Wildcard entry Chad Chomlack is now the King of Storms, after winning the 10th Deep Winter Photo Challenge — and taking home the $10,000 first prize.
Chomlack says he was "super nervous."
The photographers had 72 hours to shoot on Whistler, Blackcomb, around the village and, for the first year, in the backcountry as accessed from lifts.
Asked by host Feet Banks what the hardest part of the competition was, Chomlack says: "Keeping my shit together. I was my hardest part."
He added that he got four hours sleep each night and called his team "hardcore."
"It wasn't the editing. I think what stopped me sleeping was the anxiety," Chomlack says.
"My team was insane. I have to watch what I say or I'll start crying."
His slide show It All Belongs had hard sports and gentle family scenes. It was dedicated to the late photographer Chris Brunkhart.
The other competitors were Zoya Lynch, Ashley Barker, the 2015 King of the Dolomites Guy Fatal and Russell Dalby.
Barker took second place and $2,500 and Lynch took third place and $1,500.
The People's Choice Award was won by France-based Israeli photographer Guy Fattal, with 48 per cent of the vote.
Comedy nights at Crystal Lounge
Five comics are taking to the stage of the Crystal Lounge each Wednesday over the next month.
First up is James Kennedy, winner of the 2014 Vancouver Yuk-off, on Jan. 27.
He is followed by John Beuhler on Feb. 3, Damonde Tschritter on Feb. 10, Kathleen McGee on Feb. 17 and Brett Martin on Feb. 24.
The evenings are hosted by Whistler comedian Jonathan Baum.
Tickets are $10 and available at the Crystal Lounge.
Call for Squamish banner artists
The District of Squamish has put out a call for artists for its 2016 Street Banner Competition.
Artists in any media are welcome to submit proposals for up to five street banner designs — the district will choose a maximum of four designs.
The winning designs will go on display at three locations in the community.
The opportunity is open to artists who reside in Squamish. Youth, students, professional and emerging artists are encouraged to apply.
The winning design will receive a cash prize of $375 per banner design selected.
The deadline for submissions is Feb. 22. For more information contact mgunn@squamish.ca.
