Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by ARC'TERYX, takes place at Fairmont Chateau Whistler January 9


Whistler Blackcomb is set to celebrate storm season this winter as the GORE-TEX Deep Winter Experience storms into town January 9-18, featuring skiing and riding clinics, GORE-TEX jackets discounts and avalanche awareness tours.

The Deep Winter Photo Challenge presented by AR'TERYX is the marquee event and will take place Friday, January 9. Professional ski and snowboard photographers battle it out in the heart of winter to compete in the Photo Challenge, which features slideshows of images captured over three days on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Jordan Manley returns this year to defend his 'King of Storm' title. This year's roster also includes photographers: Dan Carr, Ashley Barker, Andrew Bradley, Brian Hockenstein and Crispin Cannon. The photographers will compete for a prize purse totaling $6,000 and ARC'TERYX gear to weather the storms.

"I'm looking forward to be able to join another group of really talented photographers and athletes this year," says Manley. "This event is a great venue for all of us to show Whistler at its best, and an opportunity to get as creative as possible."

The slideshow will take place at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and will be followed by a party with the photographers and athletes. Doors open at 7pm for a pre-show reception and the slideshow begins at 8pm. Tickets for the slideshow and after party are $15 and can be purchased at Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations locations or by calling 1.800.766.0449.

Guests who want to come to Whistler and celebrate the heart of winter can pay for two nights and receive their third night free, starting from $179 per room per night. Guests can book by calling 1.888.403.4727 or by visiting whistlerblackcomb.com/3nightfree.

Other featured events of the GORE-TEX Deep Winter Experience include:

Avalanche Awareness Tours, January 11, 14-18 - Complimentary Avalanche Awareness Tours are run jointly by the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol and the Whistler Sports Injury Prevention Program. Register in advance through the Blackcomb Daylodge Guest Relations desk, or call 604.938.7759. Tours run 9am-3pm, weather permitting.

25 per cent off all GORE-TEX outerwear jackets � Purchase any GORE-TEX jacket between January 9th and 18th and receive a 25 per cent discount. Valid at CanSki, Showcase, Whistler Heli and The North Face Store. Not valid on sale items or in conjunction with any other offers or discounts.

Extremely Canadian 'Deep Winter' Clinics - Jan. 10-11, 12-13, and 15-16 - This is not your average clinic. Whistler's finest ski pros, with their extensive knowledge of Whistler and Blackcomb's best "off piste" terrain, will guide guests through some of North America's wildest in-bounds terrain. Visit www.extremelycanadian.com or call Ski School Sales on 1.800.766.0449 for more information and registration details.

Roxy All Star Camps, Jan 10-11 - Enjoy two days of frosty fun just for the girls. From freeriding to terrain parks the options are endless. Guests will get video to help them along and the apr's is a riot, complete with new friends, a few prizes and lots of the day's triumphs to share. To make a booking, call 1.800.766.0449


For more information on the GORE-TEX Deep Winter Experience line-up of events please visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/deepwinter