Whistler's fan-favourite World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF) is returning to the resort from from April 10 to 16, organizers announced on Tuesday.
It will mark the first in-person WSSF since 2019, after COVID forced the cancellation of the 2020 event, and subsequent reimagined and shorter instalments in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
"For the 2023 festival, WSSF will return to its grassroots origins and focus on Sea to Sky artists and athletes, reimagined fan-favourite multimedia events from previous years, and venue-specific music programming," reads a release from organizers Gibbons Whistler.
This year's WSSF will feature two returning sporting events, including The Saudan Couloir Extreme on Saturday, April 15, and industry-favourite Slush Cup on Sunday, April 16.
"Billed as the steepest ski and snowboard race in the world, the Saudan Couloir Race Extreme is the stuff of Whistler legend," the release said. "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 Slush Cup, meanwhile, will be returning to the Tube Park this year to close out the festival. Skiers and snowboarders 19 years and older are able to enter, with prizes for Best Costume, Best Trick, Best Wipe-Out, and more.
Check back with Pique for more on this year's fest.
