World Ski & Snowboard Festival Goes Virtual in 2021: Celebrate Mountain Culture Online
This year's World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) tagline captures its exciting shift to a fully digital format, inviting global participants to immerse themselves in mountain culture.
Traditionally a vibrant celebration of arts, music, and sport, the 2021 edition features three virtual events on consecutive Fridays—April 16, 23, and 30—from 6 to 8 PM PST. Tune in via Sky Stream on the WSSF website.
Due to COVID-19 public health measures, favorites like the Saudan Couloir Ski Race, Big Air, 72-Hour Filmmaker Showdown, and Olympus Pro Photographer Showdown are paused. However, their spirit lives on in digitized competitions.
While nothing replaces the energy of live crowds, this virtual format unites snow enthusiasts worldwide to honor mountain culture digitally.
What's on at WSSF 2021?
Three thrilling events: the Rough Cuts Photo & Video Competition, Whip Sheets Top Sheet Art Competition, and live music/DJ sets from iconic Whistler spots. Each airs Fridays in April from 6 to 8 PM PST, starting April 16.
We spoke with the WSSF team for insights on participation and celebrating mountain culture's vibrancy.
WSSF Rough Cuts Photo & Video Competition
What is it?
Love snow sports and have camera skills? Enter Rough Cuts. Global teams submit 2-5 minute films (footage from the last 10 years) showcasing skiing, snowboarding, or snowsports, plus 10-20 top photos.
How to get involved?
Submit films by noon, April 10, 2021. Full rules at WSSF.com. Tip: Craft a compelling short story to captivate judges seeking innovation.
Vote for favorites! Local filmmakers and athletes select top 8 local and 4 global films for online rounds. Fan votes on April 16 (round 1), April 23 (round 2), and April 30 (finals) decide winners, announced post-DJ set.
Prizes?
Sea to Sky winner: $5,000 cash. Global: $1,000 cash. Both get the Key to WSSF 2022 prize pack (Whistler stays, dining, Scandinave Spa, tours). Best Photo: $1,000 cash.
Whip Sheets Top Sheet Competition
What is it?
Global artists design top sheets for Foon skis or Hightide snowboards, open for worldwide votes.
How to get involved?
Submit artwork by noon, April 20, via WSSF website. Judges select 20 per category; vote April 21-30. Winners announced April 30.
Prizes?
Winning designs on custom Foon skis/Hightide snowboard, plus the gear for the artist. Ski design available for custom orders.
Music Events via Sky Stream
Sky Streams broadcasts DJ/live sets from Whistler's hidden gems, featuring locals like The Hairfamers, Skiitour, Case of the Mondays, DJ Foxy Moron, tyMetal, Bangers & Mash, and rapper The Prophet.
Follow WSSF website and socials for updates.
Moving the Community Forward
This programming spotlights local athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs. Teams must showcase diversity (generations, genders, races) for entry. Winners donate 5% of prizes to a Sea to Sky charity.
Join virtually April 16, 23, 30 (6-8 PM PST) for Sky Streams, art votes, and film finals. Enter and vote—anyone can!
