Well, I think you’d agree with me when I say, “it’s been one hell of a winter.” Those of us here on the West Coast – especially in Vancouver and Whistler – had the time of our lives when the Olympics and Paralympics blew through town this February and March.
The world came to our backyard to see this beautiful province and there were billions catching the action from the comfort of their homes. With energy levels through the roof, we powered through countless parties, athletic events and emotional highs and lows. Then, all of a sudden it was over. After the flame was extinguished, we all went through a bit of a party hangover.
Now it’s time for a little “hair of the dog.” Much like a caeser on a Sunday, Whistler’s annual TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival is our time to bring back some of that excitement, while celebrating without the weight of the entire world on our shoulders. There’s a certain comfort in knowing that this festival is “our festival.” We don’t have to worry about the pressures of winning the most gold medals or the pride at stake during the most important hockey game of our generation. WSSF is a time to just be. To enjoy the mountain culture events, the crazy industry parties and the snow sports we all know and love. To celebrate these 10 days exactly the way we want to.
WSSF runs April 16-25,2010. Aside from the iconic events, here are some must-do activities:
1. Silent Disco - This event was born at last year’s festival and has since evolved into one of the hottest ticket events in town. This year, it’s at Merlin’s at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Tickets are available at the venue. This is a video of last year’s Kokanee Silent Disco.
2. 3P0 - New last year, “Three Point Oh,” brings in the showdown element of the the ever-popular Pro PHotographer Showdown and 72-Hour Filmmaker Showdown but adds a multi-media element so competitors have more freedom with the format of their. Click on the link to watch last year’s winning entry, “Paper Shredders” by Dave Mossop of Rocky Mountain Sherpas.
3. PetchaKucha Night - New to WSSF this year, PetchaKucha nights actually began in Japan. This grassroots event is a networking evening for creative people and a chance for them to show their designs to like-minded people.
4. Ski Pipe - OK, so the Shaun Whites of the world kick ass at snowboard halfpipe. But Trennon Paynter and the Canadian Halfpipe Ski Team are gunning to have ski pipe added to the Olympic roster of events. Watch the World Skiing Invitational and you’ll see exactly how these guys and gals slay the U ditch.
5. Grenade Games - Always a spectacle, this motley crew of snowboarding’s biggest names bomb into town, throw down both on and off the mountain, and may or may not participate in the trashing of Sushi Village. Kidding…sort of. Follow Danopendygrasse on Twitter for all Grenade Games happenings.
6. Orage Masters - Positioning itself as an “anti-comp” this skiing event encourages partying and costumes more than winning. It’s moving down to the base of Whistler this year so everyone can watch from Skiers’ Plaza.
7. “Follow Me” bike movie premiere - Whistler-based action sports film company, Anthill Films, is hosting a Whistler premiere of their long-anticipated film. This film is guaranteed to stoke you out for bike season.
8. Free Concerts - This year, we’ve got a little rap, a little hip-hop, a little Burning Man-esque orchestra (?!), and some reggae. Free music is always good for the soul.
Well, that’s about it for now. There is a ton of fun coming down the pipe and I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop. Here’s to a great festival!
