Banff (AB), Canada – In March 1928, two young men skied up Healy Creek outside of Banff to what is now Sunshine Village ski resort. They headed for a cabin built by the Canadian Pacific Railroad. The two planned to use this as a break during their journey across the Great Divide.
The snow was deep and the two men, Cliff Whyte and Cyril Paris, missed the cabin and slept in a hollow they dug in the snow. They awoke the next day and in poor weather broke a trail over Citadel Pass. They were the first people to ever ski the area.
Later that spring, skiers played in the runoff, beginning the long-standing tradition of Slush Cup. From then on, skiers would annually play and splash, laugh, drink and sing in the waters as the snow melted at winter’s end.
In the 1980s, the event was opened to the public and continues today with thousands of spectators gathering on the Monday of the May long weekend. The party starts tomorrow and ends on Victoria Day, featuring live performances by BC/DC, fun competitions and the Molson Beer Gardens.
Slush Cup participants are encouraged to dress to impress. Skiers and riders dressed in creative and original costumes, along with the skill to clear the chilly, slushy pond, will have a chance to win prizes. Prizes will also be awarded for Awesome Air, Best Belly Flop and Excellent Enema.
Sunday will also feature Sunshine Village’s 4th Annual Cancer Research fundraiser, Bikinis & Boardshorts. Sunshine Village has managed to raise $6,070, $10,250 & $25,000 over the last three years and participants hope to smash previous records this year.
Speaking of records, Sunshine received record-breaking snowfall this season with more than 1,046 cm (34 feet) to date.