Picture a bug on a leaf with a mountain biker reflected in a drop of water behind his tail. Or a skier photographed from the top of a tree, dropping off a cliff to a field of powder far below. Jordan Manley did.

From production to plotline, the quality of films presented at the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival’s famed Filmmakers Showdown just took a lion’s leap forward.

Stepping gingerly into the minefield, FaceOff tackles the ever-thorny issue plaguing ski hills and journalists now for several decades: the pros and cons of what snowsliders wear at the ends of their boots.

Judging by my unscientific survey of Festival goers, there is some question about whether it’s possible — or even advisable — to “do” the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival without being stoned, drunk or both. Without going all Parental Advisory on you, here’s how they face off.

This Whistler festival never fails to surprise; the shocking breakout event of this season may well be Monday’s ThreePointOh!...