Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT THE TELUS WORLD SKI & SNOWBOARD FESTIVAL
What is the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival?
When is the Festival?
Where is the Festival?
Do I need to buy a Festival pass or ticket?
What's happening at night?
Which bands are playing at the Festival?
How can I enjoy the Festival without spending any cash?
What can I do with my kids at the Festival?
I don't ski or snowboard, what can I do?
ABOUT FESTIVAL ACCESS
Where in Whistler is the Festival?
Do I need a lift ticket to see the alpine events?
Do I need skis or a snowboard to watch the alpine contests?
Do I need skis or a snowboard to watch the Big Air contest?
How do I get tickets to the evening film and photography events?
Can I compete in the ski and snowboard events?
Can I enter the Filmmaker Showdown?
How can I volunteer for the Festival?
ABOUT WHISTLER
How do I get to Whistler?
Where can I stay while in Whistler?
How much is a Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket?
Can I take a ski or snowboard lesson?
Where can I rent skis or snowboards?
Will there be construction closures on the Sea to Sky Highway during the Festival?
How do I get around once I'm in Whistler?
Are babysitting services available for when I go out at night?
What is the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival?
The TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival is a 10-day annual celebration of snowsports, music, arts and mountain life. The Festival is held each April and includes pro ski and snowboard competitions, free daily concerts, film and photography exposes, family activities, free ski & snowboard demo days, a dog parade and a skate zone plus some of the best spring skiing and riding on the planet!
When is the Festival?
The 2010 TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival will take place April 16th to 25th.
Where is the Festival?
The TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival is held each spring in North America 's premier 4-season resort – Whistler, British Columbia, Canada.
Whistler is a mountain town located 120 km north of Vancouver , British Columbia. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountain Range, the two-hour drive to Whistler from Vancouver takes you along the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). Visit Tourism Whistler's web site www.tourismwhistler.com for more information about Whistler.
Do I need to buy a Festival pass or ticket?
No. There is no admission fee to take part in the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival. Many of the events are free!
Free events include the daily concerts on the main stage in the village and in the clubs during Kokanee Freeride, the Urban Rail Session, the Skate Zone, Brave Art, the Whistler DogFest and many other activities, events and showcases throughout the Village walkways.
On hill events inclunding The World Snowboarding Open, World Skiing Invitational, Super Demo Days and Jib Park are all free events to watch, but they do require a lift ticket to get to the competition venues.
Tickets are required for a few of the evening events… DJ Experience, Words & Stories, Fashion Exposed, the Photographer Showdown and the Filmmaker Showdown.
What's happening at night?
There are lots of things happening every night during the Festival. The bars and clubs are hopping with free music as part of Kokanee Freeride. Inspiring film and photography events take place during the evenings, plus there are always lots of surprises around every corner and in every bar. Check out the Festival Schedule for the ‘official' nightlife line-up but keep your eyes open for impromptu cool stuff…
Which bands are playing at the Festival?
The concert line up for the Outdoor Concert Series and Kokanee Freeride will be announced asap.
How can I enjoy the Festival without spending any cash?
There is no admission fee to take part in the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival. Most of the events during the Festival are free!
Free events include the daily concerts on the main concert stage in the village and in the clubs during Kokanee Freeride, the Urban Rail Session, the Big Air Comp, the Skate Zone, the Whistler DogFest and many other activities, events and showcases throughout the Village walkways.
What can I do with my kids at the Festival?
There are lots of kid-friendly activities at the Festival! Take them up Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains to watch the ski and snowboard alpine competitions. Listen to one of the great bands at the Outdoor Concert Series. Check out the family-friendly Family Zones taking place daily with lots of exciting activities to keep your tots busy. Check out the Dog Parade and Dog Fest, and don't miss the Big Air Comps at the base of Whistler Mountain. Plus, there's all the skiing and riding they could possibly do – or sign them up for a lesson to get a head start on next year's experience.
If you require child care during your stay, please contact Babysitting Whistler, Whistler's largest nanny agency offering daytime and evening childcare to children of all ages. Visit their website for more information: babysittingwhistler.com.
I don't ski or snowboard, what can I do?
The TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival isn't just about skiing or snowboarding – there are lots of events for everyone to enjoy. Many of the events take place in the pedestrian-only Whistler Village … check out the scores of free concerts taking place on the Festival Mainstage and in the bars and clubs, be inspired at the Photographer Showdown and the Filmmaker Showdown or expend some energy in the Adventure Village . Take in the Dog Parade, or experience the thrill of competition at the ski and snowboard Rail Jam at the base of Whistler Mountain . Browse through the village shops, art galleries and enjoy the many culinary adventures throughout Whistler's many world-class restaurants.
ABOUT FESTIVAL ACCESS
Where in Whistler is the Festival?
The Festival takes place all over Whistler Village . Events take place on the mountains, throughout the Village, in the TELUS Conference Centre, and in various venues around town.
Do I need a lift ticket to see the alpine events?
Yes, a lift ticket is required to watch the Snowboard Invitational and the World Skiing Invitational alpine events. Lift tickets are $70 (CAD) and can be purchased at any of the five Whistler Blackcomb bases. Visit Whistler Blackcomb www.whistlerblackcomb.com for additional lift ticket information.
Do I need skis or a snowboard to watch the alpine contests?
The Superpipe on Blackcomb Mountain is located just below the Solar Coaster and Catskinner lifts and requires spectators to have skis or snowboards. The JibJam Arena will be at the top of Whistler, accessible by the Whistler Village Gondola.
Do I need skis or a snowboard to watch the Big Air contest?
No, the Big Air contest is located at the base of Whistler Mountain in the Village.
How do I get tickets to the evening film and photography events?
Tickets for the Photographer Showdown and the Filmmaker Showdown will be available closer to the events on the Festival E-store.
Can I compete in the ski and snowboard events?
Athletes interested in competing in the World Snowboarding Open or the World Skiing Invitational are required to complete a Request for Invitation. Qualifying events will also be held to provide an opportunity for young up-and-comers to ride with the pros. The top 10 men qualifiers and the top five women will compete in the Finals.
Can I enter the Filmmaker Showdown?
All you need to enter the Filmmaker Showdown is an idea, a video camera, some editing equipment and 72 hours! Visit the Entry Details page of the Filmmaker Showdown section.
How can I volunteer for the Festival?
Volunteer applications are available online here. Sign up for what might just be one of the best volunteer experiences of your life. Choose from a wide range of on-mountain, in-village operations or VIP hosting positions. Gain valuable experience in all aspects of event operation. The swag package and the volunteer party are legendary!
ABOUT WHISTLER
How do I get to Whistler?
There are a number of transport options to get you here. Whistler is a two-hour drive from the Vancouver International Airport, which is a direct flight from many major cities in Canada, the US, Europe, Asia and Australia. Bus or limousine transfers and car rentals are available at the airport or from downtown Vancouver (20 minutes from the airport). A heli-service or float plane service is also available. Definitely book in advance! Check out our Travel Page or for more detailed information, or visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com and click on “GETTING HERE”.
Where can I stay while in Whistler?
Check out the Travel Info section for travel packages and accommodation options in Whistler during the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival. April delivers great value in the form of lift and lodging packages. You'll find everything from luxury hotels to cozy condos complete with kitchen and laundry facilities – many of which are just steps away from the lifts. Get up here and stay for a long time…it'll be a blast.
How much is a Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket?
One-day lift tickets are $70 (CAD) during the 10 days of the Festival. Multi-day lift-ticket packages are also available. Visit Whistler Blackcomb www.whistlerblackcomb.com/tickets/ for more information.
Where can I rent skis or snowboards?
Rentals are available through Whistler Blackcomb. Book ahead on-line and pick up your equipment at one of the many rental shops at the base of the mountains. Visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/rentals/ for info.
Will there be construction closures on the Sea to Sky Highway during the Festival?
Click here for the latest updates regarding the Sea to Sky Highway Improvement Project.
How do I get around once I'm in Whistler?
Whistler Village is designed for pedestrians and the majority of hotels are within walking distance from shopping, restaurants, nightlife and the ski lifts. Vehicles are not allowed in the pedestrian-only Village although there's lots of parking in the skier day lots or overnight in secure underground hotel parking lots. Whistler has an excellent public transit system with a free Village Shuttle that loops around the village every 10 minutes. There's also an efficient taxi service to help get you where you want to go.
Are babysitting services available for when I go out at night?
Babysitter services are available in Whistler through the Nanny Network www.thenannynetwork.net.
