For skiers and snowboarders, there’s nothing quite like apres. The French term was coined by skiers, meaning to indulge in drinks, laughs, and food after a day of hitting the slopes. Well, technically, it translates simply to “after ski”—but you get the point.

Since 1996, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival held in Whistler has been serving up the “ultimate apres” in the form of a festival at Skiers Plaza—complete with drinks, DJs, and headlining musical acts.

Taking the Skullcandy Stage at the plaza at this year’s festival from April 12 to 14 are legendary acts Chali 2Na (former member of LA hip-hop troupe Jurassic 5) and Cut Chemist (formerly of Ozomatli and Jurassic 5), along with Aussie/Brit electronic duo Night Tales. Also performing the stage over the weekend is Iranian-born electronica artist Nostalgix. 

At other venues, Grandtheft and Joanna Magik perform at the Longhorn Saloon; while an all-female DJ lineup kicks off the festivities on April 11 at legendary party spot Garfinkel’s.

The best part of all this? The shows in the plaza are free, all ages, and open to the public.

We recommend doing a few runs first, of course.

World Ski & Snowboard Festival Music Series

When: April 12 to 14 

Where: Skiers Plaza (4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler)

Admission: Free