Whistler ski/snowboard fest says to party now, sleep later

“Party in April. Sleep in May”is the motto for the World Ski and Snowboard Festival at Whistler this year – the 18th annual edition of the event. It is the biggest annual gathering of winter sports, music, arts and culture in North America. This 10-day fest, April 12-21, combines big-air and slopestyle ski contests with some serious paydays for athletes. The Mogul Duel, for example, is one of four Shred Show snowboard events featured during the festival; pairs of riders race through gates and sail off jumps in true old-school spirit. Slopeside action is just one facet of the festival. Once chairlifts and gondolas shut down for the day, arts and musical presentations blossom on outdoor concert stages and within the resort’s conference centre and nightclubs. For instance, the crowd-pleasing Olympus 72-Hour Filmmakers Showdown has proven so popular that this year organizers have added a second night’s encore screening. Also, the Best of the Fest finale features screenings of the winners in the film, action sports and photography contests. (http://www.wssf.com)