For nearly three decades local skiers have gathered at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows for the annual pond skimming competition.

The 29th annual Cushing Crossing contest is scheduled for this Saturday at Squaw Valley, bringing 60 contestants clad in everything from animal-themed onesies to Hawaiian dancers in an attempt to vie for pond skimming glory.

The event, according to a news release from Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, is the original pond-skimming competition, which are now held at resorts across the country.

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Competitors will ski or ride down to Cushing Pond and attempt to skim across to the other side while throwing whatever style or tricks they can muster in an effort to impress celebrity judges Elyse Saugstad, Sammy Luebke, Keely Cashman, AJ Hurt, Sherry McConkey, and JD Hoss. Olympic gold medalist Jonny Moseley will serve as MC for the event.

“This is my favorite event,” said McConkey during last year’s crossing. “It’s the Cushing Classic and you just have to go.”

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Last year roughly a third of the competitors successfully made the crossing. That event was won by local skier Nico Monforte and legendary big-mountain skier Jamie Burge.

Prizes for this year’s overall winner at the Cushing Crossing include an IKON Base Pass, YETI Hopper Backflip 24 cooler, Oakley sunglasses, Smartwool socks, and $500 cash.

The Cushing Crossing will be held Saturday, May 4. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the KT Deck and costs $20. All competitors must wear a helmet and life jacket.

For those unable to attend, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows will be livestreaming the event on the resort’s Facebook page. The contest will begin at 1 p.m.

Justin Scacco is a reporter for the Sierra Sun. Contact him at jscacco@sierrasun.com.