Categories: Things To Do

Calling all thrill seekers for this slip, slide and plunge event in Banff

Photo via Red Bull Jump & Freeze

Does driving a self-crafted vehicle down an icy runway and plunging into a frigid pool of water sound like your idea of fun?

If so, the Red Bull Jump & Freeze is calling all thrill seekers to apply for this upcoming event, which will make its Canadian debut in Banff this April. Banff Sunshine Village is the birthplace of pond skimming — gliding across a body of water on snow skis — so it makes sense that they’ll also play host to this day of outrageous fun.

The event is sponsored by Red Bull, and has previously made stops in Japan, Slovakia and Kazakhstan. Now, it’ll head to the Rocky Mountains of Banff, Alberta, for a taste-test of our Canadian mettle.

Luckily, we know a thing or two about dealing with the cold here in ‘Berta. Here’s what else to know about this upcoming spectacle.

What to expect

Participants at the Red Bull Jump & Freeze start by creating their own self-crafted vehicle. Sort of like soapbox racing, this event utilizes momentum gain from slip-sliding on ice to plunge down a hill and into freezing cold water.

It certainly ticks all the boxes for Canadians: tobogganing? Check. Cold plunge? Check. Participating in a fun-filled outdoor event that sparks joy and hilarity during our bitterly cold winters? Check, check, and check.

Competing participants also have the chance to take home accolades, as Red Bull will award one lucky winner with “Best in Show” based on costume, vehicle creativity, performance and difficulty of the jump.

Rules and regulations

Team applications are open now for the event in Banff on April 25. You can register in teams of two to four, and there is no fee to participate. Even if you don’t want to take the plunge yourself, public spectators are welcome to attend and cheer on these brave competitors.

Red Bull claims they’re looking for the “outrageous, the preposterous and the ostentatious” and encourage each vehicle to be a creative extension of their team. Self-crafted vehicles must be a maximum width of 4′, a maximum height of 4′, a maximum length of 10′, and a maximum weight of 50 kg. It also must be made of environmentally friendly, non-toxic materials with brakes and steering.

If you’re raring to go for this year’s Red Bull Jump & Freeze, you’re not the only one. Register your team on their website, or just show up to laugh at the shenanigans. We’ll see you there!