Arc'teryx Deep Winter Photo Challenge Captures White Gold On The Big Screen January 2010 (13-Dec-09)

Whistler, BC, December 13, 2009 - January storms at Whistler Blackcomb

January storms at Whistler Blackcomb can only mean one thing: deep powder days. The fourth annual ARC’TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge, January 7, 2010, pays homage to storm season and the determined skiers and riders who head out into the elements on the ultimate quest for white gold. This year, the event is moving to the larger MacDonald Ballroom at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, which has a capacity of 1,000.

The Photo Challenge is the pinnacle event of the GORE-TEX Deep Winter Experience, which runs January 4 to 10, 2010 featuring avalanche tours, ski and snowboard clinics and discounts on GORE-TEX gear.

During the Deep Winter Photo Challenge, five professional photographers shoot in-bounds at Whistler Blackcomb for three days, capturing athletes in their natural mountain habitat of powder filled bowls, deep pow trees, and après bars. This year’s contenders are: Jordan Manley, who is defending his two-time Deep Winter crown; Paul Morrison, who won the first ever photo challenge back in 2007; snowboard photographer and the first ever female competitor, Ashley Barker; veteran snowboard photographer and DC Snowboarding shooter Colin Adair; and up and coming ski photographer, Nicolas Teichrob.  Their edited slideshows are played in front of a live audience and judged by a panel of industry professionals. A prize purse of $6,000 and the title of “King of Storms” is up for grabs.

“Deep Winter is a great way of generating images that you wouldn’t otherwise get because it forces you to be creative. I just find the competition format is fun and the atmosphere is great. No one takes it too seriously,” says Manley, who is heading into his third Deep Winter. “I’m just going to do what I’ve done the last two years. Once again, I’ll be working with athletes Chad Sayers and Dave Short. They always contribute their own creative vision, which is important because it’s not just about the photographer, it’s about the team.”

Tickets for the ARC’TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge are now on sale, and are available at any Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations location or by calling 1-800-766-0449. Doors are at 7pm and the slideshow starts at 8pm with opportunities to mix and mingle over drinks in the Fairmont Chateau’s Mallard Lounge before and after the event.

“We’ve proudly supported the Deep Winter Festival since its inception in 2007,” says Tom Duguid, Director of Brand Marketing for ARC’TERYX. “As a company that values innovation and creativity, we’re constantly blown away by the presentations created by the sleep-deprived photographers who knock themselves out on the mountain and behind the lens - and knock us out on the big screen. I’m betting this year’s Deep Winter will raise the bar even higher – if that’s even possible.”

Storm season is already off to a great start after November was heralded the snowiest month ever recorded at Whistler Blackcomb, and there’s no better way to celebrate than taking part in the GORE-TEX Deep Winter Experience.

Guests who want to celebrate storm season can book a three-night, two-day ski & stay package for just $115 per person per night and will receive one bonus single day lift ticket per person. Visit  www.whistlerblackcomb.com/pregames or call 1.888.403.4727 for more information.