There’s two things I look forward to every May long weekend: wearing white again and Slush Cup at Sunshine Village Ski Resort. What is Slush Cup? It’s when adventurous skiers and snowboarders fly down the Pando Hill in crazy costumes, as they attempt to make it across a pool of freezing slushy water.
Table of Contents
Slush Cup at Sunshine Village
If you never participated in Spring Break shenanigans in college, Slush Cup at Sunshine Village is a good substitute. The weather in Banff at this time of year is typically gorgeous. There’s a Friday afternoon party vibe that lasts all day and most participants are decked out in costumes for the competition.
It’s hard to believe, but Slush Cup has been going on for over 90 years! Technically, Slush Cup takes place on the Monday of Canada’s May long weekend. But I call that whole long weekend Slush Cup even though that’s not true. Sorry about that.
May long weekend in Banff
As awesome as it is to watch all the face plants, belly flops and supreme splashes, I can’t always make it to Banff on the Monday of the May long weekend. Sunday is usually a safer bet for me, so that’s when I hit Sunshine Village.
It doesn’t really matter when you go. So long as you hit Sunshine at some point over the long weekend you’ll be able to catch the final acts in the Spring Concert Series.
And if I’m being totally honest, I suppose I should admit I’m not going only to see the bands. I head to this spot in Banff National Park because over the May long weekend they often have a champagne snow bar.
Champagne Dreams
If you know me, you know I love my bubbly. I adore champagne in all its forms: champagne truffles, champagne powder and especially, the real deal. I got hooked on the orange label when I lived in Japan over a decade ago. They were crazy for it because Veuve was the champers used in the movie Pretty Woman and if it’s good enough for a well meaning call girl, well….
So here’s the plan. I’ll do a few runs on Goat’s Eye, and I’ll throw in a couple on Angel for good measure. Then I’ll head over to the patio at Trappers Saloon and sort myself out with a glass of bubbly and a plate of appetizers.
Don’t scoff. I read French Women Don’t Get Fat, so I know champagne pairs perfectly with everything except chocolate and asparagus.
Could there be a better way to while away an afternoon than by soaking up the sun on an outdoor patio as live music wafts through the Rocky Mountains? I don’t think so. If you want to join me slopeside for a little apres-ski, you know where to find me.
When does Slush Cup start?
If you want to check out Slush Cup on Monday of the May long weekend, make sure you’re in the Village by 1:30 p.m. You’ll actually want to get there earlier so you can find a good parking space and not have to wait for the bus.
And whatever you do, don’t drink and drive. Canada’s RCMP are all over the Sunshine road, as are Parks Canada peeps checking to make sure you bought your Parks pass. Tickets are issued like nobody’s business over the weekend.
I’d love to hear what your plans are for the May long weekend. Please let me know in the comment section below.
This sounds hilarious fun – I can bet more people end in the slush than sail over. Plus champagne always goes down well (especially with sunshine and something to nibble)
This is crazy, but I’ll bet super entertaining!
I watched the Slush Cup at Whistler a few years ago – it’s too much fun!
I never heard about Slush Cup before but it sounds very entertaining. Do they have to fly down the hill or anybody can do it?
Yes, anybody can sign up that morning.