2026 Deep Summer Photo Challenge -Applications Now Open
The countdown to one of mountain biking’s most iconic storytelling stages is on. The Deep Summer Photo Challenge returns to Crankworx Whistler in 2026, once again bringing together the sport’s most creative photographers to capture the essence of riding, culture, and community.
Applications are now officially open, with emerging and established talent invited to submit their portfolios by May 20.
From there, a panel of judges will select five finalists to take on the challenge – each tasked with producing a visual story that reflects the depth and diversity of mountain biking. But for those who don’t make the initial cut, the door isn’t closed.
The Pinkbike Wildcard contest is back.
Photographers not selected as one of the five finalists will have another shot through the fan-powered wildcard pathway. Submissions for the Pinkbike Wildcard contest open May 26 through June 9, followed by a public vote running June 16 to July 1. Handed directly from the community, the winning photographer earns the final coveted spot in this year’s Deep Summer line-up.
The main event unfolds on Tuesday, July 28 at 8:00 PM, when all six photographers debut their work live at Whistler Olympic Plaza, transforming storytelling into a shared experience with fans, athletes, and the industry alike.
Fans can find full event details here
A Celebration of Culture
Deep Summer sits at the heart of a stacked Crankworx Whistler schedule, where world-class competition meets community-driven culture. This year’s festival promises a packed line-up of returning fan favourites, including:
- Slopestyle – the final competition before the Slopestyle Super League heads into the Playoffs phase.
- Canadian Open DH on the legendary 1199 track
- OG CDN OPN DH
- Official Whip-Off World Championships presented by POC
- Dual Slalom
- Bosch eMTB Challenge
- Canadian Open Enduro
- And new for 2026: the Crabapple Hits World Championships, a trick-based contest bringing Crankworx back to one of the most iconic zones in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
Together, these events underscore what Crankworx has always stood for: the annual gathering of the global mountain bike community, celebrating the sport, its people, and the culture that connects it all.
Dirt Diaries Returns
Adding to the creative energy, the beloved Dirt Diaries filmmaking contest is also back. Applications are currently under review, with the official line-up of creators to be announced soon. Their films will premiere on July 30 at 8:00 PM in Whistler Olympic Plaza.