5 Ways to Get Your Spring On at Whistler’s World Ski & Snowboard Festival
Nothing beats the first spring day coming out of winter. You know the one –the sun suddenly feels strong, the breeze is warm, the birds are singing and all you want to do is be outside. There’s a burst of energy on spring days as everyone leaves their houses and heavy winter clothes to become happy sun-worshippers.
The World Ski Snowboard Festival (April 7 – 16, 2017) arrives right around this time in Whistler, ready to kick our spirits into gear after a long and snowy winter. Here’s 5 ways to embrace the newfound freedom of the season and get your spring on at WSSF this year:
1. Dress Up, Dress Down
By the time April rolls around, we’re done with bulky jackets. We want to ski in t-shirts, shorts, bikinis, throw on mirrored lenses and check each other out on the patios. But it’s not all about showing skin. Think fluoro, patterns, costumes, 80s gear and heading out with the whole crew dressed in onesies.
WSSF Events to Catch: Twisted Tea Slush Cup, Mascot Mayhem
What to Pack: Something you wouldn’t normally wear, but really want to (thrift shops are key)
Hello, sunshine.
2. Get Your Vitamin D (Safely)
Why does spring rock? Because after the snow we get sun, and soaking up the rays seems to trigger something in the ancient part of our brains that to make us happy. So here’s to basking on mountain patios on long afternoons, and hanging out watching pro skiers and boarders compete on the mountain (but make sure to follow advice on sun protection in this guide to spring skiing or you’ll be That Bright Red Person at work Monday)
WSSF Events to Catch: Canadian Junior Freestyle National Championships, Monster Energy Boarderstyle Tour Finals
What to Pack: Sunscreen and sunglasses, with a proper UV rating.
That spring sky…those turns…
3. Ski Spring Snow
Think winter has all time snow? We’ve had an awesome season in Whistler (THANK YOU ULLR) and powder days have been consistent, but when the temps warm up we happily switch gears. These aren’t early-morning-rush-for-powder days, these are sleep-in-and-roll-up-whenever days. Corn, slush, cruiser runs and park sessions are what spring skiing is all about. Get ready to rip with our tips for getting the most out of spring snow.
WSSF Events to Catch: Try new gear at the Demo Park, Halfpipe Fam Jam
What to Pack: Bright ski gear and maybe one of those rad new short slush snowboards
4. Spring Cleaning…for your brain.
Feeling musty? Too much screen time, not enough creative thinking and conversation with fellow humans? WSSF isn’t just about the mountains, it’s mountain culture too – so you can hear from intelligent people who are out there changing the world, wander through massive art exhibitions and see the latest creative projects from the world’s best actions sport photographers and filmmakers. Make like the flowers, soak up some brain food and grow.
WSSF Events to See: Multiplicity, The Whistler Comedy Showdown, the Olympus 72HR Filmmaker Showdown and Olympus Pro Photographer Showdown, State of the Art
What to Pack: Sense of wonder, adventure and humor
5. Catch Some Tunes
Music and dancing are a way to boost your mood no matter what the weather is doing, specially if you end up dancing in an awesome place with the right crew. WSSF has a stage right where you ski off the slopes, free concerts every afternoon, après and live music on patios across town, plus a late night club series and accommodation within walking distance of everything for quick changes between sets. It’s festival season, without the dust and collapsing tents.
WSSF Events to See: Après every day, Fido Free Outdoor Concert Series (Ozomatli, Swollen Members, Busta Rhymes, Walk off the Earth and Northern Ignition plus more local acts), Kokanee Freeride Club Series, The End featuring Gramatik
What to Pack: Dancing shoes
Ozomatli
Slide off the slope to this kinda energy? Yes please.
Walk Off the Earth
Walk off the Earth bring creativity, fun and harmonics to the table. Who knows what instruments they will bring to Whistler?
Swollen Members
Too hot for those jackets – Swollen Members pop up from Vancouver for WSSF this spring, always a good show in Whistler.
Gramatik
Big screens, bright lights – could be a wicked way to end a day in the sun:
Ready for spring? Us too. Get your tickets ASAP, sort out your accommodation and get ready to welcome spring in Whistler with style – Whistler.com has more.
Article source: https://www.whistler.com/blog/post/2017/03/15/spring-festival-whistler-wssf/
