World Ski & Snowboard Festival storms Whistler this weekend

Get ready to ‘Party in April. Sleep in May.’ It may be the calm before the storm, but this weekend marks the official start to North America’s largest winter sports and music festival. The 18th Annual World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF), which takes place in Whistler from April 12 to 21, will feature snow sport action, music, art and fashion.
The WSSF kicks off with the World Skiing Invitational (WSSI) and the Association of Freeskiing Professionals (AFP) events running April 13 to 15, which includes the Slopestyle competition in the Highest Level Terrain Park on Blackcomb Mountain and the Invitational Big Air at the base of Whistler Mountain. From April 17 to 21, the Shred Show presented by Monster Energy will feature Slopestyle, Big Hip, Boarderstyle and Mogul Duel competitions. All ski and snowboard events are free, although events on-hill require a valid Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket to access the mountain.

Besides the epic sporting component, WSSF is home to the largest free outdoor concert series in Canada with live music featured daily throughout the festival. This year, hip hop legend and headliner Nas performs the evening of April 13 at Skier’s plaza. Eighteen other bands, including K-OS, Swollen Members, DiRTY RADiO, and G Love & Special Sauce, are also on the performers list.

While on the hill, make sure you check out the free State of the Art exhibit at the Whistler Conference Centre Grand Foyer- open daily- showcasing works of art inspired by life in a mountain town, and on April 20 get your style on at Fashion EXPOSED. The free event celebrates 8 years of fashion, form, and function on the catwalk.

Start your partying off at THE BEGINNING and finish it off at THE END (two parties to keep you dancing). The 10-day festival is sure to entertain all crowds, and although your pillow will miss you, it knows you’ll be back. Eventually.

For tickets to events and schedules, visit the World Ski and Snowboard Festival.

Photo Credit: Dave Humphreys

@MissAdvanture