The awards ceremony was hosted at the new Rhythm Base store with all photos shown on the big screen and the winners presented with oversized novelty cheques along with their wads of real yen.
Judges Choice: Bad snow conditions’ in Niseko featuring Mt Yotei
📷 Tanner Dobbins 🎿 Ryu Atobe
Judges Taro Tamai, Yoichi Watanabe and Neil Hartmann said the photo summed up the universal beauty of Niseko in what would usually be deep powder season.
“It captures a different kind of Niseko beauty, which is quite special to this season. There was some powder snow on the trees, untracked snow on the ground with sasa. The light is soft and gentle and the snowboard position and spray was perfect.
“It’s quite amazing for the team to capture this special moment and show the uniqueness and spirit of Niseko’s backcountry. It doesn’t have to have big pow or dump to make the photo stand out.”
Public Choice: Sunrise Revenge on Lupo Killer
📷 Tomasz Ustupski 🎿 Aron Hayes
For the second year running, the Tomasz Ustupski and Aron Hayes team win the Public Choice with a killer flip of a huge backcountry feature!