The dates are set: April 12-16, 2013 will play host to the Association of Freeskiing Professionals World Championships in Whistler, BC; the skiing events mark just one small part of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF) which invade the famed mountain town between April 12-21.
Featured skiing events include Saturday night’s big air show at the base of Whistler Mountain—historically one of the rowdiest big air competitions of the entire year, drawing a massive crowd and inspiring wild trickery from the best skiers on the planet—and also the slopestyle contest, to be held this year on Sunday the 14th in the Blackcomb Terrain Park. Major AFP points and a hefty cash purse are on the line. In the wake of the contests, the 2013 AFP World Champions will be crowned—walking away with the ultimate bragging rights.
Willie Borm sends a double cork in practice, WSI big air 2012 | Photo by Shay Williams
You can also look forward to the other staples of the WSSF experience, including the Olympus Pro Photographer Showdown, with its $10,000 first place prize (submissions are requested, deadline is Friday, March 1, 2013); the Olympus 72hr. Filmmaker Showdown, which challenges teams to produce a 3-5 minute short film within a 100km radius of Whistler over the course of 72 hours (also with a $10,000 first place prize); the Intersection film contest, which grants teams seven days to shoot and edit a 5-7 minute film—generally with some fun guidelines and specs (a $15,000 first place prize); and as always, a wild lineup of musical acts.
The folks at WSSF stress, “No matter how you do it: by boat, by plane, by train, just get here.” And we couldn’t agree more. The action never fails to impress, and (gosh darn!) nearly the entire skiing industry will be in attendance. Plus, we’ll be spending more than a healthy amount of time soaking up UV rays and Kokanee pitchers on the Longhorn Saloon patio, and we’d love for you to join. WSSF puts it best on the event website: “Party in April, sleep in May.”
Interested in the Pro Photo Showdown, the 72hr. Film Showdown or Intersection? Contact [email protected] before Friday, March 1. Final teams will be announced the first week of March. For those hoping to lock down tickets to any of the various concerts or events, visit wssf.com/estore. Need accommodations? You’ll find some sweet deals via wssf.com. Concert lineup? Coming soon to wssf.com. And last, but certainly not least, those looking to see the skiing action… just bring your party pants—the skiing events are free to attend.
Online registration for athletes opens March 1, 2013. Contact athlete manager Nathalie Grether: [email protected].
For all the latest news and highlights, follow WSSF on Twitter (@wssf) and Facebook.
