Winter is officially over. And it was the best one so far. New skis, new runs, new friends, new bands, Olympics, Paralympics, free entertainment, Chophouse Wednesdays and I could go on and on. Whistler Ski and Snowboard Festival just ended another great season.  I’ve heard lots of comments how quality is not the same, music line up is not what is used be… I do agree to a certain degree with you, but it’s all about our attitude. I was a little disappointed with Pro Photographer Showdown, as a photographer I expect the absolute best and I don’t think it was there this year. It is hard to follow-up Jordan Manley or Blake Jorgenson, however I still left with new inspiration and  energy to shoot .  It’s my highlight of festival every year and it always will be.  I’ve seen almost every single event and I have to say, it was my best festival because I lived it and I loved it.  Yes, Michael Franti wasn’t here this year, but Redeye Empire, March Fourth Marching and Arrested Development were absolutely awesome.  When I hear Redeye Empire, my feet just move on its own. haha. I just can’t stop dancing. Definitely my favourite local band these days. Check them out in Vancouver on Wednesday nights at Fairview pub.  March Fourth Marching Band from Oregon was another huge surprise.. what a great vibe they created on a rainy Sat night. Unbelievable performance by approx 30 people on stage. I hope to see these guys soon again.
I could talk about each event, but instead here are a few links and some photos to check out what happened during the week. I watched the biking movie premiere Follow Me and I can’t wait to be on trails again. If you are into biking you must see it. Here is a little teaser:  http://www.anthillfilms.com/followme.php 
3PO show – the crowd voted winner was Pillow Lines by Kari Medig http://vimeo.com/10012760
72 hour Filmmaker showdown – the winner is Panty Bloom by Joe Gaetani http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdGMYEfFnvg
Pro Photographer Showdown – winner is Brian Bielmann - unfortunately I can’t find the slideshow, but here is his web: http://www.brianbielmann.com/

And finally here is the Festival through my lens.