Last night started off in the Happy Planet tent, where I sampled a few cocktails by Lumiere mixologist Cameron Brogue, who actually started his mixing career in Whistler. Each cocktail was specially designed to compliment the Detox, Immunity, and Glow shots, which contain all natural ingredients. The concept of an alcoholic drink that detoxes you while you get drunk is brilliant. Let’s just say I feel like a million bucks today!

The Olympus Pro Photographer showdown started on an “interesting note.” One-upping Filmmaker Showdown host Feet Banks – who came out in his underwear – MC, Mike D, sauntered on stage in a brown wig, white leather boots and his wife’s sexy little sequin dress. The freeskiing legend, Mike Douglas, leaves for a ski trip to Alaska, and somewhere along the way turns into a cross-dresser. Mike has amazing hips and great legs.”Sweet Lord,” I thought to myself, “this is going to be a good show.”

And it was. Much to everyone’s disappointment, Mike decided to put some clothes on, but not before putting on a little show as he bent over to pick something up from the floor.

The calibre of action sports photography shown last night was incredible. From Red Bull photographer Christian Pondella’s extreme locations and athleticsm to Daniel Blom’s creative and colourful snowboard shots, there was an amazing cross-section of talent on display.

During judge deliberation, we watched a tribute to Shane McConky, who recently died base jumping in Italy. This amazing professional freeskier/daredevil had a lot of close connections to Whistler, having pretty much grown up skiing the area. He also base jumped off Whistler Blackcomb’s PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola in December 2008 after convincing the higher ups that it was a great idea. The ski and snowboard world has truly lost one of their legends.

In the end, a humble Whistler-Vancouver local Jordan Manley won the $10,000 prize. This guy has entered five pro photographer competitions and has won them all. His photography skills include capturing a mountain biker in a drop of water, shooting a snowflake, and photographing countless incredible ski and mountian bike athletes in their aw-inspiring elements. This world-renowned competition is sure to shoot Jordan to an even greater level of notoriety in the action sports world.

After all the excitement of last night, Day 8 if the festival is now underway. This afternoon, it’s up to Whistler Blackcomb’s Superpipe to check out the Grenadians. Then, we’ll bomb it down the mountain to watch Bend Sinister and Metric. The Mini Ramp Jam in Village Square (6-8pm) revisits the skate world. A panel of Monster pro skaters , including legendary British skater, Geoff Rowley, will be judging the comp.

The Schick Fashion Exposed event is on tonight with a selection of great In celebration their 30th Anniversary, Westbeach is going to give us a little history lesson on 30 years of snowboard fashion, which is guaranteed to entertain the masses. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of crazy antiques they have pulled from the vault.

Hot tip of the day: The Happy Planet Detox shots totally work. Go to the tent and get as many as you can immediately!