Skier Hospitalized After Crash at Alaskan Pond Skim Event

On Saturday, April 25, at Alyeska's spring pond skim event, the Alaska Airlines Slush Cup, a skier was seriously injured.



Video from the Slush Cup shared by Alaska's News Source appears to show the skier, 29-year-old William Ingrim, flying through the air and clearing much of the water before landing near the end. Afterward, in the video, medical personnel rushed to help.



The event sees skiers cruising across a purpose-built pond for a chance at prizes, similar to beloved springtime throwdowns held at other resorts across the country and around the world.



Pond skims often include a jump before the water, like Alyeska's did, leading some skiers to throw tricks and catch air.



This year, Alyeska's festivities included live music and a beer garden. They were part of the weekend-long Spring Carnival.



A spokesperson for Alyeska told local news outlets that "the Slush Cup is a longstanding event that is carefully planned with safety measures in place, including trained personnel and emergency response teams on site."



They said they wouldn't share personal details about Ingrim at this time "out of respect for the individual and their family."

On Monday, Alaska's News Source reported that Ingrim's family confirmed he was hospitalized and his medical team was figuring out his prognosis.



While he's stable and in a medically-induced coma, his mother told the outlet over the weekend, she noted he'll "probably" be paralyzed. However, Alaska's News Source reported that other family members said on Monday that much about his condition remains unclear.



"It's a tough time for Will, but he's a resilient young man. It's an unimaginable time for his family and friends and we appreciate all the outpouring of love, prayers and support," the family said in a statement shared with Alaska's News Source.



According to Ingrim's family, he worked as a coach at Alyeska Ski Club and as a commercial fisherman.



"He's precious to me," Ingrim's mother said. "Will is the nicest young man you know."



Every year, countless pond skims happen without serious incidents. In the past, though, they have ended with hospitalizations at other resorts and, in at least one case, the prospect of felony charges for a skier who tried to jump the crowd, causing a crash.

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This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 10:17 AM.