Whistler (BC), Canada (Tuesday, January 21, 2003) - With Whistler's season of snowsports in full swing this winter, attention already is turning towards the season finale --­ the annual TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival.

In its 8th year, the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival is set to shake this twin mountain ski resort at the end of the season with an array of sports, music and visual arts events for 10 days - April 11-20, 2003.

As one of North America's largest annual snowsports and music celebrations, the Festival will this year feature ski and snowboard sporting events complemented by the DKNY Jeans Live Outdoor Concert Series, a solid line-up of emerging talent, established rock stars and cutting-edge musicians.

The third ingredient is the visual arts schedule that is highlighted this year by the Pro Photographer Search and Showdown, the expanding Filmmaker Showdown and an all-new Interactive Showdown.

This year's showcase of sporting events includes the Garnier Fructis World Skiing Invitational that features the Salomon Big Air and Salomon Superpipe events. Other major highlights of the sporting schedule are the Ripzone Snowboard Invitational, and the Saab Crossmax Series presented by Salomon, a Skier-X tour that culminates this year at the Festival with the North American Finals.

Other activities include the Kokanee Freeride club series, the Whistler Dog Parade and North America's largest Super Demo Days. There's also an Adventure Village for adrenaline seekers of all ages and a Family Zone for kids of all ages.

"The continuing evolution of the Festival has ensured that the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival remains the premier season finale in North America," says the Festivalšs managing director Doug Perry. "There's no better resort to be at in the springtime for this calibre of snowsports and entertainment."

"The Festival draws out the leaders in sports, music and visual arts and integrates it into one seamless package. It's a 360 degree experience in exhilaration, adrenaline and entertainment," Perry says.

2003 Festival Event Dates:

• April 11-13 - Ripzone Snowboard Invitational
• April 11-20 - DKNY Jeans Live Outdoor Concert Series, daily
• April 11-20 - Kokanee Freeride After Dark club series, nightly
• April 12-13, 18-20 - Super Demo Days ­ Ski and Snowboard demos
• April 13 - Kranked 5 - World Film Premiere
• April 14-15 - Pro Photographer Search
• April 16 - Filmmaker Showdown
• April 16-17 - SAAB Crossmax Series presented by Salomon
• April 17 - Pro Photographer Showdown
• April 18 - Zero Ceiling & Whistler Photographic Society Silent Auction
• April 19-20 - Garnier Fructis World Skiing Invitational featuring the Salomon Big Air and Salomon Superpipe