deep-winter-photo-challenge-2016-whistler-blackcomb-for-webPhoto: Chad Chomlack

Photographers competing in the 10th anniversary edition of the ARC’TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by GORE-TEX® begin shooting today. The five competitors will battle it out over the next 72 hours to bring home the $10,000 purse and be crowned the 2016 King or Queen of Storms. This year’s entrants will be shooting on Whistler Blackcomb acreage, as well as, for the first time ever, in Whistler Blackcomb’s adjacent lift accessed backcountry. Here is more information about the talented photographers battling it out in the mountains:

Russel Dalby
Russell’s love of mountains and snowboarding drew him west to Whistler in the fall of 1997 where a few years later he began to shoot photos seriously. Fast forward to 2013 when he first enters Deep Winter – and wins. His photos grace the pages of magazines around the world but he calls Squamish home.

Zoya Lynch
Zoya is an award winning photographer and filmmaker based in Revelstoke, BC. Her work is a careful combination of art, outdoor adventure and the natural beauty that surrounds us every day. She first competed in Deep Winter in 2014 when she took home the crown as Queen of Storms.

Ashley Barker
Ashley first competed in Deep Winter in 2015 – and won. With a decade of experience and forever growing passion, she brings energy in creating open, interactive environments where subjects are driven and personalities come alive. Ashley’s dedication to her clients allows her to create a steady stream of electrifying and sharp images in any environment.

Chad Chomlack
This year marks Chad’s first time competing in the Deep Winter. The images he likes to shoot are often stark and emotional: simple elements held in perfect balance. With trips to Afghanistan, Fiji, India, Nepal and Chile under his belt and a seasoned eye for whatever natural assets are on offer, Chad catches honest moments as they unfold and knows that sometimes the best view of the action is from the edge.

Guy Fattal
Guy hails from Jerusalem and, by winning the freeride photography competition in Italy last year, was crowned King of the Dolomites. This is his first time competing in Deep Winter. Guy photographs brilliant people in incredible surroundings with an emphasis on movement, speed and danger. His striking and powerful photos evoke emotion and excellence.

All five photographers will present their slideshows at the ARC’TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by GORE-TEX® on Saturday January 9 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Doors are at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. For tickets or more information, please visit: http://deepwinterphoto.com/

When the ARC’TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge is over, Merlin’s and the Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC) are both hosting after parties. The Smirnoff House Party – Deep Winter Edition at the GLC is featuring DJ Kori K & DJ Surgeon. At Merlin’s, it’s Kokanee Live with We Hunt Buffalo. For tickets or more information, please visit: http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/events-and-activities/events

Guests looking to plan a trip to the consistently rated No. 1 Mountain Resort in North America can visit whistlerblackcomb.com/purchase/deals-packages or call 1-888-403-4727.