First Tracks Photo Contest: The Award Goes To…

The best part of running a photo contest with a “first tracks” theme is being able to see the heightened level of enthusiasm for skiing as the season approaches. When we asked for submissions in early November, snow had just started accumulating in certain parts of North America and winter seemed on its way. Conditions have now warmed back up in a lot of places, but we think the best way to combat the low-snow blues is to feast your eyes upon beautiful images of skiing from around the world. (If you stare hard enough, the flakes might start flying again.)

Without further ado, the Grand Prize-winning photo. Kathy Zimmermann submitted the above photograph, taken by Carsten Buchenau, from the Glacier 3000 ski region in Les Diablerets, Switzerland. Glacier 3000 is named for its elevation, 3000 meters, and offers 30 k of groomed ski trials. The image speaks for itself, really.

We also awarded second, third and honorable mention prizes. There was really no rhyme or reason to staff voting — photos stood out for both quality and composition, or smile-inducing content. We couldn’t help but want to share all the photos we received, so be sure to click through them below. Thank you to everyone who sent their photos!