IT’S BACK! April 10th – 14th to be exact. For over twenty years Whistler BC has hosted the beloved World Ski and Snowboard Festival. Last year the event welcomed back the crowd and skier favorite event, The Saudan Couloir Ski Race and of course embraced the new JP Auclair Memorial event. This year we can count on our favorite events making the cut in the condensed schedule so that each day is jampacked with drool-worthy ski, art, and musical events. Check out the WSSF 2019 stacked schedule and get the details below on each of our favorite events.

WSSF 2019 SCHEDULE

WSSF 2019 BIG AIR

“Drawing top athletes and passionate crowds in droves, the invitational Ski Big Air returns to WSSF in 2019. This year, the stakes are as high as the jump is big. Prize money is doubling, bringing the total for both Ski and Snowboard Big Air events to $100,000 USD, a move expected to bring in the heavy hitters and that’s in line with the growth of Big Air competition within the snow sports arena. Ski Big Air will be added to the Olympic roster for Beijing 2022.”

We love the Big Air because it hosts the biggest names and provokes an epic village party! Entertainment for all no doubt. April 12-13, 2019.

Big Air 2018 Ski Winner Evan McEarchran. Photo by Mitch Winton.

SAUDAN COULOIR SKI RACE EXTREME

“Billed as the steepest ski race in the world, the Saudan Couloir Ski Race Extreme presented by Kokanee is the stuff of Whistler legend. The race returns for a second year since it was resurrected in 2018. Part of the original roster of WSSF programming 24 years ago, this is one event for racers and spectators not to be missed. The event takes racers down the Saudan Couloir, a double-black run on Blackcomb Mountain that’s been called one of the “9 Most Terrifying Ski Slopes in the World.” The race and run are named after Swiss extreme skier Sylvain Saudan, nicknamed the “skier of the impossible.” The race, which started back in 1987, is a festival highlight, bringing out the legends of ski racing, big mountain pros, and a healthy dose of amateur skiers who aren’t afraid to charge down 2,500 vertical feet of thigh-burning Hell.”

Why we love it? You need some serious guts. This event calls out the freeskiers, the past and present racers and the overall speed demons whether they’re pro, semi-pro or the guy/girl next door. Registration opens to the public Tuesday, January 15 at 10 a.m. and is expected to sell out quickly. The event will take place on April 12th or 13th depending on the weather.

Read an insiders perspective on the Couloir from Jordy Norris and his big plans for redemption. 

Saudan Couloir Ski Race Extreme presented by Kokanee. Skier Robbie Dixon. Photo by Mitch Winton.

JP AUCLAIR MEMORIAL

“Last year, in addition to a fundraiser and trivia night, a quarter pipe session to celebrate the memory of JP Auclair at WSSF brought out the likes of Rory Bushfield, TJ Schiller, Kye Petersen, Tanner Rainville, KC Deane, Parker White, Stan Rey, Nick McNutt, Callum Petit, Chris Turpin, and more. 2019 event details to be confirmed, but expect next-level good times, both on and off the snow, with great people for the fifth JP Auclair Memorial.”

Why we love it? JP loved the ski community and fostering its growth. This event encompasses his spirit and it’s a great way to celebrate him and the future of the sport. Details to be confirmed but take place on April 11th, 2019.

JP Auclair Memorial. Photo by Spencer Watson.

WSSF 2019 SLUSH CUP

“Looking for the perfect way to close out your ski season with a few rays, some good friends, a lot of laughs, and, of course, fun on skis? The annual Slush Cup at WSSF is the perfect send-off to the season. Charge through spring snow and send it across the slushy abyss of an icy slush pond, preferably with style. Don’t forget to don your most outrageous animal suit/vintage onesie/superhero outfit/budgie smuggler. Prizes for Best Costume, Best Trick, Best Wipe-Out, and more, will be up for grabs at this annual fan-favorite event.”

What’s not to love about this? Causal, good times, endless laughs. Perfect wrap up to an epic week of ski shenanigans. See you there! April 14th, 2019 that is.

Twisted Tea Slush Cup. Photo by Mitch Winton.

From April 10th – 14th Swatch is sponsoring a free gallery known as “Art + Soul” that features artists that are as obsessed with skiing culture as you. Check it out and keep an eye open for our recently featured artists Kate Zessel and Stacey Bodnaruk. More information for each event will be released as we draw closer to the festival. Keep tabs on wssf.com for final event details.