Industry News
Banff Sunshine, Alberta, is leaning into ski culture’s playful past as it rolls into the final stretch of the season, with a throwback event that celebrates one of the sport’s most flamboyant eras.
On May 1, the resort will host Billy Bunny’s Hotdog Day, a nod to 1980s freestyle skiing, when “hotdogging” was the rebellious alternative to the structured world of alpine racing. Long before freestyle became an Olympic discipline, hotdogging was all about style over precision — skiers throwing tricks, adding flair, and putting on a show as they made their way down the mountain.
The event, organized in partnership with Freestyle Alberta, aims to bring that spirit back to life. Competitors will be judged not on strict technical criteria, but on creativity, energy, and their ability to entertain — echoing the roots of a discipline that once thrived on personality as much as performance.
The day begins with registration at the Goat’s Eye base area, followed by a practice and inspection window before the main event kicks off just after midday. In keeping with the format’s free-flowing nature, participants can take as many laps as they like during the two-hour competition window, with judges selecting winners across a range of categories once the session wraps up.
Off the snow, the atmosphere is set to match the theme. A full retro soundtrack will run throughout the day, with resident DJ Chris Brennan spinning 1980s and 1990s tracks, while participants are encouraged to show up in vintage ski gear — a visual throwback to the neon-heavy, expressive style that defined the era. Tricks like mule kicks, back scratchers, and leg breakers are expected to make a comeback, if only for one afternoon.
Entry is set at $20, with early registrants receiving a small package of event perks, and all competitors walking away with food and drink vouchers. The event will conclude with an après-style celebration at the Goat Club, rounding out what is expected to be one of the more lighthearted days on the calendar.
Banff Sunshine remains one of the few resorts in North America still operating deep into spring, with lifts scheduled to spin through to Slush Cup Monday on May 18. As the snow softens and the season winds down, events like Hotdog Day reflect a shift in tone — from performance to play. Check out the resort’s full list of May events.
