The gear up has begun and it’s time for the Telus Ski and Snowboard Festival to launch its calls for submissions. This year there’s a new category amongst the usual suspects – Intersection. Aimed at professional film making companies, they must pack in the below for a chance to win a $15,000 cash prize…..
“…compulsory elements of 30 seconds of in-bound footage, 30 seconds of park footage, 75% of entire footage on snow, shot within 100km of Whistler, and all shot during the heart-racing, caffeine fueled 7 days allocated during the Festival. The love child of ski, snowboard, film and adrenaline, this event is sure to be a show-stopper.” Jess Smith, Watermark Communications Manager.
As a Whistler local it’s a highlight in the winter event line up, and tickets sell out fast – especially for the pro-photo challenge and film makers showdown. At $20 per ticket its a great and reasonable way to spend an evening. I’ll be getting my ticket as soon as they go on sale, and a few more for forgetful friends. The film makers showdown is in it’s 10th year and to celebrate they’re turning back the clocks and revisiting some of the shows finest, and funniest, moments – Film 10 Screening and Awards Gala is another new event this year.
Male deodorant brand ‘Axe’ is in charge of the daily music events, and I am sure we’ll be able to bag a few free samples during the festivities! In previous years I have managed to snaffle enough Old Spice shower gel to keep my boyfriend going for a year. Will Axe be so generous? We’ll find out!
This festival embodies three pillars of modern living – art, music, and sport. Another new event I am really excited about is the Freeze Dance Competition which showcases the athletes of the urban dance scene. I imagine ‘So you think you can dance’ merged with ‘Best Dance Crew’, merged with snow, Whistler, beer….
Another returning sponsor, OLYMPUS, is back to head the Pro Photographer Showdown, the preeminent action sports photography competition in the world. This year has already attracted an incredible diversity in photographers and subject matter. Event Producer Lilli Clark says that “we’ve been receiving interest from surf, skate, ski and snowboard photographers from ALL over the world. Interest has come from Australia, Munich, California, France and of course Canada. The March 1st deadline for initial submissions is fast approaching, and we’re looking forward to another stellar year at the OLYMPUS Pro Photographer Showdown”.
Snowboarding events will be running from the 15th – 19th – with the Mogul Mash, Boarderstyle/Stylecross, and a Pipe Jam – there’s loads to see as Monster Energy takes care of the tunes and the strangely neon drinks.
The World Skiing Invitational events are the slopestyle, superpipe and big air. There will be an impressive pro line up for all these events – and they are all free!
Local artists take over the entrance to the conference center during the festival, holding their ‘State of the Art’ exhibit. Open each day from 12pm – 6pm, this free gallery is simply a must see. Take a friend and pick out your favorite pieces as you stroll through row upon row of inspirational art.
There’s load more to checkout including the fashion show, dog fest and Pecha Kucha – stay tuned for more info!
To get a little amped for the show check out the 2011 promo video here:
This is my festival AND I LOVE IT.
Whistler Writer 