ALASKA AIRLINES SLUSH CUP

Imagine skiers dressed up in crazy costumes, bombing down a hill, trying to build up enough speed to skim all the way across an icy pond. That’s what the Slush Cup—held every April at Alyeska Resort—is all about. The fact that very few people make it across just adds to the fun.

The Slush Cup has been an Alyeska tradition for 38 years and is part of Spring Carnival, which is held over the third weekend of April. The pond skimming happens at 4 p.m. on that Saturday, and it’s the year’s biggest event—skiers clamor to be one of the 50 people chosen to participate, and thousands of people turn out to watch it. And while it gets quite rowdy, families and kids will enjoy the spectacle. The costumes can be outrageous—everything from the Incredible Hulk to Sarah Palin. In fact, they have to be outrageous—half of the participants are chosen during a costume contest the night before.

It’s a fun event to plan a trip around: Spring is a great time to go skiing, and Alyeska is Alaska’s premier ski resort. So enjoy the snow and the mountain during the day, then make your way to the Slush Cup by 4 p.m. (Come a little early for the “Idiot Swim,” where people swim across the same icy pond.) There’s no seating, so come prepared to stand, but you may want to walk around anyway and check out the food vendors, face painting for kids, and some arts and crafts for sale.

Either way, the Slush Cup is decidedly an event you don’t want to miss!

PARKING –  Due to tons of snow this year and high snowbanks, parking at the the resort and in Girdwood will be very limited. Car pool as much as possible and be aware that parking at the resort may not be possible.

Friday, April 22 | Sitzmark Deck

7 – 8 pm
Costume Contest – ALL 50 entries are up for grabs for the most creative costumes and best dancers! Dress to impress the judges and you may just find yourself straight-lining into a slushy pond at Saturday’s main event.
There will be NO costume entries day-of. Must be 18 or older.

8 – 11 pm
Braided River Band

Saturday, April 23 | Christmas Run Venue

3 pm
Idiot Swim – Grab your buds and go for a swim in the Slush Cup pool
3:45 pm
National Anthem
4 – 6 pm
Alaska Airlines Slush Cup

7 – 10 pm
Past Our Prime – Live at the Sitz

Sunday, April 24 | Presented by Kendall Toyota of Anchorage

9 – 11 am
Downhill Mountain Bike Race – This Le Mans-style start crowns the fastest downhill bikers in Alaska, from the top of the tram to the Daylodge base area.
Disc breaks and full-face helmets required, studded tires recommended 

11:30 am – 1 pm
Dummy Downhill – Home-made Dummy’s  go FULL SEND off a jump. Scores are based on dummy creativity, air, and destruction upon crashing.

2:30 – 4:30 pm
Tug-o-War – a good ol’ fashion tug of war to pull the opposing team into the pool. This bracket tournament is a test of strength, endurance and strategy.