Where to Ski (and Party) this Spring

As the days grow longer and temperatures climb, ski resorts in the Great White North come alive.  Locals shed their layers and it seems plenty of pent-up energy comes rushing to the surface.  The general atmosphere becomes pretty wild, almost akin to an adults Spring Break.  Sprintime events feature live music and hilarious competitions and it’s no surprise to find beach attire on the slopes.  The skiing is still fantastic too, as the warmer temps produce large granular crystals (fittingly called corn snow) that makes for some of the best turns.

While nearly all resorts have something going on, here are the three big events begging me to extend my ski season.

Whistler World Ski and Snowboard Festival

For ten days each April, Whistler proves its reputation as one of North America’s best ski and party towns. The World Ski and Snowboard Festival combines art, music, and skiing in what’s dubbed a celebration of unique mountain culture. Skiers Plaza, located at the base where Blackcomb and Whistler mountains meet, becomes an outdoor stage with free daily concerts. The Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill and Longhorn Saloon host raging parties like the Silent Disco and the Bud Light Après Series.

Both the Pro Photographer and 72 Hour Filmmaker Showdowns pit photographers/videographers against one another with strict time and location limitations. The results are stunning short films and slideshows presented at the Whistler Conference Centre.  Just try to book early, as both events tend to sell out.

The ski action is solid, too, as the World Skiing Invitational is the Association of Freeskiing Professionals’ (AFP) world championship. This “slopestyle” competition takes place on Blackcomb, while the invite only Big Air Contest takes place at the base of Whistler Mountain.

This year’s event runs April 8-17, 2016.

www.whistler.com

Spring Music Sessions – Elk Run & Riot

Lake Louise Ski Resort’s weekends are about to get a little livelier.  Every Saturady and Sunday head to the Kokanee Kabin to listen to some live music or go to the backside to Temple BBQ. On April 9 & 10th Banff’s very own Elk Run & Riot will rock the stage at the Kabin.  They are a local band you don’t want to miss!

While the sun shines, live music and an amateur snowboard contest called the CREAM Rail Jam (cash rails everywhere around me) is going to be fun for sure.  Open to kids 8 – 15 and 16+ it will feature 4 divisions competing.

On Saturday April 30 Lake Louise Ski Resort will host the annual BIKINIS FOR BREAST CANCER event to raise funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.  This is a fun event which is open to women of all ages.  Girls, you’ve got 6 weeks to hit the gym and get in shape!  You’ll be required to ski or snowboard down an easy course in an “S” formation in your bikini top.  Er, yes, you can keep your snow pants on.

www.skilouise.com

88^th Annual Slush Cup at Sunshine Village

Sunshine Village has a really long ski season, often closing weeks after neighboring resorts. It’s not uncommon for daytime temperatures to climb past 70F (21C), so it seems fitting that the final weekend takes on a beach theme. The bikinis and boards shorts event coaxes skiers and snowboarders out of their layers for a good cause. All proceeds – and the fundraising seems to be increasing every season – go towards cancer research.

Both Ski Canada and skiing magazines agree that Sunshine’s Slush Cup, which takes place on the final Monday of the ski season, is one of North America’s best spring skiing events. The premise is simple and the atmosphere electric, as participants race downhill gaining enough speed to glide across a freezing cold, slush-filled pond.  There are prizes for best costume and best belly flop which usually comes at the cost of a cold swim.

This year’s close out weekend is May 21-23, 2014.

www.skibanff.com
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