SQUAW VALLEY, Calif. and#8212; Elbow room along the shores of Cushing Pond was in high demand for the 22nd edition of the Cushing Crossing on Sunday.

On a warm and sunny day at Squaw Valley, thousands of spectators crowded around the pond to witness skiers and snowboarders, many with clever costumes, attempt the crossing while dodging incoming snowballs on the approach.

In the end, Ben Paciotti was awarded top honors after becoming the first in Cushing Crossing history to ski all the way across the pond switch. He received a 2012-13 Bronze Tahoe Super Pass for his feat.

All other categories and#8212; including men's and women's ski and snowboard, the skinny ski bonus and the unlimited division and#8212; received a $100 cash prize.