The biggest party of the year is coming to Whistler and to get the most of "The Festival" we're bringing you these insider's tips.
"The biggest annual gathering of winter sports, music, arts and culture in North America, the World Ski and Snowboard Festival" starts in just a few days time. There's so much to take in, you're going to want to do a little bit of pre-planning to make sure you get your party on as best you can.
# 1 - The snowboard/ski events
There's a lot to take in for those who like to take in a bit of contest action. All the snowboard events take place the first weekend as part of the "Monster Shred Show" and then the second weekend is the skiers' turn with The World Skiing Invitational.
On the snowboard side there's a slopestyle and boarder-style comp up on the hill but the real action is going to be at the Big Air, Saturday night in the heart of the village. Upwards of 20,000 people have been known to show up for this awesome mix of action and live music and you don't want to miss out.
While there are usually security guards keeping a close eye on the entrances, with a bit of pre-planning you should be able to get a mickey of your favourite spirit inside to enjoy while taking in the triple-cork festivities.
# 2 - The Music
There's a giant stage set up at the base of the hill where you can take in some awesome bands playing. This year, two of the highlights are De La Soul playing on the first Saturday during the snowboarding Big Air and then the one a lot of locals are looking forward to is wrapping up the whole Festival on the 20th - ie. 4:20 - with Bob Marley's original band, The Wailers. That one is sure to be a smoke-filled show and a half!
Sometimes all you have to do to find the party is linger a bit ...# 3 - The Parties
There are basically huge parties in every bar pretty much every night of the whole festival. 33MAG is even hosting our own on Friday the 18th at the Longhorn! For the absolute best times though, be sure to keep an eye on where the bands are playing. Free shows in the village are one thing, and they're awesome, but seeing a really great band with only 200 other people is something you will remember for a lifetime. Just remember, unless you're on the list you're going to want to get in line early because there are a lot of people thinking the same thing!
# 4 - The Culture
Music, parties and sports are only a small part of the Festival. What do I mean? Well, over the past ten years the "cultural events" have taken over as the focal point of the Festival for many. The 72 Hour Filmmaker Showdown is always a favourite and the Pro Photographer showdown never fails to impress and inspire. Where else can you see five of the top action-sport photographers in the world present slideshows of their best work?
But the real hot ticket is Intersection, which pits six teams against each other to impress the crowd, and the judges!, with their 5-7 minute ski/snowboard-based action film which they had only seven days to film and edit. This year the filming was bumped up a month to improve the chances of good weather - and it worked! - so the films are in the bag and ready to be enjoyed. Don't miss out!
An unofficial event in the woods
# 5 - "Locals Only" events
There are more events on the official schedule than any one person could ever attend but if you keep your eyes and ears open you'll be sure to hear about a few "secret" locals-only events around town throughout the week. From impromptu parties at the skatepark to jib-sessions at the base of the hill in a secret spot, these unofficial gatherings are often as authentic an experience as you will ever experience in the snowboard scene.
# 6 - The Hangover
Oh god the hangovers! While many a twenty year-old can party all night and wake up as fresh as ever, those of us on the wrong side of thirty know that hangover management is as important a skill as any. Plan wisely and don't forget to chug a few glasses of water before passing out! When all else fails, head to the locals hangout, The Southside Diner in Creekside for a greasy breakie and a double caesar and just start the whole thing over again!
For the official schedule of events, head to WSSF.com
