Looking for the perfect way to spend the April school holidays with teenagers? Head to Whistler-Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada, for the World Ski & Snowboard Festival’s 30th anniversary—Whistler’s biggest spring celebration of competitions, live music, art, and mountain culture.
Born out of a deep love for mountain culture, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) returns in 2026 to celebrate three decades of iconic moments in Whistler. Since launching in 1996, WSSF has marked the arrival of spring as the ultimate après to the winter season, bringing together snow sports, music, art, film, and community for one unforgettable week.
Over the past 30 years, the festival has grown alongside generations of skiers, snowboarders, filmmakers, musicians, and creatives. It’s where competitions become legends, film premieres launch careers, and events turn into stories told for years.
Today, WSSF continues to showcase Whistler as a global hub for mountain culture while celebrating the vibrant community that helped build the festival into an internationally recognised event.
The Main events:
WSSF Base Camp – April 7-8
The Whistler Conference Centre is the place to be with activations from world brands, plus a pro photo showcase.
The PIPE – Thursday April 9
A high-energy Mini Pipe takeover fuelled by spring snow, music, and pure session vibes. This purpose-built Mini Pipe hosts an open ride experience featuring invited riders, a live DJ, and Mikey Cicirelli on the mic!
The Grind Series – / Skiers Plaza – Friday April 10 / Snowboarders Saturday April 11
Fans can expect jaw-dropping tricks, intense battles for podium positions, and an electric atmosphere as some of the most talented riders and skiers from across the country and around the world throw down in Whistler Village.
The Slush Cup – Glacier Creek Lodge – Blackcomb Mountain Sunday April 12
Catch skiers and boarders crossing a slushy ice pond in all sorts of style. Dress animal suits, vintage onesies, superhero outfits and even the Aussie budgie smuggler all are out performing for Best Costume, Best Trick, and Best Wipe-Out.
Aussie travellers heading to Whistler for the April school holidays can secure lift passes with a current 2025 Epic Australia Pass providing 10 days combined lift access at Whistler Blackcomb. Skiers and boarders keen to hit the slopes of Whistler for next year’s World Ski & Snowboard Festival can purchase the 2026 Epic Australia Pass, which provides access to Whistler Blackcomb, and other world-class resorts for the 2026/27 Northern Hemisphere winter season.
