Arc'Teryx Deep Winter Photo Challenge

Arc'Teryx Deep Winter Photo Challenge

Photo courtesy of Whistler Blackcomb. Photographer: Mitch Winton

The ARC’TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by GORE-TEX®, made its debut nine years ago with the aspiration of being a grass-roots gathering to celebrate local photographers and photography created during the typical January storm season at Whistler Blackcomb. The event has grown to be one of the premiere winter photography contests in the world, drawing some of the most renowned ski and snowboard photographers in the industry to compete for the title of “King/Queen of Storms”, and a total prize purse of $10,000. The 9th Annual ARC’TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by GORE-TEX®, features one of the most diverse, and talented field of competitors in the history of the event.
The photographers competing in the 9th Annual ARC’TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by GORE-TEX® include:

  • Ashley Barker – Passion, a lively presence, and drive for success have allowed Whistler based Barker to become one of the world’s foremost published snowboard photographers. Ashley’s dedication to her craft allows her to create a steady stream of electrifying and sharp images in any environment.
  • Tal Roberts – Originally from Gig Harbor, WA and now residing in in Ketchum, ID, Roberts got his start in the world of creating still images by hitting the pause button when the tricks looked just right on the classic skateboard videos of the mid 1990’s. Though he didn’t use a real camera until years later, the desire to document his passions was still intact.
  • Adam Barker – Raised amongst Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, internationally acclaimed photographer Adam Barker has a passion for photography matched only by his zest for life. Known for bold landscape and active lifestyle imagery, his love affair with exceptional imagery has translated into stirring editorial work for Outdoor Photographer, Skiing, Ski, Powder, Flyfish Journal, USA Today and many more publications.
  • Mike Helfrich – Working with major publications like Act, SBC Media, and Snowboard have helped Mike launch into the scene. With an artistic eye, Mike is creating progressive imagery while still honouring the authentic lifestyle and culture of the mountains. Being passionate about the art of printing, Mike’s work is hanging on walls around the world.
  • Ben Girardi – Quiet, reserved, and pensive may describe Ben Girardi. Yet, his work is defined by imaginative and bold statements of balance and composition, color and content, exhibiting creativity as well as technical knowledge. Ben’s work has been published in numerous snowboard and ski magazines, catalogs, and online. He bases his professional photography career in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The photographers are all given the same 72 hour window to shoot in-bounds at Whistler Blackcomb, to capture athletes in their natural mountain habitat of powder-filled bowls, glades, and après bars. Each photographer will create a montage of the best images from the three days and their slide shows will be shown in front of a live audience on Saturday, January 10, at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. The slideshows will be judged by a panel of industry professionals.

“With snow in the forecast, I am really stoked to get the ARC’TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by GORE-TEX® started.” says second time competitor Mike Helfich. “It’s going to be an exciting three days of bringing the story to life!”

As soon as the judges have made their decision and announced the 2015 King/Queen of Storms, the ARC’TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by GORE-TEX® People’s Choice Award contest will go live at www.whistlerblackcomb.com/deepwinter. All the photographers will have a Deep Winter image of their choosing posted to the site, allowing the public to vote for their favourite. The contest will be active for 72 hours following the Deep Winter event and the photographer with the most votes at the end of the three days will win a trip for two with Whistler Heli Skiing, and $1,000. Online voters will be entered for the chance win a prize package from event sponsors.

Tickets for the ARC’TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by GORE-TEX® are $25 and available for purchase at any Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations location, online at www.whistlerblackcomb.com/deepwinter, or by calling 1-800-766-0449. Doors open at 7pm and the slideshows start at 8pm.

New to the event this year, the ARC’TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge presented by Gore-Tex®, has partnered with the Avalanche Canada Foundation as the official charity partner of the event. When purchasing tickets online, donations can be made to help support the foundation The Avalanche Canada Foundation will have a booth set up at the event where attendees can obtain more information about Avalanche Canada and their contribution to avalanche safety.

The Deep Winter Photo Challenge is presented by ARC’TERYX, GORE-TEX® products, and Whistler Blackcomb. Additional sponsors included Kokanee, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Coast Mountain Culture, Whistler Heli Ski, Smirnoff, the Whistler Question, Atomic and Mountain FM.