WINTERPRIDE
2012
celebrating
20 years
Press Kit for GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE 2012
1992 to 2012
BE PART OF THE MAGIC
EXCELLENT VALUE
HEALTHY MIX OF GUESTS
GayWhistler continues to be one of the leading Gay Ski Weeks in the world especially after hosting the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
World class mountain resort offers a huge array of activities for both skier & non skier, for the foodies to the clubbers. Value hotels to luxury five diamond resorts.
WinterPRIDE has a fantastic mix of guests from the USA, Canada, and International. Primarily gay men, but growing women’s market with more programming.
[1]
WinterPRIDE 2012
EVENT SUMMARY
GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE: Celebrate 20 years of the annual Gay & Lesbian Ski Week 8 Days, 65 Events February 4-12, 2012
20 Years 2,500+ Guests 8 Days 65 Events
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF OUT ON THE SLOPES... Born out of activism in 1992 Whistler remembers its roots and continues to evolve and balance celebration with safe welcoming spaces for the LGBT community to come together from around the world.
SNAP SHOT: KEY EVENTS Saturday, Feb. 4th - Celebrities Release: Avalanche Kick off party (Vancouver) Sunday, Feb. 5th - Welcome Party & Retrospective on the Past 20 Years Thursday, Feb. 9th - Pride March through village: Skiers Plaza - Conference Centre Thursday, Feb. 9th - Official Proclamation of “Pride Week” by Mayor of Whistler Thursday, Feb. 9th - Introduction to Mr. Gay Canada Finalist (OUTtv Reality Show) Saturday, Feb. 11th - 2012 Mr. Gay Canada Finale - Daily Complimentary Ski/Snowboard guiding presented by Air New Zealand - Daily Apres ski parties - Nightly theme parties
[2] WinterPRIDE 2012 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
Whistler Village in Rainbows The Resort Municipality & Merchants display Rainbows to ensure the LGBT traveler feel welcomed.
The Destination
WINTERPRIDE
The world renown resort of Whistler is within a five-hour driving radius of more than 6.3 Million people and within easy driving distance of YVR - Vancouver International Airport, Canada’s second busiest, welcoming more than 16.2 Million passengers annually gives huge growth potential for the resort and festival. The resort’s unique purpose built pedestrian village and most accessible back country terrain gives visitors unlimited possibilities earning Whistler countless awards including: #1 Overall Resort - Skiing #1 Resort - FreeSkier #1 Best Place to Ski/Stay - Conde Nast Traveler (2009) #1 Gay Ski Week - PlanetOUT (2008) Award winning hotels including the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, Pan Pacific Whistler, and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler - all Conde Nast Gold Medal winners. Award winning Spas including the Four Seasons and the Scandinave Spa.
Festival Experience WinterPRIDE is known around the world as the friendly Gay & Lesbian Ski/Snowboard
week. Every day during the festival we lead complimentary ski/snowboard guiding over the 8,171 acres of pure skiing bliss by grouping like skier/riders with our trained guides to ensure everyone has a great time. This allows our guests to meet new people with similar passions and skill abilities in a safe and welcoming environment. We offer designated group lunch daily both on the mountain for the skiers as well as in the resort for the non-skiers. One of our most popular activities is the infamous “Après Ski” where everyone comes together and recounts the day’s adventures! Each night we designate two restaurants for our Dine-Around where the WinterPRIDE guests can continue to socialize and plan the week ahead. After dinner we have our early evening dance club events with each night having a different theme all culminating to the grand finale dance party - Snowball on Saturday night. Other activities during the week include: Culinary Experience, Yoga, Spa Retreats, Dog Sledding, Snowmobile Tours, Comedy Show, Pool Party, Educational Workshops.
Après Ski #1 Social Event
WinterPRIDE Diversity Organized skiing and snowboarding, dog sledding, snowmobile tours, to world class social events from the Comedy Show, Pool Party, Après Ski and large weekend dance parties. There is something for everyone. - Bear, Leather, Fetish - Cowboy, Gender Bender - Women events - Culinary, Wellness, Spa
[3] WinterPRIDE 2012 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
Resort in Pride We work closely with our
have rainbow flags to show their support to the LGBT community. In annual surveys
resort partners in ensuring all stakeholders
the majority of Whistler
have diversity policies in
employees all agree that
place and practice year
WinterPRIDE is their
round rather than just for
favorite week of the year
the week.
- “Everyone is having a
You can expect to see Rainbow Banners
About Us
many of our business will
great time and in fabulous moods!” Majority of Whistler
down our main street, Village Gate Boulevard,
Hotels are “TAG
welcoming the world to
Approved / HRC
the resort as well as
Compliant.”
Alpenglow Productions Corp. GayWhistler Alpenglow Productions Corp. (APC) has been the executive producers of Whistler’s Gay Ski Week since 2006. In that time we have rebuilt the annual event to one of the leading and most popular Gay Ski events on the planet earning us the nod from PlanetOUT/Gay.com as the number one Gay Ski Week in the world (2008) and continue to be cited by editors and guests as one of the best ski weeks in the world.
ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY
Champion of Human (LGBT) Rights APC also produces various other events that are more specific in raising awareness on homophobia including: Mr. Gay Canada Competitions as well as producing the 2009 Mr. Gay World Competition. APC was the creator and founder of the first ever LGBT dedicated pavilion at a major sporting event - PRIDE house at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The goal of the pavilion was to raise awareness of homophobia within sport and to be a catalyst in making the sporting environment a safer place for LGBT athletes, coaches, trainers and fans. The result was PRIDE house was one of the most talked about news stories of the 2010 Olympics.
More than just Gay Ski Week 8,171 Acres of Pure skiing bliss
[4] WinterPRIDE 2012 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
Both Ken & Dean travel to various events to promote the annual Gay Ski Week, but as well as, work at breaking down the barriers to homophobia and supporting emerging prides.
The Producers: Ken Coolen - has over twenty years of experience in working with the the LGBT community in a leadership role. Ken has worked with Out on the Slopes, the annual AIDS Walk with the BCPWA, Starbuck’s Diversity Team, InterPride, and the Vancouver Pride Society (VPS) currently serving his 3rd year as president of the society. Dean Nelson - has over six years of experience in working with the LGBT community and over twenty years in management within the hospitality / tourism industry. Dean is an active member with Travel Gay Canada, IGLTA, Vancouver Pride Society, InterPride, and GLISA - Outgames to name a few.
SGN
Seattle Gay News
[5] WinterPRIDE 2012 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
HISTORY
Putting Western Canada on the International LGBT Map In 1990 the international LGBT community discovered the Emerald Gem of Canada as a warm and welcoming destination as Vancouver hosted the Gay Games. It was through Sport that became a catalyst for bringing people together in celebration and camaraderie. 1991 Seattle based Out & About sports group organized a gay ski weekend for a group of avid skiers including Brent Benaschak & Rodney Plant. 1992 Brent and his team organized the beginning of what was soon to become known as “Altitutde.” Monk’s on Blackcomb was an early advocate of the ski week and, Bev Brown was a key ally and hosted the first Snowball at the restaurant for estimated 300 people. 1993 Reviews from the year earlier were positive and gave the gay community a viable choice as Colorado was grabbling with discriminatory legislation towards homosexuals. AltitudeVolunteer program began as the community started to work together. Estimated 600 people attended with most events sold out.
Retrospective of Gay Ski Week: Altitude
[6] WinterPRIDE 2012 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
1994 - The Growing Year: Whistler started to take notice of this niche market as the Producers wooed Canadian Recording Artist, Sarah McLachan to perform to a sold out audience solidifying Altitude as a “must attend” event on the Gay Calendar. 1995 -A savvy media campaign is executed and the expected 300-400 people at the opening party turns out to attract over a 1,000. And by weeks end over 1,600 people have called Whistler home. Altitude became the single biggest ski event in Whistler with events that included: Gay Bingo, Comedy Night, Beach Party, Fashion Show, Mountain Top T-Dance, and Snowball headlined by DJ Billy Carroll 1996 - 2000 - Altitude surpassed Aspen as the biggest Gay Ski Week in the World. World class entertainment included: CeCe Peniston, Jimmy Somerville, Joi Cardwell, Kevin Aviance and his outrageous back up dancers, Elvira Kurt, Kiki & Herb, Pan Am, Christine W., and the most famous guest to attend Altitude The Rt. Honorable Pierre Elliot Trudeau. Estimated attendance 3,000
Altitude’s evolution to GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE, one of the world’s leading LGBT mountain festivals 2001 - 2002 Altitude continues to dominate
2007 - Gay Ski Week launched with its new brand “GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE.” The vision of WinterPRIDE was to take the annual event and transform it into a festival that would be more inclusive and accessible to a wider
the gay ski week circuit and firmly establishes
audience. Activities were introduced to both the
itself as the start of the pride circuit celebrations
skier and non skier, Bear/Leather events, lesbian
annually. Whistler resort also continues receive
specific events and new culinary and wellness
world wide attention as one of the best ski
programs.
resorts in the world only adding even more prestige to the annual event. 2003 Altitude faced its most difficult year
2008 - WinterPRIDE earned the prestigious nod of being recognized as the #1 Gay Ski Week in the World by editors of PlanetOUT /
as the founder and visionary suddenly passed
Gay.com as well as the most lesbian welcoming
away one month prior to the start of the annual
of all gay ski weeks.
ski week. The Altitude team and community
2010 - The Olympic Winter Games are
came together to celebrate Brent’s life and
hosted in the City of Vancouver and the resort of
Altitude continued.
Whistler forcing the normal time slot for ski week
2004-2005 Altitude transferred through two
to shift by a month. Executive Producers Dean
years of temporary ownership from an investor
Nelson and Ken Coolen make a bold move to
from San Diego.
create the first Olympic Pride Pavilion - Pride
2006 - A group of independent business
House. The world wide media attention
people took over the ski week with just twelve
showcased how welcoming the destination is to
days to plan. The week was called
the LGBT community.
“GayWhistler’s Ski Week” and it was an
EVOLUTION
2012 - The Resort Municipality of Whistler
opportunity for the annual event to get back
extends official civic status to the festival
down to its core roots, research what the LGBT
proclaiming Feb. 5-12 ‘Pride Week’. The first
community wanted and plan for the future.
pride march is scheduled for Feb. 9th, 2012.
*Package rates are per person per night, based on 2 adults sharing a Deluxe Room from January 28 - February 8, 2011. Book by Nov 15, 2010. Package includes accommodation and a 4 Day Lift Ticket per person. Rates do not include taxes or fees, are subject to availability and may change without notice. Minimum blackout dates and/or other restrictions may apply.
Whistler Blackcomb
2012 Official Civc Status in Whistler
[7] WinterPRIDE 2012 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
2008 - Whistler Blackcomb becomes the first Ski Resort to include LGBT specific pages on their corporate website. They also included a “Rainbow Flag” on their home page with other flags such as “French”, “Japanese”, “Independent Disabled Travelers” reinforcing the resort’s stance on being truly inclusive.
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#winterpride #gayskiweek #WP12
Tweet up and follow the trending topics. You can follow us at twitter.com/GAYwhistler
Be part of the conversation and “Like Us” on Facebook: facebook.com/gaywhistler
A picture is worth a Thousand words... Flickr
Here you will find our fans posting photos, comments and interactions with WinterPRIDE. A fantastic place to find story ideas and trending topics!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/winterpride
GayWhistler blog on BlogSpot
http://www.youtube.com/user/GayWhistler
You can follow us at gaywhistler.blogspot.com/
[8] WinterPRIDE 2012 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
A photo is worth 1K, Video is PRICELESS.... YouTube
ENTERTAINMENT LINE Int’l dj/producer Manny Lehman
DJ Adam Dreaddy
DJ Byron James
Snowball 20 Saturday February 11th Ambition. Passion. Any one of these attributes alone may lead to success. But when all four converge in equal force, well, now you're talking superstar status. A standout in this exclusive club even among his peers, Manny Lehman is a musical chameleon whose abundant innate gifts, coupled with a renowned stamina, have helped him fashion one of the more prolific and enduring careers on the global party circuit.
Snowball 20 Saturday February 11th Adam has been DJing for 5 years now and since playing Winter Pride last year, he continues his Vancouver residences' with Big Roger Events, 560 Nightclub, and 1181. Furthermore, starting his own monthly event called Ff at The Helm, he continues to take control of his own career path. While focusing on the people in front of him and their music needs, Adam has been successful keeping the floor full and moving! He craves energy from a crowd, and he is not happy until he sees hands in the air and the sweat pouring!
Echo Valley Ranch Cowboy & Cowgirl Party Tuesday February 7th Byron James is a on-air personality for 93.7 JRfm, Canada's number one country station and has been nominated 4 times as "On-Air Personality of the Year" by the British Columbia Country Music Association. Byron is the resident DJ at The Bourbon in Gastown, Vancouver's only Country-Rock Club.
DJ Tim Jones GuySpy Village T-Dance Friday February 10th Tim's musical style is described as Vocal House meets Rock Tec House, his recent bootleg remixes of The Beatles, Yello and T Rex are tearing up London's dancefloors. Most Dj's play track after track, Tim's unique style is to use the DJ deck, tools and digital workstations as instruments, creating a harmonix mix of music and samples to really move the audience.
DJ Ted Eiel Furrocious Friday February 10th Ted Eiel is one of the brightest talents on the DJ scene today. He has spun his supersonic sets of sexy, dirty beats at top-tier venues in the US and Europe. Ted has an aggressive, masculine sound that has been inspired by underground tracks drawn from classic house, electro, disco, and rock. His music can be described as "muscle house" for men; sexy, funky, chunky house with an emphasis on dirty bass lines, melodic vocals and an intense energy that brings everyone to the floor.
DJ Dan Murphy WinterPRIDE Pool Party presented by Holiday Inn Resort Aruba Thursday February 9th Dan Murphy is one of Australia's favourite and most experienced gay DJs. 5-time nominee and 1-time winner of the coveted DIVA Award for Sydney's favourite DJ as well as landing on the Australian Top 50 DJ list for the third time this year. Dan has a reputation for sets that are fun, uplifting and crowd-pleasing. Mixing classics with current - and always hands-in-the-air!
DJ Kasey Riot Purrlesque Friday February 10th Currently one of the most prominent female DJs in Vancouver's club scene, Kasey Riot's been setting dance floors on fire since 2007 and has proven herself as a heavy hitter with multiple residencies, headlining shows and frequent tours. With a classically trained background, she has gone from learning piano and theory from her Polish mother, to fronting punk rock bands, but has now taken her knowledge and passion for music to the dance floors.
DJ JC Simon Saturday Apres Ski Saturday February 11th Over a span of 18 years, JC Simon has left his sound and style with persons of all ages, resulting an estimated combined career audience of approx 2.1 million listeners. JC stands steadfast behind Pioneer ProDJ hardware as his only means of conveyance. While many have turned to the automation age with Serato and other computerized methods of show production, JC stands solid behind the art in a true talent, skill and ongoing love of music to keep his beats solid, crowd pleasing and mainstream.
DJ Zach Shore Gender Bender Party Wednesday February 8th Music was built into Zach Shores DNA. Zach is aggressively developing on the production side of music. His dance remixes have been getting the nod of approval from artist and DJ's. Zach also creates soundtracks for video and animations for companies throughout North America. This fusion of talent is what makes DJ Zach Shore one of Vancouver's most highly sought after DJs.
[9] WinterPRIDE 2012 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
DJ Foxy Moron Thursday Apres Thursday February 9th Foxy Moron is the resident apres-ski dj at the base of Whistler Mtn. in the Garibaldi Lift Co. She plays strictly vinyl and likes music with soul. Whether it's funk, jazz, house, breaks, rock, roll or electronic, it all goes well with drinking toddies and grooving bodies.
Jason Stuart - Comedian Comedy Night Thursday February 9th Jason Stuart is one of the most successful openly gay male comics in the United States, with over 150 Film & TV shows to his credit. Jason uses his talents as his self proclaimed semi-celebrity to support the community by performing at countless benefits for issues from AIDS to the Cancer. He is the national Chairman of the first ever Screen Actors Guild LGBT Committee and they are working on the first over study on openly gay actors with the Williams Institute at UCLA. In addition, he also chairs the comedy shows for Lifeworks, that mentors gay youth between the ages of 12-24.
Julia Stetch Comedy Night Thursday February 9th The Vancouver comic has appeared on CBC, Sirius XM, OUTtv and NBC's Last Comic Standing. As an improviser she is a member of the Bobbers troupe, and appears in the televised and live versions of their show Tops & Bottoms.
Cris Derksen Purrlesque & Snowball 20 Friday February 10th A rising star on the Canadian classical/jazz/folk/ pop/electronica/what have you scenes, cellist Derksen is known for captivating solo performances building layers of sound into often surprisingly slamming dance music.
Tyrell Witherspoon Tyrell rocketed onto the Vancouver pop scene last year when he released his first single "Letting Go" and followed it up with the ambient "In Love". His new single "Glow" is available on iTunes and can be heard on Top 40 radio stations across Canada.
QSFTFOUFE CZ
Internationally renown artist take Whistler by storm Patrick Masse - Canadian Country Recording Artist Masse - with a twinkle in his eye, country boy charm and the soulful voice of a crooner, Patrick is "A Traditional Yet Refreshing Brand of Country."At ease in songwriting, performing or raising awareness for dyslexia,
Dreams". The duo is comprised of Chad Oliver on lead vocal, acoustic guitar and percussion and Ian Cameron on fiddle, mandolin, electric guitar and vocals.
Burgundy Brixx - International burlesque artist performing all over
Patrick's future is filled with a bevy of his own personal philosophies,
the world and recently selected to compete for the title of Queen of
"Happiness is measured by one's self. Don't hurry, but don't wait."
Burlesque at the 2011 New Orleans Burlesque Festival.
If MEND THE MAN is any indication as to the future of Patrick Masse, Nashville and beyond are in for a huge treat.
Madame Mae I - A tiny little package with explosive energy and smoldering good looks - Madame Mae I is a fiery burlesque dancer with a
Ruckus Deluxe
fearless personality based out of Vancouver, Canada. Mae combines her
Fiddle and Guitar duo Ruckus Deluxe are Whistler's official anthem band,
professional dance background, creative madness, and playful personality
having won the honor in 2011 with their composition "100 Years of
with a powerful on-stage presence to wow audiences far and wide.
WINTERPRIDE DRAG QUEENS & KING
SYMONE SAYS
JODIE JAMES
BUSTER CHERRY
One of Vancouver's premier gender illusionists. Entertaining the masses from Paris to Whistler Awarded "Entertainer of the Year"
Jodie has been performing on various stages throughout the world since the age of 16. Jodie James headlines the Gender Bender Drag Ball
The award winning Drag King has been performing in the Vancouver drag scene for the past 15+ years. Buster Cherry to make special guest appearance.
[10] WinterPRIDE 2012 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
EVENT LISTINGS - MIDWEEK Summary of event listings for WinterPRIDE 20 WinterPRIDE Guest Services and Ticket Centre will be open in the Aava Whistler Hotel from Feb. 5-12 Saturday, Feb. 4th, 2012 9PM-Late RELEASE - Avalanche Party Celebrities in Vancouver Sunday, Feb. 5th, 2012 3PM-6PM Apres Ski at CBB’s 7PM-10PM Welcome Party at the Conference Centre 10PM-1AM Welcome Dance at Buffalo Bill’s
Ski Guiding presented by Air New Zealand
Monday, Feb. 6th, 2012 10AM-2PM Ski/Snowboard Guiding on Whistler Mountain 12-2PM Lunch Chickpea Chalet Whistler Mountain 1PM-3PM Callaghan Cruiser Snowmobile Tour 3PM-6PM Apres Ski at the GLC 6PM-10PM Dine OUT Whistler Tandoori Grill - 4368 Main Street #201 | Tel: 604.905.4900 | tandooriwhistler.com Milestones - 4555 Blackcomb Way | Tel: 604-905-5422 | milestonesrestaurants.com 9PM-Late Up Yer Kilt Party at the Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 10AM-2PM Ski/Snowboard Guiding on Blackcomb Mountain 12-2PM Lunch Glacier Creek Lodge - Expressway 12PM-3PM Trappers' Run Dog Sledding 2PM-3PM Ice Skating at the Whistler Olympic Plaza 3PM-6PM Apres Ski at the Bearfoot Bistro 6PM-10 PM Dine OUT Whistler Alta Bistro - 4319 Main Street, #104 | 604.932.2582 | altabistro.com Ric’s Grill - 4154 Village Green | 604.932.7427 | ricsgrill.com 9PM-2AM Echo Valley Ranch & Spa Cowboy & Cowgirl Party at Buffalo Bill’s Wednesday, Feb. 8th, 2012 10AM-2PM Ski/Snowboard Guiding on Whistler Mountain 12-2PM Lunch Roundhouse Lodge - Glacierview Whistler Mountain 11.30- 3PM Wilderness Run Snowmobile Tour with Canadian Snowmobile 1PM-3PM WinterPRIDE Inner Tubing at the CocaCola Tube Park, Blackcomb 3PM-6PM Apres Ski at the Grand Foyer - Whistler Conference Centre 6PM-10PM Dine OUT Whistler Bearfoot Bistro - 4121 Village Green | 604.932.3433 | bearfootbistro.com 21 Steps - 4433 Sundial Place | 604.966.2121 | 21steps.ca 9PM-2AM Gender Bender Drag Ball at Garfinkels
[11] WinterPRIDE 2012 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
EVENT LISTINGS: WEEKEND Summary of event listings for WinterPRIDE 20 Thursday, Feb. 9th, 2012 Official PRIDE DAY in Whistler 9AM-1PM The Medicine Trail Snow Shoeing 10AM-2PM Ski/Snowboard Guiding on Blackcomb 12-2PM Lunch Glacier Creek Lodge - Expressway 1PM-3PM Pride Skeleton at the Whistler Sliding Ctr. 1PM-3PM Barefoot Mixology with Wine at the Aava 3PM-3.30PM Pride March in Whistler’s Skiers Plaza 3PM-6PM Apres Ski at the Grand Foyer - Conference Ctr. 5PM-5.30PM Proclamation by the Mayor “Pride Week” 3pm - 6pm HIM Wellness Centre - Conference Centre 4PM - 8PM Whistler Tasting Tours - Finer Things Dinner Tour 6PM-10PM Dine OUT Whistler Araxi Restaurant + Bar - 4122 Village Gate Square | 604.932.4540 | araxi.com Hy’s Steakhouse - 4308 Main Street | 604.905.5555 | hyssteakhouse.com 8PM-10PM Comedy Night with Jason Stuart & Julia Stretch 10PM-Late WinterPRIDE Pool Party at Meadow Park presented by Holiday Inn Resort Aruba Friday, Feb. 10th, 2012 8.30AM-12PM Trappers' Run Dog Sledding 10AM-2PM Ski/Snowboard Guiding on Whistler Mountain 12-2PM Lunch Roundhouse Lodge - Glacierview Whistler Mountain 12PM-2PM WinterPRIDE Charity Ski Race on Blackcomb 12PM-3PM Pride Eagle ZipTrek Tour 2PM-4PM WHISTLER BREWERY - BEER TASTING at the Aava Whistler Hotel 3PM-6PM GuySpy Apres Ski Village T-Dance at the Conference Centre 3pm - 6pm HIM Wellness Centre at the Conference Center 6PM-7PM HIM Speed Dating at the Conference Center 6PM-10PM Dine OUT Whistler Bavaria Restaurant - 4369 Main Street, #101 | 604-932-7518 | bavaria-restaurant.com Quattro - 4319 Main Street | 604.905.4844 | quattrorestaurants.com 9PM-2AM Furrocious - A Leather, Denim and Fetish Party at the Conference Centre 9PM-2AM Purrlesque a Bisexual/Lesbian themed party at the GLC 9PM-2AM Snowstorm a Club Kid Circuit party at Garfinkels
[12] WinterPRIDE 2012 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
Weekend has the larger evening parties
EVENT LISTINGS: WEEKEND Summary of event listings for WinterPRIDE 20
Saturday, Feb. 11th, 2012 10AM-2PM Ski/Snowboard Guiding on Blackcomb 12-2PM Lunch Glacier Creek Lodge - Expressway 11.30AM-3PM Wilderness Run Snowmobile Adventure 12PM-2PM Ice Skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza 2PM-4PM Barefoot Mixology with Wine - Aava Hotel 3PM-6PM Apres Ski - Whistler Conference Centre 5PM-6PM Crowing of Mr. Gay Canada 2012 3PM-6PM HIM Wellness Centre 6PM-10PM Dine OUT Whistler The Grill Room - 4599 Chateau Blvd | 604.938.2033 Trattoria di Umberto - 4242 Village Stroll | 604-932-4442 9PM-2AM Shred Betties at the GLC 10PM-4AM Snowball 20 at the Conference Centre Sunday, Feb. 12th, 2012 10AM-1PM Guest Relations & Lost and Found at the Aava Whistler hotel 10AM-1PM Farewell Brunch at the CBB's Bar & Grill, Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa 1PM-4PM Volunteer Wrap Party - Whistler Brewery 3PM-6PM Apres Ski at the CBB's, Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa 3PM-7PM Detox at the Sandinave Spa
ENTERTAINMENT SUMMARY: International DJ/producer Manny Lehman, DJ Ted Eiel (Chicago), DJ Tim Jones (London), DJ Dan
Murphy (Sydney), DJ Adam Dreaddy (Vancouver), DJ/Producer Bertossi (Vancouver), DJ Zach Shore (Vancouver), JC Simon ARCADIA (Ottawa), DJ Riki Rocket (UK), DJ Miss M (Vancouver), DJ Kasey Riot (Vancouver), DJ Foxy Moron (Whistler), DJ Byron James (North Vancouver), DJ Kevin Costner (Whistler), DJ Doug Cameron
SPECIAL GUESTS: JASON STUART, JULIA STRETCH, RUCKUS DELUXE, PATRICK MASSE, TYRELL WITHERSPOON, SYMONE SAYS, JODIE JAMES, SYREN, SAMANTHA MACK, BUSTER CHERRY, BURGUNDY BRIXX, MADAME MAE I, CRIS DERKSEN, MR. GAY CANADA 2012 DELEGATES For More information on these and other events please visit GayWhistler.com * Events and entertainers subject to change without notice [13] WinterPRIDE 2012 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
FAQ’S - STORY STARTERS AN INTERVIEW WITH DEAN NELSON, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF GAYWHISTLER’S WINTERPRIDE 1. Tell me what WinterPRIDE is and how you got involved? WinterPRIDE is the evolution of Gay Ski Week. In 2007 we re-branded Gay Ski week as we saw there was a bigger opportunity to reach more people by become more inclusive to both the skier/non skier, to the full spectrum of our very diverse LGBT community. We have programming specific for the women, to the bear/leather/fetish, to the circuit queens and everything in between. I first was involved with Gay Ski Week back in 1995 as a hotel partner, as well as a volunteer, and then in 2006 became part of the organizing group that took over the week long celebration.
2. There are a few other gay ski weeks out there, but WinterPride seems to be the best at attracting lesbians. Why is that? WinterPRIDE is a huge team effort and we are really fortunate to work with many wonderful community groups that are able to engage and listen to what our women are looking for and needing in a winter escape. We are thrilled to have been able to work with Flygirl Productions for the past three years and really taking our Shred Betties Bash to the level that are attracting the international and regional lesbian. We also have created some fun programming on Friday with our Purrlesque party which got off to a great debut last year.
3. Why come to an event like WinterPride instead of just going to Whistler for a ski week on your own?
The advantage of coming during WinterPRIDE is the village vibe is remarkably different. Everyone loosens up, is having a great time and everyone can just be themselves without having to think in their mind “is this okay.” Also many of our resort partners have exclusive discounts and promotions during the week therefore making your vacation budget stretch that much more. You can also win some amazing prizes and of course you are meeting like minded people from all over the world. Many of our guests have found their life partners and long time friends.
4. Tell me about the skiing and snow boarding. Do people all meet up to ski together or what? Yes, everyday
during WinterPRIDE, we assemble everyone that wants to ski/snowboard together into similar skiing/riding abilities. This way you are able to meet other people at your own speed and have an enjoyable experience on the 8,171 acres of pure skiing bliss... our mountains can be a bit overwhelming for some of our guests from Minnesota! This also means if you are in a relationship and you are at different skiing abilities you can break off and each have an amazing time on the mountain and come back and meet for lunch and later for apres without feeling guilty of either holding your partner back or pushing him/her into terrain that they are not comfortable with. It has saved a many a marriage I reckon!
5. Are there races or competitions? On Friday, Feb. 10th we have our annual Charity Ski Race... the race is actually a race against yourself where you need to guess your time. So it does not necessarily mean the fastest racer wins.... it is the skier that is the most consistent. Last year the winner guessed his time perfect! All proceeds this year go towards the Whistler Health Care Centre.
8. What big women’s events do you have scheduled for 2012? This year we have the incredible Purrlesque Party with the every outrageous Samantha Mack as our emcee / mistress of the night and headline acts include Burgundy Brixx and Madame Mae I with DJ Kassy Riot whipping the girls into a frenzy! The Vancouver Observer said, "To watch Burgundy Brixx, was to see an artist at the top of her craft. In a sparkling green dress that set off her flaming red hair, Brixx was in total control of the audience, expertly choosing when and what to reveal.". Of Course we have Shred Betties Bash coming back for another fabulous year with Mandy & Leigh of Flygirl Productions producing the show with DJ Riki Rocket and DJ Miss M and loads of beautiful snow bunnies to get you in the mood to party the night away. All of our events are accessible to everyone, so besides these two signature events... the girls will be at the apres ski parties, comedy show with Vancouver comedian Julia Stretch and Hollywood comic Jason Stuart.
9. Is WinterPride a good place for 6. What about newbies? Can they single lesbians? Or is it geared more toward get lessons? Yes, Whistler Blackcomb offers couples? WinterPRIDE has a diverse offering so both private and group lessons. When you sign up and let the guest relations know you are with WinterPRIDE they will do their best to link you up with other WinterPRIDE guests.
7. What kinds of events do you have for non-skiers? There are so many amazing adventures to get into... we have the very passive adventures like culinary (mixology, wine tastings, beer sampling, progressive dinners), sightseeing on the Peak2Peak gondola, Inner Tubing, dog sledding, ice skating in the village, to relaxing and detoxing at one of our many spas... to more adrenaline adventures like Bungee Jumping, Snowmobile tours, ZipTreking, and new this year... Skelton! Imagine hovering just inches off a sheet of ice clocking some 70 mph head first down the fastest sliding track in the world! That is Skelton at the Whistler Olympic Sliding Centre... it is okay, totally safe... Skelton is the easiest of the three sliding sports and you have a full training session on how to slide safely!
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we have both singles, couples and swingers! So of course a single lesbian is going to have a total rage just depends on what she is looking for.
10. Anything else you want to say about WinterPride? We are celebrating diversity for 20 years... on Sunday, Feb. 5th we will be doing a retrospective during the Welcome party looking back at 20 years and where we have come... and looking forward to more fantastic years to come.... this year the RMOW has officially declared Feb. 5-12, 2012 “Pride Week in Whistler” and the Mayor herself will be presenting the Proclamation during the Thursday Apres Ski. It is so exciting to see after 20 years the municipality to recognize the festival and give us official civic status. That is exciting! We have come along way!! We still have some incredible ski packages ($130/ person/night for a 5 night / 4 day ski pass) to some stellar room only prices starting at just $119/night... so come on up and be part of the celebration! Call 1.866.787.1966 or visit us online at GayWhistler.com
FAQ’S - STORY STARTERS AN INTERVIEW WITH DEAN NELSON, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF GAYWHISTLER’S WINTERPRIDE Whistler is not cheap, is WinterPRIDE a playground just for people with deep pockets? Or are there ways those of us who are economically challenged can enjoy the event? I think the perception that Whistler is expensive is the biggest misconception. Whistler is actually excellent value when you look at the total picture of what the resort has to
events, meet lots of great people and you will
can reach them direct at 1.800.661.1725 or visit
have a great time.
online at http://www.pacificcoach.com Snowbus is a twice daily shuttle service
WOULD IT BE CORRECT TO SAY THAT with an excellent value price point. You can reach them direct at 1.888.794.5511 or online at WHISTLER IS A SAFE HAVEN FOR www.snowbus.ca MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE STILL IN THE CLOSET BACK HOME, WHO From Seattle you can take the COME TO THE EVENT TO BE Amtrak - Cascades. It is a relaxing journey THEMSELVES? Whistler for the most part creates an
up to Vancouver where you can easily transfer to the Greyhound to continue your journey to
offer. Whistler has world class facilities, some of
environment that embraces diversity and has an
the best skiing/riding in the world, voted
attitude of anything goes. Speaking with some
consistently as one of the best mountain resorts
of our guests over the last couple years they
for culinary, night life, spas, and
have told me that the reason why they love
accommodations. If you plan ahead you will get
coming to Whistler is because Whistler is not
wicked deals for instances we offered ski
seen as a Gay destination so it does not raise
packages starting at just $101/person/night
any flags or alarm bells for those in a more
back in August, room only rates starting at $99/
conservative community. They are able to for
most up to date equipment available and all
night. I think the problem is when people do not
the week let their hair down and have fun and
guests can save up to 33% when they book in
plan ahead and want to go up to Whistler last
not worry about looking over their should to see
advance. The other advantage of renting with
minute and all they can find are the few rooms
if anyone is watching, they are able to just be
our preferred partner is you have complimentary
available at some of our luxury properties that
and have fun as an equal human being. We
ski storage, access to free tuning and service,
start at $399/night. This year will be no
have created programming that allows our guest
and convenient pick up locations. Plus they
exception as the snow base continues to grow
to be ambiguous to über-gay and everything in-
have outer wear rentals available so the only
as will the hotel room rates - so book early. We
between.
thing you will need to pack are your ski gloves
package for just $130/night/person (which includes the 5th Night Free promotion), but you have to book in advance. For those that are a bit more frugal the Whistler hostel at the Olympic village is excellent value at just $39/ bed/night, other ways to save is collect some of your friends and go in on renting a larger suite to share the cost. You can prepare some of your own meals in the suite to save some dollars on dining out during your stay. Buy an Edge Card or your ski tickets online before you arrive into the resort. Ticket window price for a ski ticket is approx. $96/day vs. online at $88 or $82 with an Edge card (based on a 2-day ski pass online pre-purchase 48+ hours in advance) Final tip: Volunteer for Pride! You get access to the
1.800.USA.RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com
Extra luggage fees are killing me do I need to bring my ski gear? Travel light! Whistler Blackcomb has the
and socks! Call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at
are currently running a promotion that if you book now you can get a 5 night / 4 day ski
Whistler. For more information call
How do I get up to Whistler from Vancouver? There are many different options available to our guests. They can self drive, limo, take a
www.whistlerblackcomb.com
Do you have the dates for WinterPRIDE in the future years?
motor coach or shuttle service, take the
Yes, our dates are:
Greyhound, or you can even take a Heli-Jet from
February 3-10, 2013 Aava Whistler Hotel
the Airport. Here are some great resources for
February 2-9, 2014 Aava Whistler Hotel
your consideration:
February 1-8, 2015 Aava Whistler Hotel
Glacier Coach Lines - the preferred transportation company for GayWhistler. They
Our official travel partner is Whistler
offer town car, luxury SUV’s, limo, mini-coaches
Blackcomb where they can assist you with all of
and motor coach private charters for the larger
your travel needs from Air, Accommodation, Ski
groups. You can reach them at: 1.866.905.7779
Tickets, Rentals, Ground Transfers, and
or online at www.whistlerglaciergroup.com
activities. Call 1.866.787.1966 or visit
Pacific Coach Lines is the official shuttle service to Whistler Blackcomb with express Airport service with nine departures daily. You
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www.gaywhistler.com Host Hotel for 2013-15 is the Aava Whistler Hotel www.aavawhistlerhotel.com
STORY STARTERS
A LETTER TO WINTERPRIDE
SHARING HOW THE SKI WEEK TOUCHED ONE PERSON PROFOUNDLY
Tales from the Coat Check Two years ago our Rotary Club of Whistler Millennium was working the coat check for a Whistler Pride event at the Conference Centre. The group was incredibly generous with their donations to our Eradicate Polio Campaign and we were able to talk with several of the attendees regarding their visit to Whistler. A gentleman of about my age started chatting with me about my family and our feeling about Whistler Pride. We discussed at some length about how the town had always been so welcoming and then he told
outside world as a "Gay" destination. The attendees could tell acquaintances they were going to Whistler without fear of letting their orientation be revealed. Thanks for letting me share this with you, Dean Diane Maskell -Past President Rotary Club of Whistler Millennium
me his story. His partner of 35 years had just recently passed away; but he had made this gentleman promise that he would still come to Whistler Pride to represent both of them. He told me that Whistler was, for years, the ONLY place they could vacation as a couple without fear of reprisals for their sexual orientation. He and his partner had never missed a week since the inception. He looked around the large gathering and mused that most of the younger men present had NO idea of just how lucky they were to enjoy the freedom of expressing their orientation that had, for years, been denied to them. What I still remember was his quiet dignity as he relayed all this to me. I have never forgotten him and the impact he had on me. Especially since Dean explained to me that for many in the Gay Community, Whistler held no connotation to the
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Media Tools:
GayWhistler Media Kit Tourism Whistler Media Kit Whistler Blackcomb Media Kit Tourism Vancouver Tourism BC Media Kit Canadian Tourism Media Kit
THE RAINBOW FLAG Start of a Pride movement bringing an invisible minority out of the shadows Every year the Village is covered in
including adaptations such as
Rainbows. Whether it be the banners along
bumper stickers and decals. "A
Main Street or flags in the windows of many of
true flag," Baker said, "is torn from
the businesses. This is a recognition to the
the soul of the people.
LGBT Community of the acceptance that is part
of the culture of Whistler. The following explains
Since, Baker has designed
what the significance of the Rainbow Flag is to
flags for many dignitaries and
our Community.
political figures, including then
Gilbert Baker – Father of the Rainbow Flag
San Francisco Mayor Dianne
In 1978, Gilbert Baker (born in Kansas in 1951) designed the Rainbow (or Gay Pride) Flag as a symbol of LGBT pride, liberation and diversity. "In the beginning the Rainbow Flag was about liberation. It was about breaking free
Feinstein. Baker also designed the flags for the 1984 Democratic
Father of the Rainbow Flag: Gilbert Baker
National Convention.
The 25th Anniversary of The Rainbow Flag:
of an existence limited by fear and conformity,
In 2003, Baker created a rainbow flag that
the right to express sexuality without shame or
stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic
retaliation from those who legislate "morality.'“
Ocean in Key West to commemorate the 25th
The previous symbol for our community had
anniversary of the flag. With that creation, Baker
been the Pink Triangle, which was a stigma or
broke his own record previously awarded in
mark put on us by the Nazis in the Second
1994 for his mile long Rainbow Flag in memory
World War.
of the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
The Key West flag, which was 1.25-miles, was
He began making banners and ultimately
created over three months and included more
the Rainbow Flag for his friend Harvey Milk, who
than 18,000 yards of nylon fabric, 25 miles of
was later assassinated on Nov 27, 1978. The
seams, and was created in 100 foot and 250
Rainbow Flag debuted at the 1978 San
foot sections seamed together. It weighed more
Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day
than three tons. A section of this world record
Parade.
flag hangs in Whistler every year for
Pride Snowflake In 2007 Alpenglow Productions commissioned an artist to update Altitude’s Pride Snowflake. The Pride snowflake encompasses the entire community incorporating the male, female and transgender symbols as well as incorporating sexual diversity by including the gay, lesbian and bisexual symbols along with the six colours of the original pride flag.
WinterPRIDE.
It has since been used around the world as a symbol of LGBT unity in many variations,
Beyond Gay: Politics of Pride - Feature Movie Both Ken and Dean spent two years filming a feature documentary which included Whistler. The Film has gone on to win a number of awards. The Film is just one example of the other unique TV and Movie
Other Events Alpenglow Productions produces and collaborates on other events throughout the year including: • • • •
Summer Adventures Mr. Gay Canada Mr. Gay World Travel Gay Canada Conference
exposure GayWhistler has brought to the resort and the exposure there of.
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ALPENGLOW PRODUCTIONS dba GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE Suite 1025, 106-4368 Main St. Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4, CANADA T: 604.288.7218 F: 888.803.6345 E: dean@gaywhistler.com W: http://www.gaywhistler.com
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS Without their generous support the festival would not be the award winning and world class event it is today. Thank you for helping us celebrate diversity both on and off the slopes in Whistler.
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