Grab a pair of skis, a snowboard or a bike and head to Whistler for some of Canada's premier sports festivals.
The 10-day TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival is a showcase of music, arts and the best freeskiers on any mountain. In summer, the fastest festival on two wheels arrives at Whistler with Crankworx, the resort's mountain bike festival at Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
Whistler's sports festivals also mix top musical talent and entertainment with new product demonstrations and all-pro competitions.
Most thrilling of all, Vancouver and Whistler hosted the world for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Though the Games are over, there are still activities and attractions to experience in Whistler that are related to the Olympics.
TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival
Celebrate 10 days of sports, music and freeskiing during the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival. The Vancouver Sun newspaper calls this festival a "blast of rock and awe," with days full of eye-popping freeskiing events and après-ski action.
Held annually in April, the festival features pro-ski and snowboard competitions, free daily concerts, film screening, photography viewings, family activities, plus plenty of skiing and riding. Visit the Demo Park to try out the newest ski and snowboard models.
At night, the atmosphere heats up with Kokanee Freeride, a showcase of Canadian musical talent. Free and ticketed events take place on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, throughout Whistler Village as well as in various other venues.
There's no admission fee in effect for the festival, but some free events require a lift ticket to reach competition venues. Event tickets are available at various locations in Whistler.
CrankWorx
Several days, two wheels, and one adrenaline rush – that's Crankworx, Whistler's freeride mountain bike festival and a showcase of some of the most progressive mountain biking on the planet. It's also one of Canada's largest summer sport festivals.
Whistler Mountain Bike Park transforms into the hottest freeride playground in the world when Crankworx comes to town. Freeride athletes compete for big money in cash and prizes.
Watch world-class athletes rip up trails and down extreme verticals. The festival includes a concert series, professional demonstration shows and an exposition of the latest sports gear from top-rated mountain-bike manufacturers. Tickets are available through Whistler Guest Relations.
Show Less