WSSF Pro Photographer Showdown Recap
Wildcard entry JB Liautard claimed Best In Show at the 2025 World Ski & Snowboard Festival’s Pro Photographer Showdown, presented by Arc’teryx. As part of his win, Liautard will be featured in the September 2025 issue of Forecast Ski Magazine, receive a brand-new Arc'teryx kit, and have his name etched onto the iconic Pro Photographer Showdown trophy.
JB Liautard. Photo by Oisin McHugh
Based in southeastern France, Liautard is a freelance action sports and commercial photographer. His journey began at 14, when a crash on a local mountain biking trail led him to pick up an action camera and start shooting his friends. “I had no idea what I was doing, but I enjoyed it as much as riding,” he says. After purchasing his first DSLR at 18, photography quickly became second nature—an extension of the sport that first inspired him.
Today, Liautard travels the globe capturing mountain biking in some of the world’s most stunning and remote landscapes. “I'm grateful to work with people who care deeply about art and are always willing to push their limits—sometimes just for a single frame,” he says. “Finding new concepts and documenting the sport continues to drive my passion behind the lens.”
Aaron Schwartz. Photo by Oisin McHugh
Taking home the People’s Choice Award, as determined by fan vote, was Aaron Schwartz. Born in North Vancouver and a graduate of Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Schwartz is currently based in Switzerland, where he continues to hone his craft and creative vision.
The Pro Photographer Showdown is a tribute to the art of action sports photography, celebrating the ability to capture the essence of sport, culture, and the human spirit. Recognized globally as one of the premier events in action sports photography, this showcase provides a platform for photographers to share their favorite images and stories. New this year, the total prize purse will be divided equally among all five photographers. This shift aims to celebrate and compensate each artist for their work and contribution to creating their shows.
The multimedia series wraps up on Wednesday, April 10, with Intersection, presented by Arc’teryx. Six teams of creative snow sport filmmakers will showcase the results of one month of shooting, editing, and post-production as they compete for $10,000, $5,000, and $3,000 in cash prizes.
WSSF also features a jam-packed lineup of sporting and musical events that celebrate mountain culture in all its forms. Key events include:
• The Grind, an urban street-style rail jam produced by Canada Snowboard, is taking place at the base of Whistler Mountain in Skiers Plaza. Running from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Thursday, April 10 through Saturday, April 12, this high-energy spectacle features top skiers and snowboarders from around the world going head-to-head as they battle it out for a hefty prize purse.
• The Saudan Couloir Race Extreme, presented by Helly Hansen, returns on Friday, April 11, challenging competitors to take on one of Whistler’s most iconic—and steepest—descents.
• The Slush Cup, presented by Corona, wraps up the weekend on Sunday, April 13, bringing costumes, chaos, and plenty of splashdowns to the spring ski scene.
• The Outdoor Live Music Series, presented by Rockstar, will light up the Skullcandy Stage from 2:30 – 5:00 PM, April 10–13, with performances by Ruby Waters, Fort Knox Five Live, Swollen Members, Shred Kelly, and more!
• And the party doesn’t stop when the sun goes down—WSSF After Dark keeps the energy high with world-renowned DJs performing at venues throughout Whistler every night of the festival. From intimate club takeovers to big-name sets, After Dark promises seven nights of unforgettable music experiences.
Born from a passion for all things mountain culture, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival has been the ultimate après of the winter season since 1996. The annual celebration of snow sports, music, art, and community continues to highlight Whistler’s global reputation as a hub for creativity and adventure.
WSSF gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Resort Municipality of Whistler through the Resort Municipality Initiative, as well as the contributions of Tourism Whistler, Gibbons Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, Arc'teryx, Rockstar Energy Drink, Ketel One, DUER, Skullcandy, Ruroc Helmets, Burton, YETI, Forecast Ski Magazine, King Snow Magazine, Helly Hansen, Corona, Encore Whistler, and Flashback Whistler Photo Booth.
For full festival details and updates, visit wssf.com.