WHISTLER PRIDE
2015
Press Kit for Whistler Pride and Ski Festival
2015
BE PART OF THE MAGIC
EXCELLENT VALUE
HEALTHY MIX OF GUESTS
GayWhistler continues to be the leading Gay Ski Weeks in the world with the four elements of sports, culinary, wellness and entertainment. 
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. 
Whistler Pride and ski festival has a fantastic mix of guests from the USA, Canada, and International, 26 Nations celebrating under the Rainbow!
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Whistler Pride 2015
EVENT SUMMARY
Whistler Pride + Ski Festival Celebrate 23 years of the annual Gay & Lesbian Ski Week 8 Days, 65 Events Jan.24-31, 2015
23 Years 3,000+ Guests 8 Days 65 Events
CELEBRATING 23 YEARS OF OUT ON THE SLOPES... Born out of activism in 1992 GayWhistler 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, Jan. 24th - GLITTER - Vancouver Kick off party with DJ Abel + Del Stamp
Sunday, Jan. 25th - Welcome Home Coming Party
Monday, Jan. 26th - Bollywood Beats Party with DJ Siam
Tuesday, Jan. 27th - Cowboy Party with DJ BILLY THE KID and Timberline Dance
Wednesday, Jan. 28th - Comedy Night with MARGARET CHO + KATE WILLETT
Thursday, Jan. 29th - Whistler PRIDE Charity Ski Race on Blackcomb Mountain
Thursday, Jan. 29th - Official Proclamation of “Pride Week” by Mayor of Whistler
Thursday, Jan. 29th - Pride Banquet with DARCY MICHAEL + JOAN-E
Friday, Jan. 30th - Pride March through village: Skiers’ Plaza - Conference Centre
Friday, Jan. 30th - Triple Threat Night: Furrocious, Snow Bunnies and WhiteOUT
Saturday, Jan. 31st - Chickalicious Women’s closing party with DJ LISA DE LUX
Saturday, Jan. 31st - Snowball 23 one of Whistler’s longest running annual dances
- Daily Complimentary Whistler PRIDE Ski/Snowboard guiding
- Daily Après ski parties
- Nightly theme parties
[2] Whistler Pride 2015 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
Whistler Village in Rainbows The Resort Municipality & Merchants display Rainbows to ensure the LGBT traveler feel welcomed.
we lead complimentary ski/snowboard guiding
The Destination
WHISTLERPRIDE
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 Vancovuer. YVR - Vancouver International Airport, is Canada’s second busiest, welcoming more than 16.2 Million passengers annually gives huge growth potential for the resort and festival. Whistler resort’s unique pedestrian village and most accessible back country terrain gives visitors unlimited possibilities earning Whistler countless awards including:
#1 Overall Resort - Ski Magazine
#1 Resort - FreeSkier
Annual Whistler Pride Parade
#1 Best Place to Ski/Stay - Condé Nast Traveler (2013)
#1 Gay Ski Week - Gay.com (2012)
Award winning hotels including the Pan Pacific Whistler, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Westin, and the Four Seasons Whistler - all Conde Nast Gold Medal winners.
Award winning Spas including the Four Seasons and the Scandinave Spa.
Festival Experience Whistler (Winter) Pride is known around the Margaret Cho
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 ski 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 EatOut at Whistler Pride where the festival 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,
Fashion Show, Pool Party,
Educational Workshops.
world as the friendly Gay & Lesbian Ski/ Snowboard week. Every day during the festival
Splash Pool Party
Après Ski #1 Social Event
Whistler Pride Diversity Organized skiing and snowboarding, dog sledding, snowmobile tours, to world class social events from the Fashion 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
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Resort in Pride We work closely with our
will 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
Whistler Pride is their
round rather than just for
favourite week of the year
the week.
- “Everyone is having a
You can expect to see Rainbow Banners
About Us
many of our businesses
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 Gay.com as one of the leading Gay Ski Weeks in the world (2012) and continue to be cited by editors and guests as one of the best ski weeks in the world. APC is Supplier Diversity Certified through CGLCC
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 became one of the most talked about news stories of the 2010 Olympics.
More than just Gay Ski Week Whistler Pride travels 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.
8,171 Acres of Pure skiing bliss
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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 when Vancouver hosted the Gay Games. Sport became a catalyst for brining 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 “Altitude.” 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 an 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. Altitude Volunteer program began as the community started to work together. Estimated 600 people attended with most events sold out.
Retrospective of Gay Ski Week: Altitude
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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, Pam Ann, 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
specific events and new culinary and wellness programs.
2008 - WinterPRIDE earned the prestigious nod of being recognized as the #1 Gay Ski Week in the World by editors of PlanetOUT /
the gay ski week circuit and firmly establishes
Gay.com as well as the most lesbian welcoming
itself as the start of the pride circuit celebrations
of all gay ski weeks.
annually. Whistler resort also continues receive
2010 - The Olympic Winter Games are
world wide attention as one of the best ski
hosted in the City of Vancouver and the resort of
resorts in the world only adding even more
Whistler forcing the normal time slot for ski
prestige to the annual event.
week to shift by a month. Executive Producers
2003 Altitude faced its most difficult year
Dean Nelson and Ken Coolen make a bold
as the founder and visionary suddenly passed
move to create the first Olympic Pride Pavilion -
away one month prior to the start of the annual
Pride House. The world wide media attention
ski week. The Altitude team and community
showcased how welcoming the destination is to
came together to celebrate Brent’s life and
the LGBT community.
Altitude continued.
2004-2005 Altitude transferred through two
2012 - The Resort Municipality of Whistler extends official civic status to the festival
years of temporary ownership from an investor
proclaiming Feb. 5-12 ‘Pride Week’. The first
from San Diego.
pride march is scheduled for Feb. 9th, 2012.
2006 - A group of independent business
2014 - WinterPRIDE welcomes new
people took over the ski week with just twelve
entertainment director, Sunil Sinha with Big
days to plan. The week was called
Roger Events to join the executive directors. In
“GayWhistler’s Ski Week” and it was an
the Spring the festival undergoes a rebranding
opportunity for the annual event to get back
exercise and determines that the festival should
down to its core roots, research what the LGBT
be named: “Whistler Pride and Ski Festival” to
community wanted and plan for the future.
ensure consumer clarity in the destination and
2007 - Gay Ski Week launched with its new brand “GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE.” The
EVOLUTION
Deluxe room & lifT Ticke starting from
Toll free 866.787. 1966
$
*
128
per person per night
twitter.com/gaywhistler
*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.
the brand of the festival.
2015 - Marks the first year the festival
vision of WinterPRIDE was to take the annual
receives government funding for augmentation
event and transform it into a festival that would
to the cultural programming.
be more inclusive and accessible to a wider audience. Activities were introduced to both the skier and non skier, Bear/Leather events, lesbian
Whistler Blackcomb 2012-15 Official Civc Status in Whistler
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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.
FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/WINTERPRIDE
Are you one of the 10,000,000 FourSquare users? Download the app today on your iPhone, Blackberry or other smart mobile device. Many of our GayWhistler partners have “Specials” or special badges. Check
In Today!
It is fun to get social at Pride... from Gay Chats, to FourSquare, to FB....
Get Social with Whistler PRIDE Like Us, Follow Us... Facebook Be part of the conversation and “Like Us” on Facebook: facebook.com/gaywhistler Here you will find our fans posting photos, comments and interactions with Whistler PRIDE. A fantastic place to find story ideas and trending topics!
GayWhistler blog on BlogSpot
Tweet Up and Follow Us... Twitter Tweet up and follow the trending topics. You can follow us at twitter.com/GAYwhistler #whistlerpride #gayskiweek #WP15 #snoCho
A picture is worth a Thousand words... Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/winterpride
A photo is worth 1K, Video is PRICELESS.... YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/GayWhistler
You can follow us at gaywhistler.blogspot.com/
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ENTERTAINMENT LINE UP MARGARET CHO Grammy and Emmy nominated actress and comedian Margaret Cho has become a sort of “Patron Saint” for Outsiders, speaking for them when they are not able to speak for themselves Along with advocating for gay rights and bullying, Margaret recently began working with Homeless people on the streets of San Francisco as a tribute to her dear friend, Robin Williams. A Night of Comedy | Wed 28 @ 8pm FREEMASONS (UK) Grammy Nominated Freemasons are equally well known for their infectious club remixes for Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Whitney Houston, Shakira, Kylie and others as for their chart topping originals. They have just celebrated their 10th anniversary with the release of Shakedown and a world tour. SNOWBALL at Whistler Pride is the first Freemasons playdate in North America in 2015. Snowball - Closing Party | Sat 31 @ 10pm DJ ABEL (Miami) DJ Abel is one of the most recognized and trusted DJ’s in the industry, headlining every major event and making repeat appearances at the biggest and most important parties! He is half of Rosabel, the production and remixing duo who continue to churn out #1 Billboard dance hits and remixes including their Grammy nominated remix of Rihanna’s “Only Girl in the World. Glitter – Opening Party in Vancouver | Sat 24 @ 10pm DARCY MICHAEL Darcy Michael is one of Canada’s fastest rising comedy stars. Highlights include “Darcy Michael: One Skinny Bitch” comedy special, appearances ton “the Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and Montreal’s Just for Laughs festival and a role on CTV’s ‘Spun Out’. With his signature approach of high-energy yet laid-back style, Darcy delivers jam-packed comedy to equally energized audiences around the country. Better Together – Whistler Pride Banquet | Thurs 29 @ 7:15pm JOAN-E / ROBERT KAISER As Joan-E, Robert Kaiser reigns supreme in Vancouver - a female impersonator, comedian, actor and writer. He is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for his volunteer and fundraising efforts and an inductee of Canada’s Queer Hall of Fame. Better Together – Whistler Pride Banquet | Thurs 29 @ 7:15pm
KATE WILLETT a San Francisco based comedian, storyteller, writer, and actor. San Francisco Magazine says she’s a “comedian you should know about.” A Night of Comedy | Wed 28 @ 8pm WAYNE G (UK) Averse to categorization in any one particular musical style, Wayne G takes the crowd on a musical journey. His sets are notorious for being filled with a mix of his billboard dance chart topping productions and private remixes which remain unheard unless you get to experience on of him live. He is a DJ/Producer that knows no boundaries and no limits! Furrocious – Military Ball | Fri 30 @ 10pm LISA DELUX (Vancouver) A strong advocate on breaking barriers for female DJs, Lisa Delux is one of Canada's notorious female Djs having spun all over Norht America and beyond with career highlights including Berlin Fashion Week, San Francisco Pride, “Darmabeat” in Mexico and “The Dinah” in Palm Springs. Chickalicious – Women’s closing party | Sat 31 @ 9pm DJ NICK BERTOSSI (Vancouver) Vancouver’s homegrown international star, DJ/ Producer Nick Bertossi energetic tech house and big room tribal house productions have gained him recognition world-wide and have been featured on countless compilations. His countless hours in the studio have resulted in Nick’s unique recognizable sound! Splash – Indoor Pool Party | Thurs 29 @ 10pm DJ KASHA KENEDY (Vancouver) – Snow Bunnies Kasha Kennedy has been internationally elevating the music and DJ world for the last six years, producing and remixing her own sexy, tantalizing sounds that leave you ravenous and craving. Kasha Kennedy’s mixes have been heard across the world, preforming at hundreds of venues. Snow Bunnies – Friday Night Girls Party | Fri 30 @ 9pm DJ SETH COOPER (Chicago) Seth Cooper is best known for the high energy and freshness that his wildly popular remixes, mash-ups, podcasts and live sets bring to the dance floor. Resulting in many awards such as "Best Up and Coming DJ", "Best DJ/Remixer/ Producer", and "Best Circuit Tour" by JustCircuit Magazine. White-OUT | Fri 30 @ 10pm
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DJ QUEST (Vancouver) A self taught DJ, he's been around the block and then some! He's been playing kickass beats in his hometown of Vancouver for over a decade. Gender Bender Party | Wed 28 @ 9pm Throwback Thursday | Thurs 29 @ 10pm DJ DEL STAMP (Vancouver) Originally from St. John’s Newfoundland, DJ Del Stamp has become a prominent face in Vancouver nightlife as a party host, a party producer/promoter and a DJ. His career includes recent gigs in San Francisco, Toronto and Pittbull’s Caribbean cruise. Glitter – Opening Party in Vancouver | Sat 24 @ 10pm Snowball - Closing Party | Sat 31 @ 10pm CONNIE SMUDGE From Biker Bars to the Grand Theatres of Europe, the unstoppable Connie Smudge has done them all. She is a highly sought after event host, Emcee, reporter for Outlook TV, and TV actress living in Vancouver. Gender Bender Party | Wed 28 @ 9pm DJ LANDON JAMES (Vancouver) – SNOWBALL (opening DJ) DJ Landon James is known for a driving mix of top 40 remixes and harder progressive dance tracks to get you movin’ on the dance floor. A fixture in Vancouver’s gay scene, with residencies at Number’s and Pumpjack and guest DJ spots at the cities hottest clubs! Snowball - Closing Party | Sat 31 @ 10pm
DJ BILLY THE KIDD (Whistler) Billy the Kidd originates from Gold Coast, Australia. He adds a great new flavor of International Talent to Whistler with higher energy performances that are sure to get the party pumpin’. Cowboy and Cowgirl Party | Tues 27 @ 9pm TIMBERLINE DANCE SOCIETY Vancouver’s LBGT Country and Dance Society pride themselves at providing an accepting atmosphere and simple energetic instructions to get anyone with one or more left feet dancing, smiling and making friends. Cowboy and Cowgirl Party | Tues 27 @ 9pm DJ SALIM Since 1994, DJ Salim has been on of Vancouver’s most dependable go-to names when the music and entertainment needs to be just right! Mixing everything from Top 40, Hip Hop, RnB, House, Bollywood, Bhangra,
EVENT LISTINGS - MIDWEEK Summary of event listings for Whistler PRIDE 23 Whistler PRIDE Guest Services and Ticket Centre will be open in the Aava Whistler Hotel from Jan.25-Feb.01 Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 4PM-7PM Welcome Party at the Westin Resort & Spa Monday, January 26, 2015 - WHISTLER 8AM-6PM Guest Relations & Ticket Sales | Aava Whistler Hotel Whistler Way 10AM-2PM Whistler PRIDE Ski/Snowboard Guides - WHISTLER 3PM-6PM Après Ski with DJ GRITTY BUMPS | Buffalo Bill’s 4122 Village Green
4005
WinterPRIDE Ski Guiding
6PM-10PM Eating Out with Whistler Pride Tandoori Grill - 4368 Main Street #201 | Tel: 604.905.4900 La Bocca - 4232 Village Stroll | Tel: 604.932.2112 | labocca.moonfruit.com 8PM-10PM Bollywood Beats - Whistler Pride Film Fest presented by OUTtv + GayDirect 9PM-Late Bollywood Beats Party | Moe Joe’s Tuesday, January 28th, 2014 - BLACKCOMB 8AM-6PM Guest Relations & Ticket Sales | Aava Whistler Hotel - 4005 Whistler Way 10AM-2PM Whistler PRIDE Ski/Snowboard Guides - BLACKCOMB 10AM-11:30AM Natural Mystic Snowshoe Tour | TAG Whistler - Hilton Plaza 3PM-6PM Après Ski with DJ KORI.K | Milestone’s Whistler 6PM-10PM Eating Out with Whistler Pride Alta Bistro - 4319 Main Street, #104 | 604.932.2582 | altabistro.com Brewhouse - 4355 Blackcomb Way | 604.905.2739 | markjamesgroup.com 8PM-10PM Tennessee Queer - Whistler Pride Film Festival presented by OUTtv + GayDirect 9PM-2AM Cowboy & Cowgirl Party | Buffalo Bill’s - 4122 Village Green Wednesday, JAN. 29TH, 2014 - WHISTLER 8AM-6PM Guest Relations & Ticket Sales | Aava Whistler Hotel - 4005 Whistler Way 10AM-2PM WinterPRIDE Ski/Snowboard Guides WHISTLER 11AM-2PM SuperFly Zipline | TAG Whistler - Hilton Plaza 218-4293 Mountain Square 1PM-3PM Whistler PRIDE Inner Tubing | Coca-Cola Inner Tube Park - Base II, Blackcomb 3PM-6PM Après Ski | Whistler Conference Centre - 4010 Whistler Way 6PM-10PM Eating Out with Whistler Pride Ric’s Grill - 4154 Village Green | 604.932.7427 | ricsgrill.com 21 Steps - 4433 Sundial Place | 604.966.2121 | 21steps.ca 8PM-10PM Whistler Night of Comedy with MARGARET CHO + KATE WILLETT | Whistler Conference Centre 9PM-2AM Gender Bender Party with DJ QUEST | Garfinkel’s Whistler - 1-4308 Main Street
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EVENT LISTINGS: WEEKEND Summary of event listings for Whistler Pride 23
Weekend has the larger evening parties
Thursday, JAN. 30TH, 2014 - BLACKCOMB 8AM-8PM Guest Relations & Ticket Sales | Aava Whistler Hotel 9:30AM-12.30PM Trailblazer Snowmobile Tour | TAG Whistler 10AM-2PM WinterPRIDE Ski/Snowboard Guides BLACKCOMB 12PM-2PM WinterPRIDE Charity Ski Race on Blackcomb 3PM-6PM Après Ski | Whistler Conference Ctr 6PM-10PM Eating Out with Whistler Pride Araxi Restaurant + Bar - 4122 Village Gate Square | 604.932.4540 | araxi.com Hy’s Steakhouse - 4308 Main Street | 604.905.5555 | hyssteakhouse.com 7:30PM-10PM Whistler Pride Banquet| Whistler Conference Centre - 4010 Whistler 10PM-Late SPLASH Pool Party at Meadow Park with DJ NICK BERTOSSI | Shuttle from Aava Whistler 10PM-Late Throwback Thursdays with DJ QUEST | Moe Joe’s - 4115 Golfers Approach Friday, JAN. 31st, 2014 - WHISTLER 8AM-8PM Guest Relations & Ticket Sales | Aava Whistler Hotel - 4005 Whistler Way 10AM-2PM WinterPRIDE Ski/Snowboard Guides WHISTLER 11AM - 1PM SuperFly Zipline Tours | TAG Whistler - Hilton Plaza 218-4293 Mountain Square 2:30PM - 3PM WinterPRIDE Ski Out and March | Mid Station at Olympic on Whistler 3PM-6PM Après Ski with DJ BLACKLOW (LA)| Whistler Conference Centre - 4010 Whistler Way 7:30PM-10PM Eating Out with Whistler Pride with Darcy Michael + Joan-E Quattro - 4319 Main Street | 604.905.4844 | quattrorestaurants.com 9PM-LATE - Snow Bunnies with DJ Kasha Kennedy (Vancouver) 9PM-LATE Furrocious - Military Ball with DJ WAYNE G (UK) | Whistler Conference Centre - 4010 Whistler 9PM-LATE WhiteOUT with DJ SETH COOPER (Chicago)| Garfinkel’s 1-4308 Main Street
FRIDAY
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EVENT LISTINGS: WEEKEND Summary of event listings for WinterPRIDE 23
Saturday, Feb. 1ST, 2014 - BLACKCOMB 8AM-6PM Guest Relations & Ticket Sales | Aava Whistler Hotel 10AM-2PM Whistler PRIDE Ski/Snowboard Guides BLACKCOMB 11AM - 1PM SuperFly Zipline Tours | TAG Whistler - Hilton Plaza 3PM-6PM Après Ski with DJ BRET LAW (Seattle) | Whistler Conf Ctr. 3PM-6PM Women’s Après | Whistler Conference Centre 6PM-10PM Eating Out with Whistler Pride The Grill Room - 4599 Chateau Blvd | 604.938.2033 | www.fairmont.com/whistler Trattoria di Umberto - 4242 Village Stroll | 604-932-4442 | http://bit.ly/Wp12Tratt 9PM-12AM skiOUT! WHOOSSH Martini Party with DJ SMOOTHIE | Merlin’s Bar - 4553 Blackcomb Way 9PM-2AM Chickalicious with DJ LISA DE LUX | GLC - Garibaldi Lift Co. 4165 Springs Lane
10PM-4AM Snowball Dance Main Event with THE FREEMASONS (UK) + DJ Landon James (opening) + DJ DEL STAMP (closing) | Whistler Conference Centre - 4010 Whistler Way Sunday, Feb. 10th, 2013 10AM-1PM Guest Relations & Lost and Found | Aava Whistler Hotel - 4005 Whistler Way 10AM-1PM Farewell Brunch | Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub - Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside 4270 Mountain Square
11AM-1PM Volunteer Wrap Party | Aava Whistler Hotel - 4005 Whistler Way 3PM-6PM Classic Après Ski | Black’s Pub 4270 Mountain Square (base of Whistler Mountain) 3PM-7PM Detox | Scandinave Spa Whistler - 8010 Mons Road
ENTERTAINMENT SUMMARY: International DJ/producer THE FREEMASONS (UK), DJ WAYNE G (UK), DJ ABEL (Miami), DJ SETH
COOPER (Chicago), DJ NICK BERTOSSI (YVR), LISA DE LUX (YVR), DJ QUEST (YVR),DJ BLACKLOW (LA), DJ BRET LAW(Seattle), DJ Smoothie (YVR), DJ Landon James (YVR), DJ DEL STAMP (YVR), DJ KASHA KENNEDY (YVR)
SPECIAL GUESTS: MARGARET CHO, KATE WILLETT, DARCY MICHAEL, JOANE, CONNIE SMUDGE, WILLY TAYLOR, TIMBERLINE DANCE SOCIETY, FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AND OTHER EVENTS PLEASE VISIT GAYWHISTLER.COM * Events and entertainers subject to change without notice
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FAQ’S - STORY STARTERS AN INTERVIEW WITH DEAN NELSON, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF GAYWHISTLER’S PRIDE AND SKI FESTIVAL 1. Tell me what Whistler PRIDE is and how you got involved? Whistler PRIDE 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 to become more inclusive to both the skier/non skier, to the full spectrum of our very diverse LGBT community. We have programming specific for 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 Whistler Pride seems to be the best at attracting lesbians. Why is that? Whistler PRIDE 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 female guests are looking for and needing in a winter escape.
3. Why come to an event like Whistler Pride instead of just going to Whistler for a ski week on your own? The advantage of coming during Whistler PRIDE 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 made 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 Whistler PRIDE, 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 at North America’s largest ski resort. Whistler and
Blackcomb mountains can be a bit overwhelming for some of our guests from vertically challenged geographies! This also means if you are in a relationship and you are at different skiing abilities group you can break off and each have an amazing time on the mountain and come back and meet for lunch and later for Après 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!
women’s community at Whistler PRIDE. They will be hosting both the Snow Bunnies with DJ Kasha Kennedy on Friday night and Chicalicious the closing party for the women with DJ LISA DE LUX. All of Whistler PRIDE events are accessible to everyone. The girls will be at the Bollywood Party, Cowboy/girl Party, Gender Bender Party, Comedy Show with Margaret Cho + Kate Willett and of course the Better Together Pride banquet with Darcy Micheal + Joan-E.
5. Are there races or competitions? On Thursday, Jan. 29th we
9. Is Whistler Pride a good place for singles? Or is it geared more toward couples? Whistler PRIDE has a diverse
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 Rainbow Refugee.
6. What about newbies? Can they get lessons? Yes, Whistler Blackcomb offers 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 Whistler PRIDE 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; soft adventures like 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 even bobsled and skeleton 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 skeleton 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!
8. What big women’s events do you have scheduled for 2015? This year we are working with a local lesbian promoter Lipstick Lesbian to continue to build the
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offering so we have both singles, couples and swingers! So of course singles ares going to have a total rage just depends on what they are looking for.
10. Any highlights of the week you are excited for? We have a lot going on this year.
Kicking it off in Vancouver is the all-male drag troupe “Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo” and the official Whistler Pride kick off party at Club 560 - “Glitter” with DJ Abel (Miami) and DJ Del Stamp.
New this year is the mini gay film festival presented by OUTtv + GayDirect. We will screen three films: “Bollywood Beats”, “Boy Meets Boy”, and “Tennessee Queer.
We are thrilled to welcome MARGARET CHO + KATE WILLETT to the Night of Comedy presented by the Province of BC and the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
Breaking bread and making laughs - the return of the the Whistler Pride Banquet “Better Together” starring DARCY MICHAEL + JOAN-E will certainly be a dining experience you will want to attend.
Late night parties are quite fierce this year with some mega names coming into town. We have Nick Bertossi spinning at the Splash Pool Party; Wayne G at Furrocious; Seth Cooper at WhiteOUT; Kasha Kennedy at Snow Bunnies; Lisa De Lux at Chicalicious; and closing off the weekend are the FREEMASONS!
The biggest travel tip is to plan early as all the best deals are available prior to November 15th each year. For those that plan last minute still can find some good rates if they are flexible on the dates they want. 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 WHISTLER PRIDE 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.
Snowbus is a twice daily shuttle service with an excellent value price point. You can
WOULD IT BE CORRECT TO SAY THAT 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?
up to Vancouver where you can easily transfer to
Whistler for the most part creates an
the Greyhound to continue your journey to
Whistler is actually excellent value when you
environment that embraces diversity and has an
Whistler. For more information call
look at the total picture of what the resort has to
attitude of anything goes. Speaking with some
1.800.USA.RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com
offer. Whistler has world class facilities, some of
of our guests over the last couple years they
the best skiing/riding in the world, voted
have told me that the reason why they love
consistently as one of the best mountain resorts
coming to Whistler is because Whistler is not
for culinary, night life, spas, and
seen as a Gay destination so it does not raise
accommodations. If you plan ahead you will get
any flags or alarm bells for those in a more
Extra luggage fees are killing me do I need to bring my ski gear?
Travel light! Whistler Blackcomb has the
wicked deals for instances we offered ski
conservative community. They are able to for
most up to date equipment available and all
packages starting at just $101/person/night
the week let their hair down and have fun and
guests can save up to 33% when they book in
back in August, room only rates starting at $99/
not worry about looking over their should to see
advance. The other advantage of renting with
night. I think the problem is when people do not
if anyone is watching, they are able to just be
our preferred partner is you have complimentary
plan ahead and want to go up to Whistler last
and have fun as an equal human being. We
ski storage, access to free tuning and service,
minute and all they can find are the few rooms
have created programming that allows our guest
and convenient pick up locations. Plus they
available at some of our luxury properties that
to be ambiguous to über-gay and everything in-
have outer wear rentals available so the only
start at $399/night. This year will be no
between.
thing you will need to pack are your ski gloves and socks! Call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at
exception as the snow base continues to grow as will the hotel room rates - so book early. We are currently running a promotion that if you book now you can get a 3 night / 2 day ski package for just $134/night/person, 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 events, meet lots of great people and you will have a great time.
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
January 23-30, 2016
the Airport. Here are some great resources for
The official travel partner is Whistler Blackcomb where they can assist you with all of
your consideration:
Glacier Coach Lines - the preferred
your travel needs from Air, Accommodation, Ski
transportation company for GayWhistler. They
Tickets, Rentals, Ground Transfers, and
offer town car, luxury SUV’s, limo, mini-coaches
activities. Call 1.866.787.1966 or visit
and motor coach private charters for the larger
www.gaywhistler.com
groups. You can reach them at: 1.866.905.7779 or online at www.whistlerglaciergroup.com
Pacific Coach Lines is the official shuttle service to Whistler Blackcomb with express Airport service with nine departures daily. You can reach them direct at 1.800.661.1725 or visit online at http://www.pacificcoach.com
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Host Hotel for 2013-16 is the Aava Whistler Hotel www.aavawhistlerhotel.com
STORY STARTERS
A LETTER TO WHISTLER PRIDE
SHARING HOW THE SKI WEEK TOUCHED ONE PERSON PROFOUNDLY
attendees could tell acquaintances they were
Tales from the Coat Check
going to Whistler without fear of letting their
Two years ago our Rotary Club of Whistler
orientation be revealed.
Millennium was working the coat check for a
Thanks for letting me share this with you,
Whistler Pride event at the Conference Centre.
Dean
The group was incredibly generous with their
Diane Maskell -Past President
donations to our Eradicate Polio Campaign and we were able to talk with several of the attendees
Rotary Club of Whistler Millennium
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 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 outside world as a "Gay" destination. 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
Pride Snowflake In 2007 Alpenglow Productions commissioned an artist to update Altitude’s Pride Snowflake. The Pride snowflake encompasses the entire community
the right to express sexuality without shame or
stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic
incorporating the male, female and transgender
retaliation from those who legislate "morality.'“
Ocean in Key West to commemorate the 25th
symbols as well as incorporating sexual diversity
The previous symbol for our community had
anniversary of the flag. With that creation, Baker
by including the gay, lesbian and bisexual
been the Pink Triangle, which was a stigma or
broke his own record previously awarded in
symbols along with the six colours of the original
mark put on us by the Nazis in the Second
1994 for his mile long Rainbow Flag in memory
pride flag.
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
WinterPRIDE.
It has since been used around the world as a symbol of LGBT unity in many variations,
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
#WHISTLERPRIDE @GAYWHISTLER
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
ALPENGLOW PRODUCTIONS dba GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE 1125 DAVIE ST., RBOB 93528; VANCOUVER, BC, V6E 4L7 T: 604.288.7218 E: dean@gaywhistler.com W: http://www.gaywhistler.com
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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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We Belong toronto gay ski and snowboarding club