Photo: WSSF Whistler (@wssf) on Twitter 

Although April may seem like an unusual time to hit the ski slopes, the Whistler World Ski & Snowboard Festival officially kicked off on April 8 and runs until April 17. The event describes itself as “North America’s largest annual celebration of snow sports, music, arts & mountain culture”, and merges the world of skiing with the arts.

The festival is said to include a variety of free activities, such as a series of daily concerts. This year, the lineup of musical acts includes the Vancouver-based indie band Bear Mountain, Toronto band Modern Space and Canadian country artist Tim Hicks.

Meanwhile, party animals can check out the Silent Disco on April 15, and slip on a pair of headphones as they soak up the beats from a trio of DJs. If you prefer the club scene, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival also offers several nighttime events. A ladies’ night on April 16 features flowing champagne, while the Sunday Glow Party closes this year’s festivities on April 17.

For the film lovers in attendance, the Olympus 72 Hour Filmmaker Showdown 2^nd Cuts Screening takes place on April 14. The event takes a closer look at Whistler’s film culture, with a peek at local movies and a competition to find a winning filmmaker for 2016.

If you’re attending solely for the sports, the Monster Boarderstyle race features four riders at a time, as they compete on slopestyle terrain. For avid skiiers or snowboarders who want to stock up on their equipment, the Demo Park offers an opportunity for snow sports enthusiasts to try out skis and boards.

Last but not least, dog lovers can also bring their pups along if they plan to attend the festivities in Whistler. On April 16, the DogFest features a dog parade, canine competitions and a chance for pet owners to showcase their pooches.

Whether you’re a seasoned snowboarder or simply looking to enjoy drinks and live music, the Whistler World Ski & Snowboard Festival just may be worth a visit this April.