One of the longest running annual snowsports events in the world (It’s been going longer than skiing has been in the Winter Olympics) takes place at Sunshine ski area at Banff on Monday when the resort’s traditional end of season ‘Slush Cup’ is staged for the 90th time.
The long weekend also marks the end of Canada’s ski season with both Sunshine and Whistler Blackcomb, the only two areas still open for 17-18, both finishing off their seasons.
At Sunshine on Saturday, the Slush Cup Long Weekend begins with the Watergate Banked Slalom Event. In this classic race style event, participants off all ages will race through the gates and across ponds of water. Then on Sunday, the annual SlushShine Rail Jam will follow for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
Posted by Banff Sunshine Village on Friday, 11 May 2018
The main event, the 90th Slush Cup kicks off with the first jump scheduled for 12 noon. Participants will, as every year, attempt to skim their way to the Title Prize of Mr. & Ms. Slush Cup.
Sunshine has lost about a third of its base snow since the start of the month but still has about 1.4m lying and around 100 runs open. A resort spokesperson warned about the dangers of dehydration and sunburn as temperatures are in double figures at the base with sunshine reflecting off the snow.
“Prevent dehydration from the elevation and sunburn from the snow’s reflection by staying hydrated, covering up, and lathering on the sunscreen,” they advise, adding, “New for Slush Cup 90, we’ve added Sun Glasses and Slush Cup Bucket Hat to our 2018 official merchandise.”
