World Ski & Snowboard Festival 30th Anniversary Celebrates Spring in Whistler
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Whistler, B.C. – Spring in Whistler is a standout time of year, bringing soft snow conditions, longer days and a laid-back pace that shapes the experience both on and off the mountain, with skiing and riding continuing through April and into May. The atmosphere extends from the slopes into the Village, where a vibrant après scene unfolds across sun-filled patios, many purposefully oriented to capture the best of the sunshine.
Celebrating the season, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) returns April 6–12, 2026, marking 30 years as a defining event in Whistler’s spring calendar.
Since its inception in 1996, WSSF has grown into an iconic celebration of mountain culture, bringing together snow sports, music, art and community. As a homegrown event, it continues to reflect the spirit and creativity of Whistler while drawing athletes, artists and audiences from around the world.
Returning to its roots, WSSF expands its sports programming in 2026, with a renewed focus on on-mountain events. Attendees can watch top skiers and snowboarders take on newly introduced rail and halfpipe sessions, or get in on the action with events such as the Slush Cup, where participants attempt to skim across an icy pond, often in creative costumes, with mixed success and plenty of entertainment for spectators.
Off the slopes, the resort comes to life with creative showcases and interactive experiences that spotlight local and visiting talent. New for 2026, a charity hockey game brings pro skiers and snowboarders head-to-head in an on-ice showdown, with proceeds supporting youth and community initiatives.
The Village Expo will return to Whistler Village, creating energy with interactive brand activations and sampling, while Basecamp at the Whistler Conference Centre brings together art, photography and community-driven programming. The Outdoor Live Music Series also transforms Skiers Plaza into an open-air stage with four days of free afternoon concerts spanning a range of genres.
Visitors can take advantage of a spring offer by booking three or more nights by April 30 to receive a $75 après voucher. Explore spring at whistler.com/spring.
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Whistler is Canada’s premier year-round leisure and meeting destination located in the Coast Mountains 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Consistently rated the top ski resort in North America, Whistler was the Host Mountain Resort of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The resort offers an extensive range of accommodations totaling 10,000 bedrooms among 24 hotels as well as townhomes, condos, B&Bs and chalets. Whistler also boasts more than 100 restaurants and bars, 200 retail shops, 25 spas and countless activity options from world-renowned skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking and golf, to hiking, rock climbing and watersports. The Resort Municipality of Whistler is home to a diverse community of more than 10,000 permanent residents.
Tourism Whistler is the member-based marketing and sales organization representing Whistler, operating the Whistler Conference Centre, Whistler Golf Club, Whistler Visitor Centre and whistler.com – Whistler’s official source for visitor information and booking.
Media can visit whistler.com/media for Whistler facts, media releases, story starters and access to images and B-roll.
Media Contacts:
Tourism Whistler
Jessie Boyd
Specialist, Communications
+1.604.938.2721 | jboyd@tourismwhistler.com
W: www.whistler.com/media
F: www.Facebook.com/GoWhistler
I: www.Instagram.com/GoWhistler
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