WHISTLER PRIDE
2018
Press Kit for Whistler Pride and Ski Festival
2018 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 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 2018
EVENT SUMMARY
Whistler Pride + Ski Festival Celebrate 25 years of the annual Gay & Lesbian Ski Week 7 Days, 43 Events Jan.21-28, 2018
26 Years 3,000+ Guests 7 Days 40 Events
CELEBRATING 26 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 Sunday, Jan. 21st - Welcome Reception hosted by the Pride Ski/Snowboard Guides
Monday, Jan. 22nd - Pride Game Night - Cards Against Humanity® with Ryan Steele
Tuesday, Jan. 23rd - Whistler Pride Charity Ski Race on Blackcomb Mountain
Tuesday, Jan. 23rd - Sip ’N Dip at the Scandinave Spa
Tuesday, Jan 23rd - Wild West with DJ BYRON JAMES
Wednesday, Jan. 24th - Official Proclamation of “Pride Week” by Mayor of Whistler
Wednesday, Jan. 24th - Night of Comedy with MARGARET CHO (USA)
Thursday, Jan. 25th - Splash Pool Party with DJ RAFAEL CALVENTE (Brazil)
Friday, Jan. 26th - Pride March through village: Skiers’ Plaza - Olympic Plaza
Friday, Jan. 26th - Pride Movie Night: Geography Club starring Cameron D. Stewart
Friday, Jan. 26th - Furrocious with Superstar DJ/Producer GSP (Greece)
Whistler Village in Rainbows The Resort Municipality & Merchants display Rainbows to ensure the LGBT traveler feel welcomed.
Saturday, Jan. 27th - Sashay! A benefit for Foundation of Hope
Saturday, Jan. 27th - Snowball26 featuring THE CUBE GUYS (Italy)
- Daily Complimentary Whistler PRIDE Ski/Snowboard guiding
- Daily Après ski parties
- Nightly theme parties
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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 (2016)
#1 Winter Event - GayTravel.com (2016)
Award winning hotels including the Pan Pacific Whistler, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Westin, Nita Lake Lodge, 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
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 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,
Games Night, Pool Party, Gay Film Night,
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 Games Night, Movie Night, Pool Party, Après Ski and large weekend dance parties. There is something for everyone.
- Bear, Leather, Fetish
- Cowboy, Gender Bender
- Culinary, Wellness, Spa
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many of our businesses
Resort in Pride
will have rainbow flags to show their support to the
We work closely with our
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 - “Everyone is having a
the week.
You can expect to
great time and in
see Rainbow Banners down our main street,
fabulous moods!”
Village Gate Boulevard,
Hotels are “TAG
welcoming the world to
Approved / HRC
the resort as well as
Compliant.
Majority of Whistler
Alpenglow Productions Corp. - GayWhistler Alpenglow Productions Corp. (APC) is 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 winter pride events on the planet. APC is a certified LGBTbe - business enterprise diverse supplier.
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.
Whistler Rainbow Crosswalks Sept. 15, 2017 Blessing of the
Whistler Rainbow Crosswalks
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. Two Spirit Blessing
Whistler Mayor - Down Ceremony
Payton - Voice for the Youth
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eatOUT - Dining
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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
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
group organized a gay ski weekend for a group
have called Whistler home. Altitude became the
of avid skiers including Brent Benaschak & Rodney Plant.
single biggest ski event in Whistler with events
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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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 world wide attention as one of the best ski
2010 - The Olympic Winter Games are
resorts in the world only adding even more
hosted in the City of Vancouver and the resort of 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 away one month prior to the start of the annual
move to create the first Olympic Pride Pavilion -
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
Pride House. The world wide media attention
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 opportunity for the annual event to get back
the Spring the festival undergoes a rebranding 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
the brand of 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
EVOLUTION
Deluxe room & lifT TickeT 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 5 nights 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 night stays, blackout dates and/or other restrictions may apply.
2015 - Marks the first year the festival
2016 - Whistler Pride named #1 Winter Event by GayTravel.com
2017 - Opening of Whistler’s first Rainbow Crosswalks on September 15th.
Whistler Blackcomb 2012-18 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!
Tweet Up and Follow Us... Twitter Tweet up and follow the trending topics. You can follow us at twitter.com/GAYwhistler #whistlerpride2018 #gayskiweek #whistlerpride #ilovegay
A picture is worth a Thousand words... Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/winterpride
GayWhistler blog on Instagram
A photo is worth 1K, Video is PRICELESS.... YouTube
You can follow us at instagram.com/gaywhistler
http://www.youtube.com/user/GayWhistler
[!8] Whistler Pride 2018 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
ENTERTAINMENT LINE UP any genre of music. Flawless blends, dope transitions and sick programming, Miss M is like no other. Join us on Thursday, January 25th at Throwback Thursday.
MARGARET CHO (USA) Through hilarious stand-up routines and comedic performances MARGARET CHO has been active in anti-racism, anti-bullying and advocating for the homeless and gay rights campaigns. The five-time Grammy and Emmy nominated entertainer has sold-out international comedy tours, appeared on dozens of TV shows, and received countless accolades recognizing her humanitarian work! Cho brings a new show called Fresh off the Bloat – the Whistler Pride Comedy Night on Wednesday, January 24th.
THE CUBE GUYS (Italy)
RYAN STEELE (Canada) When you visit The CABN at the Aava Whistler Hotel our head bartender may look familiar. You will likely recognize Ryan Steele as half of the hysterical comedic duo the 'Ryan and Amy Show' or from his time as a contestant on Amazing Race Canada! Ryan will also host the brand new Whistler Game Night featuring Cards Against Humanity® on Monday January 22nd
EDDIE MARTINEZ (USA) Inspired by New York's underground club at the age of 20, EDDIE MARTINEZ is driven by a passion is to make his listeners dance, no matter where they are. His eclectic style, infused with original productions that chart regularly and get global play has allowed him to build a large following everywhere he spins. MARTINEZ opens Whistler Pride week at Vancouver’s XY on Saturday, January 25th.
RAFAEL CALVENTE (Brazil)
Combining infectious house music, tech elements and unexpected vocals Italian Duo The Cube Guys have managed to chart every single they have produced and have kept huge crowds moving at some of the most eminent and influential parties and clubs around the world. The Cube Guys headline the Whistler Pride main event Snowball26 on Saturday, January 27th.
Superstar DJ/Producer GSP (Greece) Considered to be one of Europe’s best Circuit DJs GSP is a London-based, International DJ/ Producer from Greece! His style is mostly tech and progressive house with infused tribal percussions and lots of vocals. His production, edits, remixes, and mash-ups transform popular or classic tracks into amazing butt-shaking club hits! GSP headlines Furrocious – Uniform Ball on Friday January 26th.
RAFAEL CALVENTE brings an incomparable energy to his sets – mixing his latin roots with a sophisticated international sound that makes it impossible not to dance! He has played major clubs and events throughout the US, Canada and his homeland Brazil, including a residency at the infamous The Week nightclub! Calvente heats things up at Splash Pool Party on Thursday, January 25th.
DJ MAT STE-MARIE (Canada) Discriminating music lover with a passion for sharing his love of dance music, MAT STEMARIE has been moving dance floors since 1991. You'll hear him play anything from House to Techno, from deep to hard, and everything in between. Mat celebrates Marriage Equality on Australia Day at CABN Fever Friday, January 26th and opening set at Snowball26 on Saturday, January 27th.
DJ MISS M (Canada) Award-winning DJ MISS M has proven to be one of the busiest Open-Format Female DJs in the world. Whether it is in the club, on the radio, or online, Miss M can rock a crowd in
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FOXY MORON (Canada) Voted Whistler's Favourite DJ in 2013 by a Pique Magazine Poll DJ Foxy Moron expresses her love for vinyl by playing any and every genre of music! Her energetic sets have been a highlight of Whistler Pride for years! Catch her at the Tuesday Sip ’N Dip on January 23rd.
DJ LANDONJAMES (Canada) One of Vancouver's HOTTEST DJs, LandonJames' fans love his energizing mix of top 40 remixes classics and harder progressive dance tracks. Catch him at the Saturday Après Ski on January 27th.
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EATOUT WHISTLER - DINING 6PM - 10PM Each night Whistler Pride works with our various restaurant partners on suggested dining venues. This helps our guests in choosing where to dine and meet other Whistler Pride guests. Most of our dining venues are on OpenTable to make it easy to make advance reservations. We do suggest making reservations far in advance to get the table size and time you want as the resort is very busy and tables book up quickly. Remember to get a table with a couple extra seats so you can invite others to join you! You will look like a hero for those that may not have planned ahead.
Monday, Jan. 23 Bearfoot Bistro - 4121 Village Green, Whistler, BC | 604.932.3433 Stonesedge | 604.962.9292 | stonesedgewhistler.com Tuesday, Jan. 24 La Bocca - 4232 Village Stroll | Tel: 604.932.2112 | labocca.moonfruit.com Araxi Restaurant + Bar - 4122 Village Gate Square | 604.932.4540 | araxi.com Wednesday, Jan. 25 Alta Bistro - 4319 Main Street, #104 | 604.932.2582 | altabistro.com Wild Wood Pacific Bistro - 4154 Village Green, Whistler, BC | 604.935.4077 wildwoodrestaurants.ca Thursday, Jan. 26 Brewhouse - 4355 Blackcomb Way | 604.905.2739 | markjamesgroup.com The Chalet - 4599 Chateau Blvd | 604.938.2033 | www.fairmont.com/whistler Friday, Jan. 27 21 Steps - 4433 Sundial Place | 604.966.2121 | 21steps.ca The Keg - 4429 Sundial Place, Whistler, BC | 604.932.5151 | kegsteakhouse.com Saturday, Jan. 28 Tandoori Grill - 4368 Main Street #201 | Tel: 604.905.4900 | tandooriwhistler.com Aura - 2131 Lake Placid Rd | 604.966.5700 | nitalakelodge.com/dining
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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 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!
5. Are there races or competitions? On Tue, Jan. 23rd 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 Safe N Sound - LGBT Organization.
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 Whistler PRIDE they will do their best to link you up with other 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, Zip line tours, 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... skeleton is the easiest of the three sliding sports and you have a full training session on how to slide safely!
9. Is Whistler Pride a good place for singles? Or is it geared more toward couples? Whistler PRIDE has a diverse offering so we have both singles, couples and swingers! So of course singles ares going to
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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.
We are also very honoured and excited to welcome three international celebrities to the festival:
1. We thrilled to welcome a few celebrity Instagrammers and Travel Influencers including Kit Williamson and John Halbach from the Emmy Nominated TV series EastSiders.
2. Five time Grammy and Emmy nominated comedian - MARGARET CHO will touch down for a night of Comedy (Wed., Jan. 24)
3. One of the Top 5 House Producers in the world will return to headline Whistler Pride's main event, SNOWBALL26 (Sat. Jan. 27) - The Cube Guys from Italy will spin the night away with massive sound and big lights.
We will have our annual Pride Ski & March (Fri., Jan. 26) with special guest Whistler Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden joining in the celebrations marking our 8th annual parade that started at Whistler Pride 2010 when we hosted the first Pride House at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Our march eight years ago was in protest to the Olympic Media in making disparaging remarks against Men's US Figure Skater, Johnny Weir, for "... being a disgrace to masculinity in skating.." For us Pride is a celebration but we also need to be vigilant in protecting and defending our rights at home and abroad.
This year we will host the 2nd annual Sashay! A benefit for the Foundation of Hope and Rainbow Refugee - our goal is to raise $12,000 which will help sponsor one LGBT refugee into Canada so they can have a safe and productive life away from harm.
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 1.844.932.0606 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
WOULD IT BE CORRECT TO SAY THAT WHISTLER IS A SAFE HAVEN FOR MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE STILL IN THE CLOSET BACK HOME, WHO COME TO THE EVENT TO BE THEMSELVES? Whistler for the most part creates an
can reach them direct at 1.800.661.1725 or visit online at http://www.pacificcoach.com
Snowbus is a twice daily shuttle service with an excellent value price point. You can reach them direct at 1.888.794.5511 or online at www.snowbus.ca
From Seattle you can take the
expensive is the biggest misconception.
environment that embraces diversity and has an
Amtrak - Cascades.
Whistler is actually excellent value when you
attitude of anything goes. Speaking with some
up to Vancouver where you can easily transfer to
look at the total picture of what the resort has to
of our guests over the last couple years they
the Greyhound to continue your journey to
offer. Whistler has world class facilities, some of
have told me that the reason why they love
Whistler. For more information call
the best skiing/riding in the world, voted
coming to Whistler is because Whistler is not
1.800.USA.RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com
consistently as one of the best mountain resorts
seen as a Gay destination so it does not raise
for culinary, night life, spas, and
any flags or alarm bells for those in a more
accommodations. If you plan ahead you will get wicked deals for instances we offered ski
conservative community. They are able to for the week let their hair down and have fun and
packages starting at just $101/person/night
not worry about looking over their should to see
back in August, room only rates starting at
if anyone is watching, they are able to just be
most up to date equipment available and all
$139/night. I think the problem is when people
and have fun as an equal human being. We
guests can save up to 33% when they book in
do not plan ahead and want to go up to Whistler
have created programming that allows our guest
advance. The other advantage of renting with
last minute and all they can find are the few
to be ambiguous to über-gay and everything in-
our preferred partner is you have complimentary
rooms available at some of our luxury properties
between.
ski storage, access to free tuning and service,
as will the hotel room rates - so book early. For those that are a bit more frugal the Whistler hostel at the Olympic village is excellent value at just $45/bed/night, other ways to save is collect
How do I get up to Whistler from Vancouver? There are many different options available motor coach or shuttle service, take the
larger suite to share the cost. You can prepare some of your own meals in the suite to save
Greyhound, or you can even take a Heli-Jet from the Airport. Here are some great resources for
some dollars on dining out during your stay.
your consideration:
Buy an Edge Card or your ski tickets online
VIP Whistler Transportation - the preferred private car service. Locally owned and operated.
price for a ski ticket is approx. $139/day vs. online at $120 or $87 with an Edge card (based on a 5-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.
do I need to bring my ski gear?
Travel light! Whistler Blackcomb has the
have outer wear rentals available so the only thing you will need to pack are your ski gloves and socks! Call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at www.whistlerblackcomb.com
to our guests. They can self drive, limo, take a
some of your friends and go in on renting a
before you arrive into the resort. Ticket window
Extra luggage fees are killing me -
and convenient pick up locations. Plus they
that start at $399/night. This year will be no exception as the snow base continues to grow
It is a relaxing journey
Call 1.866.335.2299 or online VIPWhistler.com
Do you have the dates for Whistler PRIDE in the future years? Yes, our dates are:
January 20-27, 2019
The official travel partner is Whistler.com where they can assist you with all of your travel
Glacier Coach Lines - the preferred
needs from Air, Accommodation, Ski Tickets,
transportation company for GayWhistler. They
Rentals, Ground Transfers, and activities. Call
offer town car, luxury SUV’s, limo, mini-coaches
1.844.932.0606 or visit www.gaywhistler.com
and motor coach private charters for the larger 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
[!14] Whistler Pride 2018 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
Host Hotel for 2013-20 is the Aava Whistler Hotel www.aavawhistlerhotel.com
STORY STARTERS
A LETTER TO WHISTLER PRIDE
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 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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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
Media Tools:
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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 Feinstein. Baker also designed
In 1978, Gilbert Baker (born in Kansas in 1951) designed the Rainbow (or Gay Pride) Flag
National Convention.
as a symbol of LGBT pride, liberation and diversity. "In the beginning the Rainbow Flag was about liberation. It was about breaking free of an existence limited by fear and conformity,
the flags for the 1984 Democratic
Father of the Rainbow Flag: Gilbert Baker
The 25th Anniversary of The Rainbow Flag: 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 Rainbow Flag debuted at the 1978 San
seams, and was created in 100 foot and 250 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 Whistler
PRIDE.
It has since been used around the world as a symbol of LGBT unity in many variations,
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LGBT Social Business Enterprise Alpenglow Productions is a certified LGBT Social Business Enterprise through the Canadian Gay Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
Whistler Pride generates an estimated $4-Million annually to the local Whistler economy
ALPENGLOW PRODUCTIONS dba GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE 1027 DAVIE ST., Suite 379; VANCOUVER, BC, V6E 4L2 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
[!17] Whistler Pride 2018 Electronic Press Kit (EPK)