Squaw Valley, CA – To cap off a record-breaking season, California’s Squaw Valley USA will be open for skiing and riding Friday through Monday for the Memorial Day weekend. The resort will also host their annual pond skimming contest, the Lake Cushing Crossing, on Sunday.

Memorial Day weekend is the last weekend of winter operations for Squaw Valley USA. This winter, Squaw Valley shattered all previous season snowfall records, ending with a snowfall total of 771 inches — significantly more than the resort’s average total of 450 inches.

Squaw Valley currently has a 175 inch base at el. 8200′, with over 16 feet of snow remaining in some spots on the upper mountain. “We’ll definitely have some snow that will stay through the summer into next winter,” said Curtis Crooks, head of Squaw Valley’s Ski Patrol.

Memorial Day weekend brings pool parties and Malibu drink specials to the High Camp Swimming Pool and Hot Tub’s Umbrella Bar, with a DJ scheduled to play poolside on Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Down at the base, the KT Sundeck beckons après skiers to relax in the sun and enjoy a cold beer from the deck’s patio bar.

The 21st Annual Lake Cushing Crossing, Squaw Valley’s annual pond skimming event will be held on Sunday. This entertaining competition challenges locals and visitors alike to cross the vast and chilly waters of Lake Cushing on skis, a snowboard or any ski or snowboard-based vessel. The event, known for its colossal crashes, hilarious costumes, and ultra-creative pond skimming contraption, kicks off at 2 p.m. at the Cushing Pond, weather permitting.

In honor of Memorial Day and those who protect the nation, Squaw Valley will extend free lift tickets to active duty military personnel for the entire long weekend. Throughout the season, the resort offers complimentary lift tickets to active members of the military Sunday through Friday with the Military Discount Program. Over the past seven years, Squaw Valley has contributed over 90,000 lift tickets as part of the Military Discount Program, a value of over $6.5 million.

“We want to thank all the men and women of the armed forces, past and present, for their sacrifices, dedication and service to our country,” said Andy Wirth Squaw Valley’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We invite US military men and women to come enjoy a long weekend of skiing on us as a thank you for all that you do.”