2013 Deep Summer Photo Challenge at Crankworx Whistler Announces Five Heavy Hitting Photographers And Opens Entries For The Pinkbike.com Wildcard Search

Crankworx Whistler’s preeminent mountain bike photo contest, the Deep Summer Photo Challenge, has confirmed its roster of five pro photographers to compete in the August 14 slideshow competition, and has again opened the doors for the sixth contender with the Pinkbike Deep Summer Wildcard Search. This year’s show promises more variety and a broader perspective from photographers with expanded boundaries through the Sea to Sky Corridor from Squamish to Pemberton.

“The Deep Summer Photo Challenge is a crowd favourite at Crankworx Whistler every year,” says Crankworx General Manager Darren Kinnaird. “We decided to give the photographers and their teams a broader boundary to work with, while still including a percentage of their show from Whistler and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. We are thrilled to have the talent we do on the roster for this years’ event and can’t wait to see who the Wildcard Challenge on Pinkbike.com will bring to the table.”

The five pro photographers set to storm the Whistler Mountain Bike Park and create a slideshow to be shown on Wednesday, August 14, are:

• Scott Markewitz 
• Harookz
• Garrett Grove 
• Nicolas Teichrob
• Bruno Long 

The Pinkbike Deep Summer Wildcard Search will determine the sixth photographer to join the competition.  See Pinkbike.com at this link for details and dates for the Pinkbike Deep Summer Wildcard Photographer Search.

The Deep Summer Photo Challenge will take place under the stars at the spectacular Whistler Olympic Plaza again in 2013. Priority seating and close sightlines to giant HD screens will be on offer with a number of ticketed seats available for $5. The area beyond the ticketed seating will be available for spectators to take in the Deep Summer Photo Challenge free of charge.

The photographers will rally their chosen athlete teams to embark on three days of intense shooting and editing commencing Saturday, August 10. Slideshows will be handed in by the end of the day Tuesday, August 13. Then on Wednesday, August 14 a massive crowd will experience deep summer in Whistler through the lenses of six elite mountain bike photographers with first place taking home $5,000, second place $3,000, and third place $2,000.

RSVP for the Deep Summer Photo Challenge at facebook.com/crankworx and stay tuned to www.crankworx.com for upcoming news. Connect with Crankworx through Facebook.com/crankworx, Twitter.com/crankworx or Instagram.com/crankworx.

The Deep Summer Photo Challenge at Crankworx Whistler is proud to be presented by SCOTT, Pinkbike and the Bearfoot Bistro.

August 9-18, 2013, the world’s best downhill, slopestyle and enduro riders will migrate to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park for the 10th Annual Crankworx Whistler. Crankworx Les 2 Alpes will take place July 6 – 14, 2013 and is the only Crankworx event to take place outside of North America. High-summer’s convergence of all things freeride, Crankworx is a 10-day festival of epic endurance, supreme flow, monster air and vertical-dropping riding. A time-tested stage for gravity-fed mountain biking, Crankworx has forged the future of freeride, launched careers and raised up a spectacle out of dirt, sweat and cheers. Feel the impact. Embrace the amplitude. Experience the awe that is Crankworx Whistler 2013.

Nadia Samer photo courtesy Whistler Blackcomb

Dirt in the valley and snow on the mountain tops sets the stage for Whistler Blackcomb’s annual Crud 2 Mud Downhill, a “transition season” event that combines the end of the ski and snowboard season with the start of the downhill mountain bike season.

Those brave enough to tackle the Crud 2 Mud course can do so on their own or in teams. The fun begins when the athletes strap into bindings at the top of Whistler Mountain and race their skis or boards down to where the snow meets the mud.  At this point, quad muscles already burning, winter gear gets swapped for summer gear and competitors jump on their bikes and race down the Whistler Mountain Bike Park trails to Whistler Village.

“Spring time in Whistler means we get the best of both worlds; we can ski and bike in the same day,” says Whistler Blackcomb Events Supervisor Sebastien Fremont.  “The Crud 2 Mud course is shaping up perfectly with all of the hot weather we have seen and is definitely going to put Whistler’s best multi-sport athletes to the test.”

Registration for the Crud 2 Mud Downhill is open until 2pm on Saturday, May 25, and is available online, in person at Whistler Blackcomb Guest Services, or by calling 1.800.766.0449. The event is recommended for strong intermediate to expert skiers/snowboarders and mountain bikers. The event is open to males and females ages 13+ and is $55 for individuals or $80 for teams of two. Whistler Mountain Bike Park lift tickets are not included in the registration cost but can be purchased at a special rate for the event of $31 (Adults) or $28 (Youth/Senior) at Guest Services. Read more

Building on the popularity and feedback from the last three years, Whistler Outdoor Photography Workshops is pleased to announce the dates for a Fall Whistler Outdoor Photography Summit, September 26-29, 2013. This year’s summit is in conjunction with the Whistler Arts Council and Out of Bounds Backcountry Photo Contest, a premier photo exhibition with a $1,000 cash prize.

“Photography in Whistler and the outdoor activities that we love go hand and hand just like the athletes and the equipment they use on the mountain. Documenting and sharing our adventures with others inspires us to be out in the mountains even more.” – Director Blake Jorgenson

Details:

• Full Advanced Course: 3 days of shooting and instruction, 6 evening lectures/presentations over 3 evenings – $900 (includes breakfast)
• Full Intermediate Course: 3 days of shooting and instruction, 6 evening lectures/presentations over 3 evenings, – $750 (includes breakfast)
• Evening lectures x 2: $10 per lecture, $15 for both or $50 for all 3 nights.

Instructors:

• Blake Jorgenson
• Jordan Manley
• Scott Serfas
• Paul Morrison
• Eric Berger
• Guest industry speakers TBA Read more

Ideal Early-Summer Conditions Allow Bike Park To Open A-Line, Crank-it-Up, And Crabapple Hits As Part Of The Biggest Opening Day Ever

To say anticipation is running high for the opening day of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park would be an understatement and this week, the wait is finally over. On Friday, May 17 the Whistler Mountain Bike Park will open for summer operations with much of the lower park open and buffed.

In contrast with the past two spring seasons where cool spring temperatures and a deep mid-mountain snowpack made clearing trails a difficult task, this spring has been much more forgiving. The month of May has already seen a number of days with temperatures in the high 20C and even 30C range, meaning much of the snow on the lower slopes of the bike park has been melting on its own.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park Manager Brian Finestone says, “The ultimate goal is to have Dirt Merchant open for day one. The snow has been removed from the trail, allowing the dirt to settle and dry out nicely. If it continues to be warm, and mostly dry, we should be able to make Dirt Merchant accessible to riders, setting a record for its earliest opening ever.”

The official list of trails to open on May 17 will be confirmed the day before opening, but riders can expect to shred A-Line, B-Line, Crank-it-Up, Ninja Cougar, Karate Monkey, and even Crabapple Hits. Opening day terrain in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is recommended for at least intermediate to advanced riders. The bike park crew will continue to work hard to open more beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails as this season gets off to a quick start.

Marck McKay photo. Athletes Tristan Merrick and Peter Matthews

Beginning May 17, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park will be open daily from 10am – 5pm. Access will be available via the Fitzsimmons Express Chairlift. Upload via the Whistler Village Gondola will begin Saturday, May 25 when summer sightseeing operations commence. Extended Play hours 10am – 8pm kick off June 15 and will run through August 18.

Get information on Early Bird Bike Park Season Passes (available until May 16 for $599 CAN), Twilight Passes and Triple Play Cards HERE. Guests can purchase all passes and cards online at whistlerblackcomb.com, in person at Village Guest Relations, or by calling 1-800-766-0449.

For guests looking to rent bikes and gear, Garbanzo Rentals in the Whistler Gondola building will be carrying a selection of GIANT full suspension downhill mountain bikes including the Glory and Reign, Kali full-face helmets and Alpinestars body armour. Garbanzo Bike and Bean will be open from 10am – 6pm for rental and repair services, and features a retail section filled with top-end mountain bikes, clothing, bike gear, and a cappuccino bar.

Riders can also practice indoors in the Air Dome starting May 18. The Air Dome is an 8,400 square foot covered indoor bike training facility with various jumps, wooden ramps and a foam pit.  Full details can be found online at www.whistlerbike.com/information.

Highlights So Far Include: World Skiing Invitational Big Air and Slopestyle, Free Outdoor Concert Featuring Nas, and Whistler’s Black Diamond Betties Victory At Vengeance In The Valley

 The first half of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF) in Whistler, BC has been an adrenaline-fueled and action-packed, five days; but that was only the beginning. There are still five more days of sport, art, music and fashion to come at WSSF, with the action continuing day and night right through to Sunday, April 21.

Looking ahead to what is still in store at the World Ski and Snowboard Festival:

• The Shred Show, presented by Monster Energy, will take place April 18 to 20. Snowboarding events include the Boarderstyle on Blackcomb Mountain Thursday, April 18; the Slopestyle on Blackcomb Mountain Friday, April 19; and the Big Air in Skiers Plaza at the base of Whistler Mountain on Saturday April 20. Both the Slopestyle and Big Air contests will be World Snowboard Tour 5 Star Events. Live scoring and results will be available online at http://live.eim-solutions.com/shredshow2013.
• The OLYMPUS Pro Photographer Showdown will take place on Thursday, April 18 in the Whistler Conference Centre. This year’s competitors who will be competing for $10,000 include: Andy Wright, Bryan Ralph, Chris Burkard, Darcy Bacha, and Oskar Enander.
• Intersection, presented by Bromley Baseboards will take place in the Whistler Conference Centre on Friday, April 19. The four competing teams have had seven days to shoot, edit and produce a five to seven minute action sports film. The teams competing for the $15,000 grand prize this year include Heart Films, Leo Zuckerman, Nuulife Cinema and Voleurz.
• The WSSF late night party circuit will wrap up with The END at the Whistler Conference Centre on Saturday, April 20. Featuring performances from The Funk Hunters, Luke McKeehan, SkiiTour and Neighbour, doors to The END will open at 10pm and the party will continue until 4am, Sunday morning. Tickets to The END are still available at the Whistler Activity Centre.
• The Outdoor Concert Series will also continue throughout the rest of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, with free shows from K-OS, Swollen Members, Arkells and more. For the full schedule of events still to come at WSSF and for information on how to purchase tickets, visit www.wssf.com. Read more

Crispin Cannon photo, courtesy Whistler Blackcomb

Warmer temperatures, longer days, sun-soaked patios, soft corn snow, and pristine terrain parks are just part of what makes spring such an amazing time at Whistler Blackcomb. While Whistler Mountain closes on April 21, the good times continue with Blackcomb Mountain extending skiing and riding until May 27.

“Whistler Blackcomb is lucky to boast one of the longest ski seasons in North America,” says Stuart Rempel, Senior VP of Marketing and Sales at Whistler Blackcomb. “Whether it is skiing freshly groomed corn snow, or enjoying an après beverage while listening to live music on the patio of Merlin’s, we want to make sure guests have the best possible spring experience. These tips will help everyone have an incredible time at Whistler Blackcomb.”

Read more

Have you seen the giant 6ft Blow-up birthday cake popping up all over Whistler village yet? Well if you haven’t you soon will…

On April 18th, 2013 Whistler & The Longhorn Saloon will see the first event of this kind!

You heard me, we’ve sharpened our creative pencils to needle sharp points and we’re just in time to bust them, and a plethora of blow up toys, out for this year’s World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF)’s best party. After the après Bulldogs on the patio, the compulsory nacho consumption, and the breathtaking sunset, Longhorns will open the floodgates to all things inflatable! We’re talking about two mega teams drawing swords on a concept that is sure to blow your mind, and the roof, off one of the funnest bars in the village.

Locally owned, TBApparel, is teaming up with Outfunya to give you the best experience you never asked for and it’s going down right in the heart of the festival. Our goal is to ensure you are given the opportunity to squeeze every last beautiful drop of Awesome out of your Whistler experience and I’m sure you’ve heard the always popular phrase “Party in April, Sleep in May” Right? We are proud to present “The Inflatable Party“ theme that is sure to get your creative tires pumped for such an event. Read more

Life in the mountains is multi-faceted indeed — peaks, valleys, joy, pain, laughter, adrenaline and a whole lotta fun. The Multiplicity Show features eight new presentations from some of the greatest storytellers in the Mountain Kingdom; everything from living with bears for 50 years  to exploring the unknown depths of Squamish river canyons, to making world-class skis in a local Whistler garage.

Hosted by Mountain Life editor Feet Banks, this one is a must-see.

This is the newest event in the World Ski & Snowboard Festival’s incredible arts line-up, and the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Spearhead Huts Project. A growing number of people want to experience the majesty of Canada’s mountain backcountry, and the ultimate goal of the project is to build a series of backcountry huts for outdoor-lovers to enjoy year round in the spectacular Spearhead Range. A massive silent auction will be laid out and lots of free goodies will be flying through the air!

For more info and to buy tickets for the event, please visit wssf.com

1. Charlie Russell — Living with Bears

For the past 50 years (no, that’s not a typo), Charlie Russell has lived, studied, photographed and written about grizzlies, brown bears, black bears and kermode “spirit” bears in the wilds of the Russian Far East and across Western Canada. Through striking photography and heartwarming tales, Russell will discuss his unique journey of exploration, adventure and discovery into the heart of wild bear country.

2. Nicolas Teichrob — Taking a STAND against Tankers

Following expedition standup paddler Norm Hann to the ancient totems in Haida Gwaii and the underwater world of the Great Bear Rainforest, Nicolas Teichrob (in collaboration with b4apres Media’s Anthony Bonello) aims to prevent the tanker route from happening, while inspiring people to get outside and protect what is wild.

Read more

The official music lineup for the free Outdoor Concert Series at the 2013 World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF) has just been announced, with legendary hip-hop artist, Nas, headlining the show on Saturday, April 13.

“We could not be happier with the lineup of musical acts we have secured for this year’s free Outdoor Concert Series,” says Sue Eckersley, Event Director of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival. “We have a wide array of artists from all different genres performing throughout the 10 days of the Festival so there will definitely be something for everybody. And now with Nas kicking things off on the first Saturday, this may just be the best Outdoor Concert Series ever at WSSF.”

Back in February it was announced that the World Ski and Snowboard Festival would be granted a $135,000 investment from the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), through the Whistler Festivals, Events & Animation (FE&A) Program. The funds were intended specifically to augment the 2013 Outdoor Concert Series.

“Securing a big name like Nas to headline the free Outdoor Concert Series would not have been possible without the investment from the RMOW. We are extremely grateful for all the support we have received from the community this year and we are really looking forward to showing everyone what that support has enabled us to produce this April,” adds Eckersley.

THE 2013 FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES LINEUP INCLUDES:

Friday, April 12

• DiRTY RADiO, 4pm
• One Bad Son, 2:30pm

Saturday, April 13

• Nas, 4pm

Sunday, April 14

• Keller Williams, 4pm
• Kim Churchill, 2:30pm

Monday, April 15

• Anuhea, 4pm

Tuesday, April 16

• CFOX Vancouver Seeds 2012 Winners – 2:30pm to 5:30pm on the Main Stage
• We Hunt Buffalo
• Static in the Stars
• Fields of Green

Wednesday, April 17

• Yuca, 4pm
• Longstride, 2:30pm

Thursday, April 18

• Beats Antique, 4pm
• Whiskey Chief, 2:30pm

Friday, April 19

• K-OS, 4pm
• Rich Aucoin, 2:30pm

Saturday, April 20

• G. Love & Special Sauce, 4pm
• Swollen Members, performing live during The Shred Show, Presented by Monster Energy BIG AIR

Sunday, April 21

• Arkells, 4pm

The free Outdoor Concert Series at the World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler is one of the largest annual free outdoor concert series in Canada. Concerts will happen daily from 2:30pm to 5:30pm at the Main Stage in Skier’s Plaza at the base of Whistler Mountain throughout the entire duration of WSSF. The complete schedule of musical acts can be viewed at www.wssf.com. For more information about the RMOW Festivals, Events and Animation program, visit www.whistler.ca. Tickets to the evening gala events are now available for purchase at http://www.wssf.com/estore.

To connect with the World Ski and Snowboard Festival online, Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Nothing spawns artistic growth like an idyllic setting, and the Whistler Art Workshops On The Lake have it all: rippling lake water, a charming wood-framed house, and the trill of local birds. Throw in a dash of sun and an eclectic mix of renowned and celebrated artists and nothing but growth and creativity will occur. Guaranteed.

For eight years the Workshops On The Lake has been a seed of artistic development for budding painters, drawers, photographers, and weavers. Workshops held from May to August range from one to three days, and are limited to 10-12 participants in each workshop. The intimate environment provides extensive hands-on interaction with each instructor, allowing for plenty of questions and feedback. The 2013 workshop line-up is confirmed and registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 14.

Whistler, BC; July 29, 2012: WAC-Whistler Art Workshops on the Lake: The Daily Painting Experience – Intermediate with instructor Gaye Adams at the Alta Lake Station House. Photo: Joern Rohde/joernrohde.com

This year the Whistler Arts Council (WAC) challenged the instructors to push themselves and create new and invigorating workshops; the result is a fresh series of classes and a few new locations that will bring out the artist in everyone. From creative block solutions, to basic drawing techniques, to expert basket weaving and photography, each course is designed to give participants a new perspective.

In addition to last year’s star-studded list of local and international instructors, the Whistler Arts Council is pleased to welcome acclaimed basket weaver Joan Carrigan, international painter Nurieh Mozaffari, author and artist Heather Spears from Copenhagen, and mixed media artist Lisa Geddes. Returning to show the beauty of working with different mediums and light is Suzanne Northcott. Lori Goldberg will guide beginner painters through the dizzying world of acrylics, and Gaye Adams puts a spin on a classic with ‘Speed Painting With A Live Model’. Also in the mix is expert painter and drawing instructor Grant Fuller, renowned local photographer Jeffrey Boyce, who will be based out of Millennium Place, and weaver Cheryl Massey, whose class will be at The Pointe.

WAC encourages participants to register early as workshops fill up fast. Participants who register before March 31, 2013, are eligible for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate to put toward another workshop in the 2013 or 2014 season.

Summit Lodge in Whistler Village is the official accommodation sponsor and will offer rooms at a preferred rate to Whistler Art Workshop participants.

For more information, full schedule of workshops and availability, instructor bios, and WAC member discounts, please visit artswhistler.com under Whistler Art Workshops on the Lake.