Over 90 jubilant competitors — donning an array of costumes and characters as wide-ranging and rapturous as spring skiing trail conditions — braved a pool of water not much warmer than the air to put on a show for hundreds of spectators who had gathered for the annual cherished event, which kicked off at high noon on Saturday.

Some competitors went for distance — tucking it down the hill to build up as much momentum as possible before trying to position their skis or snowboards to properly plane and glide across the water. Others took a different approach — opting to put on an aerial acrobatics show, twisting and twirling through the air and sealing their fate in a massive splash into the water shortly thereafter.

When all was said and done, it was longtime Whiteface Mountain employee Nathan “N8” Hofrichter who made it the furthest across the pond, although nobody managed to make it all the way across. Hofrichter, who was on a snowboard, attributed his victory to a mastery of surface area. He posited that there was a big drop right before the water in this year’s course that sapped some momentum, possibly resulting in nobody being able to clear the entirety of the pond.

Braeden Lummel, also on a snowboard, was awarded the “biggest splash,” while skiers Joe Saltrelli and Taylor Nedurian won best costume and best style, respectively. Saltrelli’s costume description on the judge’s score sheet read “seventies workout guy who’s been to 50 Dave Matthews shows.” Nedurian, perhaps ushering in the warmer months, came down the hill in a bikini and was equipped with snorkeling gear, while holding on to a unicorn floaty around her.

“N8” Hofrichter glides to victory — while keeping his drink steady — at Whiteface’s International Pond Skimming Competition on Saturday. N8 had the longest skim of the day. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Despite the bone-chilling water, everyone seemed to emerge from the pond with a smile on their face, many with their teeth chattering. Safety was a priority for organizers. A team of four rescuers in wetsuits stood in the pool the entire time, helping direct competitors out of the water as they came to a splashing halt. Fortunately, none of the competitors needed a serious rescue.

The pond was created by forming a pit in the Round-a-bout trail, near the mountain’s base area. A plastic liner was then carefully placed and filled with water. Competitors were reminded to drop their ski poles before entering the pond and avoid running their skis or boards against the liner on the sides. Both measures were in place to try to keep the plastic liner from ripping, which would drain the water.

Even with the structural precautions, water levels began dropping in the midst of the event. There had been a slash in the liner, a setback not uncommon for pond skimming events. Mountain operations staff quickly sprang into action and connected water lines from nearby snowmaking infrastructure. They began pumping water into the pond and maintained sufficient water levels for everyone to get their run in.

Jake Sporn, one of the most recognizable voices at the mountain, served as the master of ceremonies. He — along with legendary mountain reporter Erik Petersen, who was also on scene at the International Pond Skimming Competition — is up early throughout the season, recording daily conditions reports for skiers and riders to stay informed before they hit the slopes.

Petersen, who anchored Sunday’s report, began by thanking everyone who showed up.

Colden Mrak gives two thumbs up as “Domingo the Flamingo” at the International Pond Skimming Competition held at the Whiteface Mountain ski resort on Saturday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

“I want to kick things off today with a huge thank you to everyone who took part in our International Pond Skimming Competition yesterday,” he said. “As someone who was recently in the AuSable River, I can confidently say that our pond was not warm, but you braved it like champions, and the crowd was rewarded with some legendary sends.”

Judge Sue Riley, master of ceremonies Jake Sporn and Dave Abruzzy at the International Pond Skimming Competition held at the Whiteface Mountain ski resort on Saturday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Charlie Tagliarino, Susan Tolbert and Jim Duncan smile at the top of the pond skimming course. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Taylor Nedurian, with a bikini, snorkeling gear and a unicorn floatation device, was all set for the water at the International Pond Skimming Competition held at the Whiteface Mountain ski resort on Saturday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Harrison Sangster sails through the water while carrying Jimmy the Pineapple at the International Pond Skimming Competition held at the Whiteface Mountain ski resort on Saturday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Oakley and Aaron Kellett smile after competing in the International Pond Skimming Competition held at the Whiteface Mountain ski resort on Saturday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Jasper Wiech cruises through the water at the International Pond Skimming Competition held at the Whiteface Mountain ski resort on Saturday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Carter Williams flips through the air at the International Pond Skimming Competition held at the Whiteface Mountain ski resort on Saturday. Williams, while not going for distance, made quite a splash. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

William Crooks zips across the water at the International Pond Skimming Competition held at the Whiteface Mountain ski resort on Saturday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

George Marceau was all business at the International Pond Skimming Competition held at the Whiteface Mountain ski resort on Saturday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)