The World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) in Whistler attracts visitors from across the country and the globe, and it’s heading to Whistler next week. With a slew of exciting concerts, competitions, and events (free and ticketed), the celebration has something for everyone to enjoy – whether or not you’re an avid skier or snowboarder.
“Born out of a love for all that is mountain culture, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival has been the ultimate après of the winter season since 1996,” reads the festival’s website. “During this annual celebration of snow sports, music, art, and culture, we will showcase Whistler’s reputation as a mecca for mountain culture.”
Ski and snowboard competitions
It all starts with the Whistler Cup, a one-of-a-kind, international youth alpine ski race held annually in Whistler. The prestigious event is organized and hosted by the Whistler Mountain Ski Club, drawing over 400 talented athletes from over 18 countries.
The Grind series will feature the grand finale of their cross-Canada street-style tour in Skier’s Plaza, taking place from Thursday, April 10, to Saturday, April 12, 2025. Spectators can enjoy jaw-dropping moves and tricks, witnessing epic battles for podium positions unfold before their very eyes. Some of the most talented skiers and riders from across the world will be in attendance, according to the festival’s website.
This will be followed by the Saudan Couloir Race Extreme on Friday, April 11, AKA the steepest ski and snowboard race in the world. Competitors here will journey down a double-black run on Blackcomb Mountain that’s been called one of the “9 most terrifying ski slopes in the world.”
The Slush Cup marks the end of the festival and a thrilling ski season, awarding prizes for the Best Costume, Best Trick, Best Wipeout, and more fun titles on Sunday, April 13. The festivities continue with free concerts at the Skullcandy Stage in Skier’s Plaza from Thursday, April 10, to Sunday, April 13.
Outdoor live music series
One of the biggest draws of the festival is the free-to-attend Outdoor Live Music Series, which brings four days of exciting concerts to the heart of Whistler on the Skullcandy Stage.
Performers in the lineup include Ruby Waters, Fort Knox Five Live, Shred Kelly, Swollen Members, The Gaff, and The Last Reminisced Heroes, with concerts from Thursday, April 10, to Sunday, April 13.
After-dark music series
Those who are ready to continue the party can hit the town at one of the festival’s many After Dark events (ticketed), which include Tom Fleming and the best beats at Buffalo Bills, DJ Sourmilk, Vancouver DJ/Producer Yurie, globally-renowned producer Biscits, and legendary remixer Nick Bike, to name a few.
The fourth annual Shiny Disco Ball (Friday, April 11) is back for the first time since 2020, featuring a dazzling night of the best disco house, electro, techno, and nu-disco music. Tickets are priced between $5 and $10, and the attendee dressed in the shiniest disco outfit will win a $100 bar tab.
More events
Ready for even more fun in between all the action? Here are a couple more events to check out during the week of the festival:
So there you have it, snowbirds. Consider this the final sendoff for the 2024-2025 ski season!
When: Monday, April 7 to Sunday, April 13, 2025
Where: Locations in Whistler, B.C.
Cost: Free and ticketed events
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