Slush Cup & Cardboard Sled Derby | West Mountain | March 28, 2026

Saturday, March 28, 2026
1:30 PM 5:30 PM

West Mountain 59 West Mountain Road NY, 12804 United States (map)

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Slush Cup & Cardboard Sled Derby Splashes Into Spring at West Mountain

Big costumes, big fun at the Slush Cup and Cardboard Sled Derby at West Mountain.

As winter loosens its grip on the southern Adirondacks, one of the region’s most entertaining spring skiing traditions returns to the slopes. The Slush Cup & Cardboard Sled Derby 2026 arrives at West Mountain near Glens Falls on Saturday, March 28, bringing costumed competitors, splashy wipeouts, and creative cardboard engineering to the mountain’s Main Base area.

Part spring skiing spectacle, part winter sports comedy show, this Adirondack favorite invites participants and spectators alike to celebrate the messy, hilarious side of the season. Expect daring skiers attempting to skim across an icy pool of slush and teams racing homemade cardboard sleds down the tubing lanes—all in the name of bragging rights and end-of-season fun.

Whether you’re a skier, a spectator, or simply someone who appreciates a spectacular crash landing in the snow, the Slush Cup and Cardboard Sled Derby delivers one of the most entertaining winter sports events in the Adirondacks.

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A classic Adirondack spring skiing tradition.

Spring skiing in the Adirondacks often comes with sunshine, soft snow—and a sense that the season should end with a bit of playful chaos. That’s exactly the spirit behind the Slush Cup at West Mountain.

Pond skimming at West Mountains Slush Cup — Slush cup competition at West Mountain.

During the event, competitors launch down the Face trail and attempt to glide across a chilly pool of slushy water at the bottom. The goal? Stay upright and make it across without sinking.

The reality? Most don’t.

And that’s precisely why the crowd loves it.

Registration for the Slush Cup takes place from 1:30 to 2:30 pm at the Front Desk inside the Main Lodge. The competition is limited to the first 100 registrants, so early arrival is recommended.

Competitors must be 6 years or older, sign a waiver (with parental signature required for minors), and pay a $20 entry fee—or half price if they show up in costume.

A valid lift ticket or season pass is also required.

Participants gather at the start line at 2:45 pm before the competition begins at 3 pm.

Awards follow the elimination rounds, celebrating everything from the fastest crossing to the most spectacular wipeouts.

Cardboard sled racing at West Mountain.

While the Slush Cup brings the splash, the Cardboard Sled Derby delivers the creativity.

Cardboard sled racing at West Mountian. — West Mountain’s cardboard sled derby.

From 3 pm to 4 pm, teams register inside the Main Lodge to enter the downhill cardboard engineering challenge. Competitors must construct sleds using only cardboard, duct tape, paint, markers, or crayons—no plastic wrapping, wood, glue, or metal allowed.

Teams can include up to three riders, and costumes are highly encouraged.

At 4:15 pm, racers gather at the tubing park entrance for instructions before launching down the lower tubing lanes at 4:30 pm.

The rules are simple but strict:

Push start only—no running starts
No pushing the sled once the race begins
The sled must stay intact
All riders and sled parts must cross the finish line

If no sled reaches the finish, judges award the win to the team that travels the farthest.

Prizes are awarded for:

Best Time
Best in Show (costume and sled design)
Best Crash

In other words, glory can come in many forms.

Why this winter sports event is uniquely Adirondack.

Events like this perfectly capture the Adirondack approach to winter sports: adventurous, slightly ridiculous, and rooted in community fun.

West Mountain has long been a local favorite for skiing and snowboarding near Glens Falls and Lake George. As winter transitions into spring skiing season, gatherings like the Slush Cup provide the perfect excuse to celebrate the end of another Adirondack winter.

Spectators are encouraged to line the slopes and cheer on competitors. Expect outrageous costumes, inventive sled designs, and plenty of splashy finishes.

Just remember: pets must stay home for the event, and outside alcohol or coolers are not permitted.

Watch the Slush Cup action at West Mountain.

For a glimpse of the thrills—and spills—awaiting competitors, watch this video of Slush Cup participants from a past event at West Mountain.

Competitors attempt to skim across the icy slush pond during the annual Slush Cup at West Mountain in the Adirondacks.

The event remains one of the most entertaining spring-skiing traditions near Glens Falls.

Event details at a glance.

Event: Slush Cup & Cardboard Sled Derby
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Location: West Mountain, Queensbury, NY
Slush Cup Registration: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Slush Cup Competition: 3 pm
Cardboard Sled Derby Registration: 3 pm – 4 pm
Cardboard Sled Derby Start: 4:30 pm

Visitors should check the official West Mountain website or Facebook page for weather updates and final event details.

Who should attend.

This event is ideal for:

Skiers and snowboarders enjoying spring skiing in the Adirondacks
Families looking for a fun winter sports spectacle
Visitors exploring the Lake George and Glens Falls area
Anyone who appreciates equal parts athleticism and comedic wipeouts

Spectators are just as important as competitors—the bigger the crowd, the louder the cheers.

Stay in the Adirondack loop.

For more events like the Slush Cup and Cardboard Sled Derby, subscribe to the ADK Taste newsletter, a weekly guide to Adirondack food, stories, and events delivered straight to readers’ inboxes.

FAQ

When is the Slush Cup & Cardboard Sled Derby at West Mountain?
The event takes place Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Where is West Mountain located?
West Mountain is located in Queensbury, New York, near Glens Falls and Lake George in the southern Adirondacks.

How much does it cost to participate in the Slush Cup?
The Slush Cup entry fee is $20, or $10 if participants wear a costume. A lift ticket or season pass is also required.

How much does the Cardboard Sled Derby cost?
Registration costs $10 per individual or $20 per team.

What materials can be used to build a cardboard sled?
Only cardboard, duct tape, paint, markers, and crayons are allowed. Plastic wrapping, wood, glue, staples, rope, or wire are prohibited.

Can spectators attend the event?
Yes. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to watch from the slopes and tubing park area.