The Top Days of 24/25: The 33rd Annual Cushing Crossing

Tandem skiers crossing the Cushing Pond

Every season brings its share of unforgettable days—but some stand out above the rest. As we look ahead to the winter of 25/26, we’re celebrating the four most iconic days of last season—those rare days that pack in powder, sunshine, big events, and all-time mountain energy that make skiing and riding at Palisades Tahoe truly special.

The 33rd Annual Cushing Crossing — May 10, 2025

Costumes. Chaos. Carnage. The greatest pond skim on the planet returned for its 33rd year and brought with it everything we love about spring skiing at Palisades Tahoe: outrageous outfits, huge air, epic wipeouts, and unmatched energy from competitors and spectators alike.

This year’s Cushing Crossing went down on a bluebird May afternoon, and it was pure magic. With the legendary Jonny Moseley and John Haines on the mic hyping up the crowd, thousands gathered around Cushing Pond to cheer on costumed skiers, snowboarders, and snowbladers as they launched across the frigid waters. Some stuck the landing, many didn’t—but every single run brought laughs, cheers, and jaw-dropping moments.

Highlights included a front flip-to-skim from Isaac Kaufman that defied the laws of physics, tandem skiers making their way across the pond, and celebrity judge Connery Lundin rocking the most mysterious (and possibly magical?) hat of the season. Prizes were awarded, crowd favorites emerged, and the vibes were off the charts.

The judges for the 33rd Annual Cushing Crossing

Whether you came to compete or just to watch the chaos unfold, this was one of those rare days that felt like the center of the universe.

Why It Mattered

We’re calling May 10 one of the Best 4 Days of the 2024/25 season not just because it was the rowdiest, sunniest, and most absurdly fun day of spring—but because Cushing Crossing is a reminder of what makes Palisades Tahoe so special. It’s an event that doesn’t take itself too seriously, celebrates creativity and community, and invites everyone to let loose and end the season with a laugh.

From the committed competitors to the cheering crowd, this day was spring skiing in its purest form.

Want In Next Season? Plan for Days Like This.

Crowd members at The 33rd Annual Cushing Crossing

The magic of May 10 wasn’t just the warm sun and wild costumes—it was being in the right place at the right time. If you want to be here for the next Cushing Crossing, or any of our legendary spring sendoffs, now’s the time to lock in your lift access for next winter.

We’re offering flexible lift pack options that let you ski or ride your way:

Whether you’re chasing perfect storm cycles or the season’s biggest parties, these packs are your ticket to being here when it all goes down.

Here’s to the Next One

We don’t know what next spring will bring—or which costume will steal the show—but we know one thing for sure: Cushing Crossing will be back. And if you want to witness the spills, the stoke, and the unforgettable moments firsthand, we’ll save you a seat in the splash zone.

Bring the floaties. Bring the flair. We’ll see you at the pond.

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Dominic Purviance

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