World's best adventure and action sports photos awarded in Sölden
Ötztal’s tourist destination of Sölden was the perfect location for the award ceremony of Red Bull Illume, the world's largest competition for adventure and action sports photography. For the first time in the 17-year history of the competition, a female photographer took the title of overall winner. Australia’s Krystle Wright convinced the international jury with her creative climbing image. Ötztal photographer Rudi Wyhlidal won the surprise category "Best Sölden Picture". The top 50 pictures can be viewed free of charge every day until 21 December in an outdoor gallery at Gaislachkogl Gondola.
Red Bull Illume puts the spotlight on those creatives who are usually behind the camera to show top athletes pursuing their passion. The 50 finalists of this year's competition gathered in Sölden people from 28 Nov to 01 Dec in order to choose the winners in the appropriate setting. In addition to the award ceremony that took place on 30 Nov, the photographers from all over the world also had the chance to get to know Sölden better as the Heartbeat of the Alps during workshops. For example, at the winter photo shooting with BMX athletes on the terrace of ice Q at 3,048 m high Gaislachkogl. Some of the most renowned names of the scene gathered in this unique alpine setting, such as former Red Bull Illume overall winners Fred Mortagne, Lorenz Holder and Ben Thouard. As part of the award ceremony, they also shared their knowledge at lectures.
Australian photographer wins with climbing picture
The overall winner was Australia’s Krystle Wright with her unique picture of climber Angela Van Wiemeersch. The motif shows the athlete in a crevice deep inside Long Canyon in the USA. "That’s incredible. I wanted to earn my place in this industry and achieve recognition for my work. Red Bull Illume is the only platform that truly values our work," states the overjoyed Australian whose photo also won the "Innovation" category. Nine other category winners were announced as well. Sölden as the venue provided a moment of surprise at the award ceremony and demonstrated the high quality of photographers in Tirol's longest side valley. Photographer Rudi Wyhlidal received the "Best Sölden Photo" award for his work, which shows local biker Emanuel Schöpf in an impressive composition. Additionally, there was the "Masterpiece by Sölden" category. "I am really pleased that the world's best action and outdoor photographers felt very much at home here in Sölden. They were able to see for themselves that there are many spectacular motifs in Ötztal," says Oliver Schwarz, Managing Director of Ötztal Tourismus. Also the two sports stars agreed, cyclist Toni Palzer and multiple Olympic ski medal winner Martina Ertl, who handed over the prizes to two category winners as Sölden representatives.
Evening outdoor gallery in Sölden
All those who want to see the quality and variety of this year's finalists for themselves have the great opportunity to do so in Sölden until 21 December. In the form of an XXL gallery, the top 50 pictures can be admired free of charge in 2x2 meter outdoor light boxes at the base station of Gaislachkogl Gondola (parking level 8) daily from 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm. The exhibition will also be presented as part of the Berlin Travel Festival and at Hangar-7 in Salzburg (13 Dec to 04 Feb 2024).
Information and pictures:
You can find all Infos about the Outdoor Exhibition HERE and pictures HERE.
The use of our pictures is free of charge for advertising purposes regarding Ötztal.
It is absolutely required that you indicate the copyright and the name of the photographer!
Ötztal Tourismus
PR & Media
ANNA PIRCHER
anna.pircher@oetztal.com
T +43 (0) 57200 935
