GORE-TEX DEEP WINTER EXPERIENCE BLANKETS WHISTLER BLACKCOMB JANUARY 4-13            ARC’TERYX presents 2ND Annual Deep Winter Photo Challenge at Fairmont Chateau Whistler January 5 WHISTLER, BC, December 18, 2007 – In Whistler January is a sacred month for locals and snow chasers alike.  Whistler Blackcomb has partnered with GORE-TEX to present the Deep Winter Experience, a week-long celebration of Whistler Blackcomb’s storm season and the hearty skiers and snowboarders who embrace it.  The crown jewel of the GORE-TEX Deep Winter Experience is the 2nd Annual Deep Winter Photo Challenge presented by ARC’TERYX on Saturday, January 5.   The Photo Challenge will feature slideshows of images captured over three days on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains from six well-known photographers. Competing this season are: Whistler ski photography legend and defender of the title ‘King of Storms,’ Paul Morrison; long-time Whistler snowboard photographer, Dano Pendygrasse; Seattle-based up and comer, Ian Coble; photo editor of the Ski Journal, Grant Gunderson; photographer of Skier Magazine’s first self-portrait cover, Jordan Manley; and a snowboard photographer that works with over fifteen snowboard titles worldwide, Phil Tifo.  The six will compete for $4,500 in prize money plus gear from ARC’TERYX designed for chasing the storm.  The slideshow will take place at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and will be followed by a party to mix and mingle with the photographers and athletes. Doors open at 7pm for a pre-show reception with the slideshow beginning at 8pm. Tickets for the slideshow and after-party are $10 and can be purchased at Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations locations, the ARC’TERYX Factory Store in Vancouver, or by calling 1-800-766-0449.  All proceeds will go towards the Whistler Blackcomb Environmental Fund. Chasing the Storm: A GORE-TEX Deep Winter Experience takes place on Friday, January 4 and is another event not to be missed.  Jim Roemer of Bestskiweather.com will be at Millennium Place to talk snow, forecasting for the layman and what La Nina means for Whistler Blackcomb.  This event starts at 8pm and entry is a $5 donation to the Whistler Blackcomb Environmental Fund. Other featured events of the GORE-TEX Deep Winter Experience include:·         On-mountain Environmental Information Session, January 5, 11am - Meet at the bottom of Symphony Chair on Whistler and be inspired to take positive action towards environmental stewardship.·         Avalanche Awareness Tours, January 9-13 8:45am – Join a complimentary tour at the Blackcomb Daylodge.·         GORE-TEX Coat Drive: 20 per cent off any GORE-TEX jacket purchase between January 5th-13 by donating a jacket for charity. Discount and drop boxes available at: The North Face Store, Showcase Snowboards, Glacier Shop, CAN-SKI Village. ·         Backcountry Tours with Whistler Alpine Guides, January 4-13 - Join a professional guide for a day of fresh powder, exercise and serious vertical. To register visit Escape Route or Guest Services located in Whistler Village or call (604) 938-9242.·         Extremely Canadian Deep Winter Experiences, January 4-13 - Clinics including Steep Skiing and Extremely Canadian & Whistler Heli Skiing excursions. Visit http://www.extremelycanadian.com or call Ski School Sales on 1.800.766.0449 for more information & registration details.