Sunshine held its inaugural Bikinis for Breast Cancer in April 2009 and the event has grown steadily ever since.

 “Sunshine Village hopes to take a leadership role in the battle against cancer and the event is a good way to raise awareness,” said Sunshine Village Vice-President John Scurfield.

Other area ski resorts have picked up on the idea and held events of their own, increasing the amount of money earned for cancer research.

In 2011, the third annual Bikinis for Breast Cancer at Sunshine Village raised $25,000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer foundation.

“It seems like it keeps growing each year,” said Willow Ridley, Coordinator, Urban Partnerships for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. “It’s great to see the whole industry is getting involved and having some fun with it.”

Women 18 years of age and older can participate. They dress down in a bikini and snow pants to ski or ride down Strawberry face at a moderate pace.

Entrants must raise a minimum of $150 in pledges through friends, relatives, co-workers or they can make a personal donation. Groups of three must raise a minimum of $500.