Photos: Mike Crane/Tourism Whistler
Last month, the Word Ski And Snowboard Festival excitedly announced that it would be returning this April for six days of action-packed fun. This means that thousands of fans will once again be ascending on Whistler to take part in North America’s largest annual snowsport, music, and mountain culture celebration.
Over the years, this celebration has evolved to fulfill a bigger vision and to provide the ultimate winter festival experience. A combination of world-class ski and snowboard competitions, the largest annual free outdoor concert series in Canada, visual arts mega-productions, film premieres, community events and an endless lineup of parties have become the norm. This year is no different as WSSF sees a change in length, addition of events, and return of a historical race.
RETURNING
Saudan Couloir Ski Race Extreme
When: Friday, April 13, 2018 & Saturday, April 14, 2018 – Blackcomb Mountain
One of the most exciting changes to this year’s festival is the reincarnation of the infamous Saudan Couloir Extreme Race. The race first took place in 1987 and the last one was in 1997. After a 20 year hiatus, it has returned to take participants down the steep and treacherous Saudan Couloir on Blackcomb at mach speeds. What’s not to miss?
NEW
Monster Energy Boarderstyle World Championships
When: Friday, April 13, 2018 & Saturday, April 14, 2018 – Blackcomb Mountain
Boarder- X or also known as snowboard cross, is a snowboard competition in which four snowboarders race down a course. The WSSF rendition features high speed course with big-air moments as racers attempt to gain points from judges for the fastest time. Since Whistler will be the last stop on the Monster Energy tour, the champions will be crowed at the end of the high-energy spectacle.
IMPROVED
Big Air
When: Friday, April 13, 2018 (Ski) & Saturday, April 14, 2018 (Snowboard) – Skiers Plaza (base of Whistler Mountain)
The Big Air competition is one of the highlights of WSSF. This year, Big Air Ski and Snowboard competitions will be taken to the next level with internationally-known DJs playing music while athletes attempt their biggest and best tricks. The crowds are huge at this event, making it an exciting and thrilling atmosphere to be part of! Make sure to put this on your list of things to do at the festival.
State Of The Art
When: Tuesday, April 10, 2018- Whistler Conference Center. April 11 – 13: daily 12pm to 6pm
Under the new name Art & Soul, State Of The Art provides a space for exemplary artists from all over to showcase their work for the duration of the festival.
Don’t worry if you didn’t see your favorite event on this list. Many of the hot tickets items are still on the schedule such as the Olympus 72hr Filmmaker Showdown, Olympus Pro Photographer Showdown, Twisted Tea Slush Cup, and The END party. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the 2018 World Ski and Snowboard Festival!