Alyeska Resort Spring Carnival returns April 24 – 26, 2026, celebrating 49 years of this springtime tradition! For nearly five decades, we’ve welcomed spring the only way we know how – on the mountain, in costume, and with plenty of slush. This year, we’re honoring Alaska, the 49th state, with the theme “The Last Frontier.” Join us for three days of entertainment, skiing, and state pride, Alyeska-style. Full schedule of events below.
Pro Tips:
RULES – No backpacks or coolers. Please leave your dogs at home. No outside food or alcohol. No weapons. No drones. No snowball throwing.
BYO CUP – Go green and bring your own! Plastic cups in the Christmas Lot Beer Garden will have a $1 green fee. All proceeds will benefit charity Protect Our Winters, a nonprofit that mobilizes outdoor enthusiasts to become climate advocates working to protect clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet
PARKING – Parking will be limited. Carpool as much as possible and be aware that parking at the resort may not be possible. NO RV Parking for the weekend! Do not park in “no parking” areas, there will be tow trucks in the town of Girdwood.
COMMUTER BUS – Why deal with the stress of waiting in traffic or searching for parking when you can hop on the bus! Returning this year, we’re offering a convenient commuter bus between Anchorage and Girdwood for Saturday’s main event. Click here for more details and to reserve your spot!
Friday, April 24, 2026 | Sitzmark
5 pm – Costume Contest Registration Opens
6 pm – 8 pm – Costume Contest
Want to compete in the Alaska Airlines Slush Cup?! ALL 50 Slush Cup entries are up for grabs, and the only way in is through Friday night’s Costume Contest. Dress to impress the judges, show off your dance moves, and just might earn your spot straight-lining into the slushy pond at Saturday’s main event. Costumes must be PG-13, and contestants dressed to match this year’s theme (“The Last Frontier”) will earn bonus brownie points. Judging is based on creativity and dance movies; no backflips permitted on the stage, but bribing the judges is highly encouraged (within reason!). Entry fee is $50. Contestants must be 16 years or older.
10 pm – 1 am – Andy Frasco & The U.N.
Live at the Sitz (click here to purchase tickets!)
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Christmas Run Venue
12 pm – Venue and Beer Gardens Open!
Come early and take a stroll through Vendor Village (located in the Christmas Lot).
Don’t forget to grab a cold one from the beer garden! $1 from every draft beer sold at the Alaska Airlines Slush Cup will benefit the Girdwood Food Pantry. Girdwood Food Pantry is a program of Turnagain Community Services located at Girdwood Chapel since 2007. The Food Pantry welcomes anyone in need, and serves over 250 people per month in Girdwood, Whittier, and around Turnagain Arm.
NEW IN 2026! In an effort to be more eco-friendly, we’re introducing a $1 green fee for plastic cups in the Beer Garden. Skip the fee by bringing your own cup, or grab a limited-edition Alyeska pint cup! All proceeds will benefit charity Protect Our Winters.
1 pm – Live Music
Soak up the vibes with live music in Vendor Village!
3 pm – Idiot Swim
Grab your buds and go for a swim in the Alaska Airlines Slush Cup pool!
3:45 pm – National Anthem
4 pm – 6 pm – Alaska Airlines Slush Cup
The winner gets choice of an Alyeska Resort 2026-2027 season pass or two (2) Alaska Airlines “Fly Anywhere” vouchers. 2nd and 3rd place winners receive prizes from Powder Hound Ski & Bike Shop and GCI.
10 pm – 1 am – Andy Frasco & The U.N.
Live at the Sitz (click here to purchase tickets!)
Sunday, April 26, 2026 | Base of Bear Cub Quad
11 am – Registration & Mini-Midway Open
Registration for Sunday’s events will be held in the Christmas Lot.
Back for its second year, the Mini-Midway is packed with games for all ages! Play Alaska-inspired games hosted by local nonprofits including Little Bears Playhouse, Challenge Alaska, and the Girdwood Turnagain Arm Lions Club, win prizes, and help support their amazing causes. Carnival tickets are $2 each, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the nonprofits. Plus, check out the balloon twister, explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center’s biofacts table, and experience FREE dog mushing with Alyeska Tours (home of Ryan Redington, 2023 Iditarod Champion!).
Grab a sweet treat from Original Gourmet Ice Cream Bars, or join us for the inaugural Sugar Shack Brunch!
11 am – Sugar Shack Brunch at the Sitzmark
Celebrate the sweet side of spring at the first annual Sugar Shack Brunch! Enjoy hearty, classic brunch fare, sip on boozy brunch cocktails, and kick off a Sunday that’s fun for the whole family! It’s the perfect way to fuel up for the festivities and savor closing day of the Sitzmark – until next season!
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. Dummy’s must arrive by 11 am for upload. Prizes for first, second, and third place.
2 pm – Alaskan Gladiator
Test your skill and courage in the gladiator pit with a one-on-one competition to knock your opponent off the plank. Prizes for first place adults, juniors, and kids. Please bring your own towel for this event!
3 pm – XTRATUF Tug-o-War
A good ol’ fashioned tug-of-war to pull the opposing team into the pool. This bracket-style tournament is a test of strength, endurance, and strategy. Teams are made up of 5 players, and each team must include at least one female competitor in every round. Prizes for first, second, and third place teams. Please bring your own towel for this event!
