Spring is right around the corner which means longer, sunnier days and the arrival of our favourite winter season-ender sender – the World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF). Happening April 8 to 14, 2024, this mountain culture celebration is the ultimate way to wrap up your ski season. Whether it’s your first year or you’re a festival pro, here’s all the intel you need to make the most of this favourite, local festival.
Saudan Couloir Ski Race Extreme Presented by Helly Hansen
This classic Whistler race is happening on April 12, 2024, and is a genuine test of nerves and leg endurance with a course that runs all the way down the Saudan Couloir to the bottom of the Jersey Cream chair.
Places to Watch
If you’ve ever skied down the sheer face of the Couloir you know it is no easy task. Add gates and berms into the pressure cooker of competition and you have a recipe for some spicy runs and exciting viewing. The classic spectator spot for this race has been to post up beside the Rendezvous Lodge. For more information and how to register visit Whistler Blackcomb’s event page.
NEW! The Cut Rail Jam
New for WSSF 2024, Rockstar Energy and Skullcandy are sponsoring a new rail jam event called The Cut. 40 world-class athletes have been invited to compete in Men’s Ski & Snowboard and Women’s Ski & Snowboard categories for a chance to take home the $20,000 prize purse.
It’s all happening at Skiers Plaza, at the base of Whistler Mountain, on Saturday, April 13 at 2 PM – the energy will be electrifying, you won’t want to miss this! JUST IN (April 8, 2024): Due to snow levels, The Cut has been relocated to the top of the Emerald 6 Express Chair on Whistler Mountain at 1:30 PM, Saturday, April 13th.
Slush Cup Presented by Corona
This event is a LOT of fun. Contestants attempt to make their way across an icy, slushy pool on their skis or board, typically sporting some kind of outfit (or the lack of it). I’m not sure what’s more thrilling, watching or taking part!
This is happening on Sunday, April 14 and the Slush Cup Afterparty presented by Nutrl is happening at The Longhorn Saloon afterward.
Live Music at WSSF
The live music lineup for WSSF is legendary, bringing in world-class acts and epic party vibes every year.
This year, Monster Energy Drink will host an all-female DJ lineup at Garfinkel’s Whistler for the official Intersection afterparty on April 11. Fafa Khan and Jayemkayem will showcase their talent, representing diverse backgrounds and musical styles.
On Friday April 12, Iranian-born Nostalgix continues the festivities with her spunky charm and ’90s edge.
Festival-goers also can’t miss the Skullcandy Stage on Saturday April 13, where Chali 2Na & Cut Chemist, former members of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatl, will keep the party going following The Cut rail jam. And if you’re just not ready for the night to end there, make your way to the official afterparty at The Longhorn Saloon. Grandtheft and Joanna Magik are both performing at the event, setting you up for a night to remember.
Finally, the Australian/ British Electronic duo Night Tales will close out the festival on Sunday April 14 with their distinctive blend of vocals, storytelling, and melodic rhythms. This will be the place to be following the ever-popular Slush Cup, presented by Corona.
Culture Events at WSSF
Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Perfected over years and years of festivals, some core culture events have stood the test of time to return for this year’s festival, like the Sea to Sky Photo Challenge, 72-Hour Filmmaker Showdown and Intersection.
Pro Festival Tips
- Book early – The combination of killer spring weather and tons of entertainment means WSSF draws big crowds. For the best rate and the most options, I recommend locking down your accommodation early. Extend your stay during WSSF and for every third night booked receive a free $75 CAD Whistler Après Voucher.
- Get your event tickets early – In the same vein, tickets for the WSSF events like the Filmmaker Showdown get snapped up like hotcakes. Buy your tickets online long before the show to save disappointment. Hot tip; you can get the Multimedia Trio, which gets you a ticket to each multimedia show.
- Sunscreen – After a long winter of hiding from the cold your winter skin is primed for the roasting of a lifetime. Slap on plenty of sunscreen before venturing outdoors to save the scorch.
- Pack costumes – Dust off that neon onesie or animal outfit! Wearing crazy outfits during WSSF is not just allowed, it’s encouraged. To see some real outfit creativity, you won’t want to miss out on the Slush Cup. Not everyone makes it across the pond, but at least they look good doing it.
- Hydrate – Between skiing in the hot sun all day and dancing your face off all night it can be easy to get dehydrated. Remember to pack a refillable water bottle and use it often to keep your fluids up.
- Hearing protection for little ones – When the concert jams get pumping in Skier’s Plaza it can be a bit loud for little ears. Pack some hearing protection for them so you can get amongst the action.
Laugh Out LIVE! – April 12 & 13
Not part of WSSF, but happening at the same time is The Great Gorby Gap, Laugh Out LIVE!’s last show of the season. Get ready to shred some laughs with high-energy improv, side-splitting sketches and uproarious stand-up comedy with a Whistler twist!
Never been to a show? Imagine Saturday Night Live and Whose Line Is It Anyway? meeting on the Blackcomb gondola for some cheeky laps, then joining up with The Price is Right for some après debauchery in Whistler! Uphill punchlines and downhill humour collide in this comedy extravaganza that’s been perfectly waxed to make you laugh your snowballs off!
This show is popular, so get your tickets before they go!
Free $75 Après Voucher for Every Third Night Booked
Extend your stay during WSSF and for every third night booked receive a free $75 CAD Whistler Après Voucher.
Get some early festive feels and a deal! Book 3+ nights between November 21 and December 20, 2024, to receive a free $100 CAD Whistler Shopping Voucher, with rooms starting from $175 CAD per night, accommodation and lift packages at 25% off and rentals at 35% off.
Come experience Whistler Blackcomb’s extensive terrain and adventure at every turn to see why we're known as one of the best resorts on the planet. Secure your mountain getaway with Whistler.com for personalized service and the local knowledge of our Whistler-based team. If all this has you dreaming of Whistler, enter the Find Your Edge contest to win a six-night trip, including flights, accommodation and adventures.
