96th Slush Cup To End Banff’s Ski Season

by admin in RSS Social News. Posted May 8, 2026

Slush Cup, North America’s longest-running end-of-season pond skimming event, will return to Banff Sunshine Village for its 96th year on Monday, May 18, 2026, marking the ultimate send-off to the ski and snowboard season.

For nearly a century, what started as a dare between friends on a slushy spring day in 1928 has grown into the Canadian Rockies’ coolest party. Skiers and snowboarders from across the world flock to Banff Sunshine to skim, or sometimes swim, across a 110-foot pool of melted water in creative costumes.

“Slush Cup is one of Sunshine’s most iconic traditions, it marks the final day of the ski and snowboard season in Canada. The event has grown to be the official end of ski season party for Canadians. Every Slush Cup skiers and snowboarders flock to Sunshine in bright costumes to say hasta luego to winter,” said Kendra Scurfield, Vice President Marketing Brand & Communications, Banff Sunshine Village. “Season to date Sunshine has received 980 cm, nearly 1000 cm-the most snow we’ve seen since 1956. This year’s slush cup will be the Marquee must not miss event, of the best ski season we have had in over 70 years!”

Over the years, Slush Cup has grown from a campy year-end party to the must attend end of season festival. The three-day festival takes place during a long weekend in Canada, with the Slushshine Rail Jam on May 16, followed by the Water Gate Banked Slalom on May 17. All leading up to the grand finale-the legendary Slush Cup on Monday, May 18, 2026. Guests can toast the season with drinks and music at Sunshine’s Goat Club, the newest and coolest midday après spot in the Rockies.

On May 18, spectators are invited to watch over 100 costumed skiers and snowboarders compete for the title of “Mr. & Ms. Slush Cup” – a title that comes with $1000 cash, a season pass for next winter, and lifelong bragging rights. Access to the event is free to lift pass holders.