Whistler is a very popular resort that attracts over two million people annually, primarily for snowboarding and alpine skiing. During the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver it hosted most of the Nordic skiing, alpine skiing, skeleton, luge and bobsleigh events. No wonder Whistler hosts one of the world’s largest festivals devoted to winter sports.
Sports events at the festival include the World Skiing Invitational, the Shred Show, the Gibbons Style Session, the Whistler DogFest, the Invitational Roller Derby Bout, and many more. Note that a lift ticket is required to watch the on-hill ski and snowboard events. Besides, spectators are required to have skis or snowboards. Along with competitions and demonstrations, there is the Demo Park that gives the opportunity to snow-test the latest snowboards and skis for free.
Although winter sports are the primary focus of the festival, there is plenty to enjoy for those who don’t ski or snowboard. An extensive arts program features a variety of events dedicated to photography, filmmaking, fine art, performing arts, fashion, and everything in between. There are art exhibitions, breathtaking installations, and more.
Some of the most exciting events include the Whistler Comedy Showdown, the OLYMPUS 72hr Filmmaker Showdown, the Olympus Pro Photographer Showdown, and Intersection. Intersection is the main highlight of the arts program. It features competing film crews tasked with putting together a short ski/snowboard film that must be shot within 100 kilometers of Whistler. The crews have only a week to shoot, edit and produce their works. The winners from the showdowns and Intersection are shown at the Best of the Fest event.
Finally, the music program of the World Ski & Snowboard Festival features a series of concerts and parties held at numerous venues throughout Whistler. The Main Stage hosts the FIDO Outdoor Concert Series, the largest free outdoor concert series in Canada. The Kokanee Freeride Club Series is a series of free parties at selected clubs. Other highlights include the Silent Disco with DJs playing on three different channels and the wrap-up party titled The END.
Although most events are free, some require tickets. They include the 72hr Filmmaker Showdown, the Pro Photographer Showdown, Intersection, and The END.
In 2021, the event was held online due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Photo: WSSF
