors, families, and longtime Tahoe skiers all gathered around one simple idea: have fun on snow before it’s gone.
And honestly, that’s a pretty good way to close out the season.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re heading up from the valley or making a weekend out of it:
- Show up early—parking and village access fill quickly
- Bring layers—spring in Tahoe can flip fast
- Find a good viewing angle early (front row gets soaked)
- Lean into it—costumes aren’t just for competitors
Make It a Sierra Weekend
Cushing Crossing pairs perfectly with a full spring weekend in Tahoe:
- Morning corn laps if lifts are spinning
- Afternoon at the pond
- Evening in the village
It’s the kind of trip that doesn’t need a big itinerary—just good timing and a willingness to go along for the ride.
