WSSF 2026 – PLAN YOUR PERFECT WEEK

Celebrate 30 years of WSSF in Whistler this April

The World Ski and Snowboard Festival 2026 returns to Whistler from April 6–12, celebrating 30 years of mountain culture.

Since 1996, WSSF has marked the transition from winter into spring as the ultimate après to the season, bringing together snow sports, live music, film, art, and community for one of Whistler’s most iconic weeks.

This year’s festival continues that legacy with a full schedule of events across Whistler Village and Blackcomb Mountain, from on-mountain competitions and multimedia nights to free live music and After Dark.

Planning your week at WSSF? This guide breaks down the full WSSF 2026 schedule so you can make the most of your time in Whistler.

Music All Week Long

Music is at the core of WSSF, and there is plenty to build into your week.

From Thursday, April 9 to Sunday, April 12, the Live Outdoor Music Series brings free performances to the village each afternoon, making it one of the key experiences of the festival.

For the best seat in the house, Longhorn Saloon is right in the middle of it all, with patio parties before and after the outdoor performances. Check out the event calendar here.

When the sun goes down, the After Dark Music Series  keep things going from April 6–12, bringing DJs and live performances to the dance floors at Après Après, Buffalo Bill’s, Garfinkel’s, and MoeJoe’s. Highlights include NickBike, Hush, Small town DJs, SonReal, and the closing GlowJoe’s party. Grab your After Dark tickets now before they sell out!

Monday, April 6th

Safety Shred Day & Community Après 

Start your week on April 6 with Safety Shred Days at The Adventure Group, running from 8am–6pm, with a full-day event focused on avalanche awareness, risk management, and smarter backcountry riding. Founded by professional snowboarder Victor Daviet, the event brings riders together to build confidence and sharpen mountain knowledge. Grab your Mountain Session ticket!

From 2.30pm-6pm, join a relaxed community après at TAG with guides, athletes, and fellow riders. With Arc’teryx and YETI giveaways and a chance to connect after the day’s sessions, it’s an easy addition to your plans. Grab your Community Après ticket!

Powder Puck Classic: Skiers Vs Snowboarders 

New for this year, the Powder Puck Classic makes its debut at WSSF on Monday, April 6 at Meadow Park Sports Centre. Doors open at 6pm, with puck drop at 6.30pm, running through to 9pm.

This high-energy charity hockey showdown sees skiers and snowboarders go head-to-head to kick off festival week.

Equal parts rivalry and good times, the night brings together local legends, industry personalities, and passionate riders for an atmosphere that is just as entertaining in the stands as it is on the ice.

Expect fast-paced action, big moments, and plenty of laughs, backed by a live DJ, in-game announcers, giveaways, and prizing throughout the night. The skiers take the ice as the Blackcomb Bombers, captained by Callum Pettit, while the snowboarders roll in as the Powder Hounds, led by Mark McMorris.

All proceeds support the McMorris Foundation, making this one of the most fun and meaningful nights of the festival.

Make a full day and night of it with a bundle ticket, starting at the Community Après and rolling straight into Powder Puck to kick off WSSF in style.

After Dark Music Series

Once the games wrap, keep the energy going with the After Dark Music Series  running across the village from 7pm–2am, with DJs and live performances kicking off the first full night of WSSF.

Tuesday, April 7th

Basecamp: Pro Photographer Showcase, Skate Ramp, Arctery’x and More

Start your day at WSSF Base Camp, running from 10am to 5pm at the Whistler Conference Centre both Tuesday and Wednesday. Acting as the central hub of the festival, Basecamp brings everything together in one place, with brand activations, community energy, and space to spend time between events.

A key highlight is the Pro Photographer Showcase, now integrated into Basecamp while keeping the spirit of this iconic WSSF feature alive. Over the last 30 years, WSSF has hosted the Pro Photographer Showdown, welcoming leading action sports photographers from around the world. This year, the showcase celebrates that legacy, featuring a curated collection of work from photographers who have shaped the event over the past three decades.

The printed gallery is free to explore in the Grand Foyer, offering a chance to experience some of the most iconic imagery in mountain culture. You can also take a piece of it home, with all images available through an online silent auction run by Protect Our Winters Canada. 100% of proceeds go directly to POW, supporting climate action and advocacy.

Alongside the showcase, expect a free indoor mini ramp, interactive brand activations, and giveaways throughout the day, making it an easy place to drop in or spend a full afternoon.

72 Hour Filmmaker Showdown

Basecamp wraps at 5pm before reopening at 6pm, when doors open for the multimedia events. The space shifts into an evening atmosphere with an invite-only Pro Ramp Session, plus drink features from festival partners including Jägermeister, Red Bull, The Strait & Narrow, Cinco Drink Co., and Athletic Brewing.

Arrive early to make the most of it, grab a drink, and spend time in the Pro Photographer Showcase before the 72 Hour Filmmaker Showdown presented by YETI begins at 7pm.

Filmmakers have just 72 hours to shoot and edit a short film within 100 km of Whistler before premiering it live in front of a packed crowd. With a $5,000 grand prize and a People’s Choice award on the line, this is one of the most entertaining and high-energy nights of the festival. Make sure to secure your spot to watch it live!

After Dark Music Series: Nick Bike

Head to Buffalo Bill’s from 7pm–2am as Nick Bike kicks off the After Dark series for the week.

Wednesday, April 8th

Basecamp & Intersection

Basecamp returns from 10am–5pm at the Whistler Conference Centre, with the Pro Photographer Showcase, skate ramp, and activations continuing throughout the day. Whether you are dropping in between events or spending a full afternoon there, it remains the central hub of the festival.

From 6pm–7pm, doors open as the space transitions into the evening multimedia event, giving you time to grab a drink, explore the showcase, and settle in before the night begins.

From 7pm, Intersection takes over and delivers one of the most anticipated nights of WSSF.

This is one of the festival’s most iconic and in-demand events, bringing together top ski and snowboard film crews to premiere original short films shot within a tight production window right here in Whistler. The result is a lineup of high-impact edits that push creativity, storytelling, and progression.

The energy in the room is unmatched. A packed crowd, live judging, and real-time audience reaction all come together to decide who takes home the $10,000 grand prize.

This is more than just a film night. It is a defining WSSF experience and one that consistently sells out, so plan ahead and secure your spot.

After Dark Music Series: Trapment

Keep the night going as the After Dark series continues at Buffalo Bill’s from 7pm–2am with Trapment.

Thursday, April 9th

Expo Days

Start your day at Expo Days along the Village Stroll from 10am–4pm, where you can explore new brands, gear, and activations throughout the village.

It is an easy way to spend the morning or early afternoon, whether you are browsing, connecting with brands, or just taking in the energy building across the festival.

The Pipe

From 12pm–2:30pm, head up to Blackcomb Terrain Park for The Pipe, a high-energy mini pipe takeover built for spring riding.

This is not a formal competition, but an open session designed around progression, style, and shared laps. Expect invited riders, a live DJ, and Mikey Ciccarelli on the mic, creating a vibrant on-snow atmosphere.

From local park regulars to invited standouts, this is all about community, creativity, and getting involved. Come ride, come watch, or just come be part of it.

Register here if you want to join the fun!

Outdoor Live Music Series

From 3pm, the Outdoor Live Music Series kicks off in Skier’s Plaza, bringing four days of high-energy, all-Canadian performances to the heart of the village.

Thursday’s lineup features Zada at 3pm, blending neo-soul, R&B, and Afrobeat influences shaped by her Whistler roots, followed by Surf Hat at 4pm, known for their electric, reverb-heavy psych-surf sound and high-energy live shows.

This is a free event and one of the easiest ways to soak up the atmosphere of WSSF, right in the centre of the village.

After Dark Music Series: Hush
Head to Garfinkel’s from 7pm–2am as Hush takes over for another late-night session in the After Dark Series

Friday, April 10th

Expo Days

From 10am–4pm, Expo Days continue along the Village Stroll, bringing together brands, gear, and activations right in the heart of Whistler. It is a good chance to explore what is new, connect with brands, and take in the daytime energy building across the festival.

Outdoor Live Music Series

The afternoon shifts again into the Outdoor Live Music Series in Skier’s Plaza, with The Funk Hunters taking the stage at 3pm.

Known for their genre-blending sets and high-energy performances, they bring a mix of house, bass, and funk-driven sound that has filled dance floors around the world. At 4:20pm, Vandelux follows with a set that blends electronic textures with melodic, feel-driven production, creating a strong build into the evening.

The Grind: Ski Night

As the afternoon builds, The Grind takes over Skier’s Plaza for Ski Night, marking the grand finale of a cross-Canada street-style tour.

Practice kicks off at 3:30pm before moving into the jam session at 5:30pm, where riders battle it out on creative urban-style features. Finals follow at 6:30pm, with the top athletes pushing for podium positions, before awards at 7pm.

Expect a packed plaza, high-level skiing, and a competition format that brings the crowd right into the action. This is one of the most electric spectator events of the week, and nothing compares to seeing it live.

After Dark Music Series: Small Town DJs
Keep the excitement going and  head to Garfinkel’s from 7pm–2am as Small Town DJs take over for After Dark 

Saturday, April 11th

Expo Days

From 10am–4pm, Expo Days continue along the Village Stroll, with another full day to explore activations, connect with brands, and take in the festival atmosphere.

Outdoor Live Music Series

The Outdoor Live Music Series continues to Skier’s Plaza with Maestro Fresh Wes at 3pm, a defining figure in Canadian music whose influence spans decades.

At 4:15pm, Snotty Nose Rez Kids take the stage, bringing sharp lyricism, high-energy performance, and a strong presence that continues to push Canadian hip-hop forward.

By this point in the week, the village is at its busiest, and the energy in the plaza reflects that.

The Grind: Snowboard Night

The Grind returns for Snowboard Night, following the same format with practice at 3:30pm, jam at 5:30pm, finals at 6:30pm, and awards at 7pm.

Expect progression, creativity, and a strong mix of local and international riders throwing down on the course, with the crowd building throughout the afternoon.

After Dark Music Series: SonReal
Head to Garfinkel’s from 7pm–2am as SonReal takes over for After Dark.

Sunday, April 12th

Expo Days

From 10am–4pm, Expo Days wrap up for the week, giving you one last chance to explore the activations and brands across the Village Stroll.

Slush Cup

From 11:30am–2:30pm at Glacier Creek Lodge, the Slush Cup brings the festival to its most iconic close.

Riders attempt to skim across an icy pond in full costume, combining creativity, commitment, and a willingness to take a hit. Prizes are awarded for Best Costume, Best Trick, Best Wipe-Out, and more.

With a Vandelux DJ set running from 12pm–1:15pm, the energy stays high throughout the event as crowds gather to watch the chaos unfold.

Outdoor Live Music Series

The final afternoon of live music takes over Skier’s Plaza with Jah Cutta at 3pm, followed by Bedouin Soundclash at 4pm, closing out the weekend with a feel-good finish.

After Dark Music Series: Sam Alfred
Finish the week of After Dark at Moe Joe’s from 7pm–2am with Sam Alfred.

Need a Place to Stay?

In-between the Action

WSSF is packed from morning through to late night, but part of the experience is everything in between.

Soak up the sun on the Longhorn Saloon patio right in the heart of Skier’s Plaza, where you can catch the Outdoor Live Music Series with a drink in hand. Head to Tapley’s Pub for a more laid-back, locals feel, or settle in at Stonesedge for happy hour. 

If you are looking for mountain views  and brunch, Black’s Pub is right in the action,  while Firerock Lounge is a great option to enjoy delicious cocktails before heading into After Dark.

Whether you are resetting between events or making the most of a quieter window in your schedule, there are plenty of spots to keep the day going without missing a beat.

Make It an Adventure: Spring at TAG

If you are looking to break up the week and get out of the village, head up to Cougar Mountain with The Adventure Group.

This spring, Superfly Ziplines are running at a special rate of $99 per person (usually $169.99), making it one of the best-value experiences during WSSF. The experience includes four ziplines spanning Cougar Mountain, a full 2.5-hour guided adventure, and access to Day Ticket activities like axe throwing and the Flora & Fauna trail.

Your ticket also includes entry to Vallea Lumina, an immersive night walk through the forest that blends light, sound, and storytelling into a one-of-a-kind experience. It is an easy way to turn one booking into a full day and night out of the village.

Whether you are looking for a reset between events or something different to build into your schedule, this is one of the best ways to experience more of Whistler during the week.

Make the Most of It: Après Pass

If you are planning to hit multiple events, venues, and experiences throughout the week, the Après Pass is the easiest way to make the most of WSSF.

With 20% off across participating Gibbons venues, plus access to additional perks throughout the week, it quickly adds up, especially if you are heading out for both daytime events and After Dark.

If you are here for more than a couple of days, it is the simplest way to save while getting the most out of the full WSSF experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still planning your week at WSSF? Find answers to common questions about tickets, events, and what to expect during the festival.

View the full WSSF FAQ