Every August, the Ikon Pass team kicks off the photo contest of the year - the Ikon Pass Snow's Best Photo Bracket hosted on Instagram. It's that time of year when we start daydreaming about winter, relive the epic season we just had, and get stoked for the upcoming season ahead. Ikon Pass showcased 16 incredible shots that had been taken across the Ikon destinations from the past winter. The images were then put against each other, and it was up to you, the public, to pick the winner.
 
Each year, SkiBig3 looks forward to and proudly takes part in this event, submitting our favourite shots from the previous season, all captured by the amazing photographers we get to work with throughout the winter. In the past three years, we've landed a top 16 spot, a top 10 honourable mention, and this year, we finally became the champion with Carter Edward's awesome northern lights photo at Banff Sunshine. Congrats Carter! While we are super proud of the achievement, we also wanted to acknowledge Jamie Walters with his stunning solar eclipse shot. Another truly magical, nature-at-its-finest, picture-perfect moment.
The winning shot from Cater for the Ikon Pass Snow's Best Competition | Photo by Carter Edwards
With the winning shot being so epic and so much more than just an Aurora Borealis image, we wanted to give you the full story of how this image came to grace your screens.
"May 2024 will be remembered for one of the most spectacular storms in recent history. The sun unleashed at least five Coronal Mass Ejections and a sunspot cluster sixteen times the size of the Earth, creating a celestial show that will forever be etched in my memory.
 
As the day wound down, my phone erupted with alerts about the approaching storm. My heart raced as the clouds dispersed, revealing a clear sky. Instantly, I contacted Kendra Schurfield at [Banff Sunshine] with a spontaneous plan. With her green light, my good friends Mark Valtr, Em Lucas, Jess Chapman, and David Arney joined me for an impromptu expedition to the iconic Howly Bowly course.
 
We watched the sun set, our anticipation growing. Then, the ski began to glow, and we sprang into action. With snowmobile high beams rigged for lighting and my tripod and camera at the ready, we captured the fleeting magic. Time was of the essence, and despite the last-minute scramble, we made every moment count.
 
Hours later, with a fire in our eyes, we sledded back down in a shared silence of awe and gratitude. As we reached the base, our exhilaration gave way to a serene calm. We headed to the Sunshine Lodge, ready to celebrate and rest after a night we would never forget."- Carter Edwards
Banff at night illuminated by the starry skies and the aurora | Photo by Jill Scarpato
Was the Northern Lights volcano feature a single exposure?
 
“The Aurora photo is two frames taken about 10 seconds apart. The first frame captures the lights as Mark is skiing towards the feature and the second frame was taken right after the lights frame using a snowmobile high beam to illuminate Mark.”
 
What is one thing you dream of catching on film?
 
“One thing I do hope to catch on film would be an eclipse shot. I feel I got very lucky with time and place versus an eclipse, you have to have perfect planning.”
The Northern Lights illuminating the sky | Photo by Nick Hase
Experience the magical Aurora Borealis for yourself in Banff National Park. With its dark skies and minimal light pollution, Banff and Lake Louise are the perfect locations to catch the natural light show. Here are some of the best spots across the two towns to stargaze and watch the skies. While you're there, don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the 3 world-class resorts, all nestled in the heart of Banff National Park.
