Spring in Alaska means one thing at Alyeska Resort: costumed skiers bombing down a mountain and launching themselves across an icy pond in front of thousands of cheering fans. Welcome to the Slush Cup, the centerpiece of one of the state's most beloved annual traditions.
Alyeska Resort sits in Girdwood, a mountain town about 40 miles southeast of Anchorage in the heart of Chugach National Forest. It's Alaska's premier ski resort, and every spring it becomes the backdrop for one of the state's most entertaining events.
This year's Alyeska Spring Carnival runs April 24 through 26, 2026, and it's a big one. They are celebrating 49 years of the tradition, with the theme "The Last Frontier" honoring Alaska's identity as the 49th state. Three days of skiing, live music, family activities, and pure Alaskan chaos await.
A Tradition Over 40 Years in the Making
The Slush Cup has been part of life at Alyeska for more than four decades. The premise is simple and spectacular: skiers dress up in outrageous costumes, build up as much speed as they can on the way down the mountain, and try to skim across a slushy pond at the base.
Most don't make it. That's kind of the point.
Thousands of spectators turn out every year to watch, cheer, and witness some truly creative wipeouts.
Friday Night: The Costume Contest
The fun kicks off Friday evening at the Sitzmark. Want to compete in the Slush Cup? This is your only way in.
All 50 competitor spots are awarded through the Costume Contest, where contestants are judged on creativity and dance moves. Dressing to match "The Last Frontier" theme earns bonus points. After the contest, the night keeps going with live music.
Saturday: The Main Event
Saturday is the heart of Spring Carnival. Come early to explore Vendor Village and grab something from the beer garden, where a portion of every draft beer sold goes directly to the Girdwood Food Pantry.
Before the Slush Cup gets underway, the Idiot Swim invites brave souls to take a dip in the very same icy pond the competitors will be targeting shortly after. Then the main event takes over, and the crowd takes it from there.
Sunday: Family Fun Day
Sunday shifts gears toward families and closes out the weekend on a high note. The Mini-Midway features Alaska-inspired games hosted by local nonprofits, with all proceeds going directly to those organizations. There's also free dog mushing, a wildlife biofacts table, and a balloon twister for the kids.
New this year is the Sugar Shack Brunch, a relaxed way to ease into the day. The afternoon then fills out with the Dummy Downhill, the Alaskan Gladiator competition, and the XTRATUF Tug-o-War.
Getting There and Getting Ready
Parking is limited, and the resort strongly encourages carpooling. A commuter bus between Anchorage and Girdwood is available for Saturday's main event, so it's worth reserving your spot early.
Once you're there, plan to spend the day on your feet. There's no seating on site, but food vendors, face painting, and arts and crafts keep things lively throughout.
Where to Stay
Hotel Alyeska puts you right in the middle of everything, just steps from the action. After the weekend's festivities, the Alyeska Nordic Spa is the perfect place to slow down and recover before heading home.
Don't Wait on This One
Spring Carnival has a way of filling up fast. Competitor spots are limited, the commuter bus books up, and hotel rooms go quickly once the weekend gets on people's radar.
If you've never made the trip to Girdwood for this event, this is the year to change that. And if you're already a regular, you already know to get your plans locked in early. Either way, there's nothing quite like watching costumed skiers attempt the impossible against a backdrop of Alaskan mountains in spring.
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