First Annual ‘Prix Armando Trovati’ Awarded To Hans Bezard

he first annual ‘Prix Armando Trovati’ AIJS photo ski contest was won by Austrian Photographer Hans Bézard. His photograph shows Patrick Schweiger (AUT) pushing a gate with his ski before he crashes at Kitzbühel at the exit of the Mausefalle during the Downhill race. Bézard is an Italian-based photographer for Star Agency.

According to Hans who has photographed skiers since 1976, “This shot of Patrick Schweiger could only be captured in the modern era thanks to the high quality and ultimate development of digital equipment”

Bézard received a Trophy awarded by FIS, which was presented at its annual Forum Alpinum on the eve of the World Cup opening races in Soelden. He will also receive 1000 euros and a short stay for two people at the Grand Hotel Riva in Italyand gifts offered by Salice, Colmar, Manfrotto and Douchebags.

In addition to the winning photo, a selection of 11 photographs were also selected for an exhibition: Alexis Boichard -  Agence Zoom, Alain Gros Claude - Agence Zoom, Sebastien Boue - L’Equipe, Shin Tanaka – Kyodo News, Harald Wisthaler, Alexander Hassenstein - Getty Images, Gabriele Faccioti - Pentaphoto/AP, Jean Christophe Bott - Keystone, Sammy Minkoff, Christian Hartmann - Reuters and Jonathan Selkowitz – Selko Photo.

The competition, named after former Italian photographer Armando Trovati, was open to all accredited photographers who attended a FIS Alpine World Cup competition during the 2017-18 season.

The winning photo can be distributed by photo agencies as a hand out: Compulsory credit Hans Bezard / Star Agency