March 7, 2023 (Whistler, BC) – The World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF) is returning to Whistler from April 10 to 16, 2023. This will be the first in-person WSSF since 2019, as the 2020 festival went virtual due to COVID-19. For the 2023 festival, WSSF will return to its grassroots origins and focus on Sea to Sky artists and athletes, reimagined fan-favorite multimedia events from previous years, and venue-specific music programming. Two sporting events will be returning, including The Saudan Couloir Extreme presented by Helly Hansen on Saturday, April 15, 2023, and industry-favorite Slush Cup presented by Corona Tropical on Sunday, April 16, 2023.
Billed as the steepest ski and snowboard race in the world, the Saudan Couloir Race Extreme is the stuff of Whistler legend. Skiers and snowboarders will test their fitness, skill, and fortitude as they race from the top of the Saudan Couloir, a double-black run on Blackcomb Mountain, down to the bottom of Jersey Cream Chair. The race, which started back in 1987, is a festival highlight that brings 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. There will be both a pro and amateur category for 2023, with racers competing for cash prizes. Registration will open later this month. The fan favorite Slush Cup, presented by Corona Tropical, will be returning to the Tube Park this year to close out the festival on Sunday, April 16, 2023. Skiers and snowboarders 19 years and older are able to enter. There will be prizes for Best Costume, Best Trick, Best Wipe-Out, and more! Spectators and participants are invited to celebrate at the Longhorn Après Ski Corona Tropical Tiki Beach Party at the Longhorn Saloon following the event.
Born out of a love for all that is mountain culture, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) has been the ultimate après of the winter season since 1996. During this annual celebration of snow sports, music, arts, and culture, we will showcase Whistler’s reputation as a mecca for mountain culture. WSSF is proudly supported by the Resort Municipality of Whistler through the Resort Municipality Initiative, Tourism Whistler, Helly Hansen, Corona Tropical, Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, Forecast Ski Magazine, King Snow Magazine, and Gibbons Whistler. Information regarding multimedia and music programming will be released in the coming weeks. To stay up to date, visit wssf.com.
