Whistler Pride 2019

Whistler Pride is Ready to Fly!

The Rainbow Flags are Ready to Unfurl at the 27th Annual Festival.

Whistler Pride and Ski Festival is one of the biggest and best queer-focused ski weeks in the world. Running from January 20-27 the festival takes to the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb while filling Whistler village with laughter, music, entertainment, and PRIDE! Each day begins with open and inclusive guided ski and snowboarding groups, alternating between Whistler and Blackcomb. Afterwards, warm up at the free friendly après. Every night features specially curated entertainment including a game night, a private event at Scandinave Spa, a comedy night featuring Pam Ann, an indoor pool party, a cabaret drag show, and a variety of adrenaline pumping dance parties!

On The Slopes

The festival hosts a unique free-to-join, inclusive guide program that is the absolute best way for new-to-whistler skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels to enjoy the awesomeness of the 8,171 acres of runs. The friendly guides share their knowledge and expertise, alternating between Whistler and Blackcomb daily. Guiding groups depart from a set meeting place at 10am and break for lunch at 12noon. On Thursday the guides challenge their groups to participate in the charity ski-race at the GMC racecourse on Blackcomb. The race raises funds for W.A.G (Whistler Animals Galore Society). The guides also lead the way in the Whistler Pride parade, skiing rainbow flags down Whistler Mountain to join in marching them through the village. There is no other mountain programming like it and it is key in setting Whistler Pride week apart from all other festivals.

Six Days of Free Après

One big change this year is that festival attendees get free admission to the daily Après at CABN, the appropriately named festival gathering place and lounge at the Aava Whistler hotel. The Après crowds increase throughout the week until on Friday and Saturday, when attendance reaches a peak the après crowd heads to the Festival T-Dances at the Whistler Conference Centre . These late afternoon dance parties featuring cocktails, appetizers and live music by DJ Corey Craig from New York, who’s Coreyography podcasts have a fanatic following.

Nightly Entertainment

After dark, the cultural and entertainment programming shines. After a hugely successful launch last year Sip ‘N Dip, a private event at Scandinave Spa keeps its Tuesday night spot. Wednesday’s annual comedy night features the return of comedian Caroline Reid as her Celebrity Airhostess persona Pam Ann in Flying High presented by Delta Air. New to the festival is Saturday night cabaret featuring iconic queen Jackie Beat. And the dance parties continue to be main attractions for many, with Brazilian sensation Rafael Calvente returning to spin at Splash, the indoor pool party, DJ Phil B from San Francisco spinning Furrocious on Friday, and making his Whistler debut Grammy-nominated legendary DJ/Producer Abel Aguilera (DJ Abel) headlines Snowball, the massive main event closing party!

Whistler Pride and Ski Festival is a weeklong winter celebration of diversity both on and off the slopes. The festival combines sports with spectacular social and cultural events at the award-winning resort of Whistler, British Columbia from January 20-27, 2019. There is still time to plan your visit.

VQFF2018

Join us at the 30th annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival – VQFF2018

Join us on August 9-19 for the 30th Anniversary of the Vancouver Queer Film Festival.

30th annual Vancouver Queer Film Fest VQFF

Films includes artists visiting from India, Philippines, United States, and Canada. More than 70 films from 15 countries.

“Our 30th year is the perfect time to reflect on how queer cinema has evolved,” says Co-Artistic Director Amber Dawn. “We now see queer, trans, and two-spirit themed films routinely winning awards and gaining wide viewership. Even with this recognition, there are still so many stories to be told and so many innovative possibilities for media-based storytelling. You’ll only get a chance to see groundbreaking stories like these at festivals like Vancouver Queer Film Festival.” Get Your Tickets Today! Click here.

VQFF2018 Film Spotlight:

Here are a couple films we think you may want to see at this year’s festival.

A Moment in the Reeds

A Moment in the Reeds carries the audience through a tender and nuanced romance filled with beautiful cinematography. Exploring themes of queer love mixed with racial tensions, this film isn’t one to miss when it screens at #VQFF2018, buy tickets now http://ow.ly/BGrW30l9QGB

1985

Amidst the AIDS crisis, Yen Tan’s film follows a homecoming marked by silent anguish with a father, a wounded attachment to a mother, and a broken relationship with a best friend. See the tension and uneasy tenderness in each and every scene at #VQFF2018 http://ow.ly/lTXY30l9U07

Every Act of Life

A revealing documentary on playwright Terrence McNally’s groundbreaking career and his fight for LGBTQ visibility within theatre, Every Act of Life is a true delight, with interviews from Broadway and screen actors. Buy tix to this #VQFF2018 film now http://ow.ly/l1dp30l9UaV

Skate Away with a Piece of Sports History

Skate Away with a Piece of Sports History while supporting global LGBTQ Human Rights!

Pride House founder, Dean Nelson, will be awarded the Pioneer Award at the 35th annual IGLTA gala Voyager reception and awards dinner on Friday, May 11th, 2018. In an effort to help build the Pride House legacy we are working with the Canadian Olympic Committee, Hockey Canada, Pride House International, the IGLTA, and Tourism Toronto in a charity auction that will benefit the ongoing work for this year’s Pride House producer, the Korean Sexual Minority and Culture Rights Centre (KSCRC). Bids now OPEN until Monday, April 2nd 1PM PST for this rare Sports History memorabilia on eBay.ca. BIDDING IS NOW CLOSED.

Bid on this one-of-a-kind hockey experience and skate away with a piece of sports history while supporting global LGBTQ human rights! Canadian Olympic Bronze medalist and LGBT sports ally, Ben Scrivens of Team Canada has donated his goalie stick used at the 2018 Olympic games. At the official opening of the Pride House, hosted within the Canadian Olympic House Ben presented Pride House with his goalie stick, signed it in gold ink and wrapped the blade in Pride hockey tape as a memento of this year’s historic games for LGBT visibility.

PyeongChang was the site of the first Asia’s Pride House, a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ fans, athletes, and allies at large-scale sporting events. LGBT rights are still fragile in Korea and funds raised from this auction will help continue the work in overcoming homophobia and transphobia. A goal of $5,000 or more will enable the Korean Sexual Minority and Culture Rights Centre (the 2018 executive Producers of this year’s Pride House at the Olympics) to build on the LGBT visibility at these games. The funding will enable the group to do outreach to a minimum of ten communities in rural and outlining communities in South Korea.

The auction is now CLOSED Monday, April 2nd 1PM PST (4PM EST) winning bid of $1,025.00 to Troy F. (Victoria, BC)

Hockey Canada Sports History Auction Prize supporting LGBT Human rights:

Two tickets to the 35th annual IGLTA conference Gala Voyage Awards Dinner on Friday, May 11th at the Fairmont Royal York, Toronto, ON. The winner and a guest will enjoy dinner with Ben Scrivens and have the opportunity to meet other distinguished LGBT leaders from around the world.

One-night stay at the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville Hotel. After dinner with Ben, you can party all you want because at the end of the night you will head over to the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville hotel. Sleep in and enjoy breakfast for two.

VIP Toronto Experience: Take a deep breath, hold onto your hat, and enjoy some excitement. You and your guest will have the opportunity to partake in two of Toronto’s most exhilarating encounters.

A VIP Stingray snorkel experience at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

EdgeWalk Experience at the CN Tower.

Skate away, so to speak, with an Autographed, game-used Team Canada hockey stick that Ben Scrivens used at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Olympic Team Canada bronze medalist goaltender Ben Scrivens used this stick during the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, Korea. Part of the official opening of the first Asia Pride House hosted within the Canada Olympic House, Ben presented the organizers with the stick that they could use to commemorate the historic occasion of creating unprecedented LGBT visibility at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

For complete terms and conditions of the auction please visit the official eBay auction site for more information.

Special thank you to our Sponsors!

A very special thank you to our sponsors in helping to make this year’s charity auction benefiting the Korean Sexual Minority and Culture Rights Centre include:

Tourism Toronto, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, CN Tower, Intercontinental Toronto Yorkville, the IGLTA – International Gay Lesbian Travel Association, the Canadian Olympic Committee, Hockey Canada, AuctionJam, eBay.ca, and Canadian Olympian Ben Scrivens.

Thank you to VIA Rail Canada for your partnership in helping to bring our Olympian out to Toronto.

Pride House Founder to Receive IGLTAs Pioneer Award

Pride House Founder to Receive IGLTA’s Pioneer Award

Dean Nelson, CEO of Whistler Pride & Ski Festival, to be honored on 11 May at the Voyage benefit during IGLTA’s 35th Anniversary Global Convention

2018 Pride House PyeongChang — *Team Canada CEO, Chris Overholt and Pride House founder, Dean Nelson at the 2018 Pride House inside Canada Olympic House, Gangneung, South Korea*

TORONTO (21 March 2018)—Pride House founder Dean Nelson will receive the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association’s Pioneer Award on 11 May at Voyage, the signature fundraising event for the IGLTA Foundation. Nelson, the CEO/Executive Producer of Whistler Pride & Ski Festival, created Pride House as a pavilion to celebrate diversity in sport and raise awareness of homophobia within sports at the Vancouver/Whistler 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The Pioneer Award, part of the annual IGLTA Honors selected by the association’s board of directors, is given to an individual, business, or organization whose innovative spirit and actions have led the way in moving LGBTQ travel forward.

“There are many ways the tourism industry can help to create safe, welcoming spaces for LGBTQ people globally, and Pride House is a shining example of that,” said Juan Julià, IGLTA Board Chair. “We are excited to celebrate Dean Nelson, who developed a way to champion diversity through major international sports events such as the Olympic Games, an event that touches lives around the world.”

“Sports have long been recognized as a means to bring people together, however LGBTQ athletes have remained in the shadows, feeling compelled to hide their sexual orientation for safety reasons,” added John Tanzella, IGLTA President/CEO. “Pride House set out to change this, providing a way to celebrate these courageous athletes and paving the way for others to come out. I am so proud of Dean’s work to help LGBTQ athletes feel valued.”

Modeled after a traditional Olympic hospitality house, Pride House has continued forward, providing a safe space welcoming LGBTQ athletes, fans, and their allies during large-scale international sporting events. Nelson continues to be a part of the Pride House Advisory Group, which mentored the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games, Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games, Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Rio FIFA World Cup 2014, Toronto 2015 PanAm Games, Vancouver 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games, PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games and many more. He also is the co-founder of Mr. Gay World, an organization that incorporates sports, culture and human rights into public performances in an effort to raise awareness of homophobia.

“I am so honored to be recognized by my international peers at the 35th Annual IGLTA Global Convention with the Pioneer Award,” Nelson said. “Travel has always been a passion of mine. Having the ability to link sports and travel with raising awareness of gender and sexual diversity to make both travel and sports safer and more inclusive has always been a driving force for me. I have been very fortunate to have a wonderful team and community that believes in some of my ideas and together we have made a difference being felt around the planet.”

For Canadian figure skater Eric Radford, the first openly gay male Winter Olympic champion,

Gold and Bronze Olympian Eric Radford at the 2018 Pyeong Chang Olympic Winter Games Pride House — *Gold and Bronze Olympian Eric Radford at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games Pride House*

“Pride House is like going to a house party and seeing a familiar face.”

“You’re at the Olympics, in this more conservative country, and just knowing that there’s a Pride House there, this place that’s always going to be available where we can go and hang out, it creates an amazing energy, and that’s part of what the movement is,” he said. “I feel like Canadian values reflect equality and inclusion across the board for all people, despite their backgrounds, despite their race, despite their sexuality. It just makes sense that Canada would be the country to house Pride House.”

Voyage, an elegant event to benefit IGLTAF, will be held during IGLTA’s Anniversary Global Convention in Toronto.

When: 11 May, 2018, 6:30-10:30pm
Where: Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front St W, Toronto
Featuring: Silent auction with fantastic travel packages, cocktails, a networking dinner, and the IGLTA Honors, presented with the support of Visit Philadelphia, to celebrate those who have improved the global landscape of LGBTQ tourism.

To purchase tickets for Voyage, please visit iglta.org/convention/rsvp/voyage/.

For general IGLTA convention information, please visit iglta.org/convention or email [email protected]. IGLTA convention registration is not required to attend Voyage. The event is open to everyone interested in making the world more welcoming for all who travel in it.

The IGLTAF extends a special thank you to its Founding Partner, Delta Air Lines; Voyage Presenting Sponsor, Disney Destinations; and Voyage Host Sponsor, the Fairmont Royal York.

About IGLTA & The IGLTA Foundation
The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association is the leading member-based global organization dedicated to LGBTQ tourism and a proud Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The IGLTA Foundation supports the mission of IGLTA and its membership with a focus on education, research and developing future leaders in LGBTQ tourism. IGLTA membership includes LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media in more than 75 countries. For more information: iglta.org or iglta.org/foundation and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @iglta.

Epic Pass for Gay Ski Week

For our avid skiers and snowboarders we are so excited to see how the EPIC Pass has enhanced Gay Ski Week. The value of the global pass now accepted at 61 mountain resorts around the world including our home mountain of Whistler Blackcomb.

New for the 2018/19 season is the addition of Telluride Ski Resort and the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies that include Kicking Horse, Fernie, Kimberly, Nakiska, and Quebec resorts of Mont Sainte Anne and Stoneham.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies on the Epic Pass for the 2018-19 winter season, offering skiers and snowboarders world-class mountain resorts in eight countries. The family of ski resorts that make up RCR are some of the most sought after winter playgrounds for skiers and snowboarders around the world,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “We offer the most variety in skiing and snowboarding for the best value on any season pass in the global mountain resort industry.”

“Resorts of the Canadian Rockies is delighted to join the Epic Pass, and along with Whistler Blackcomb, offer the best of Canadian skiing and snowboarding,” said Tom Rosner, vice president of marketing and sales of RCR. “We are pleased to partner with Vail Resorts, the industry leader, as the Epic Pass features the best resorts at the top ski destinations around the world. We look forward to start welcoming Epic Pass holders to all of our resorts next season.”

Perhaps best known among the RCR family of are Kicking Horse and Fernie, located in the southeast corner of British Columbia on the legendary “Powder Highway”. Both Kicking Horse and Fernie are consistently ranked among the top 10 Canadian resorts as ultimate playgrounds that cater to powder hounds with their abundant annual snowfall and big mountain skiing. Kicking Horse, also known as “The Champagne Powder Capital of Canada” is situated just outside the charming historic logging town of Golden and boasts a diverse mix of expert and extreme terrain and one of the longest vertical drops—4,133 feet—in North America. Home to the World Freeride Tour, the ski resort is known for its four large alpine bowls, 85 long steep chutes and short lift lines. Fernie features over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain and 3,550 vertical feet, including 142 trails, five alpine bowls. Have a reputation for the best powder in the Rockies, Fernie is a true winter playground for skiers and riders of all levels.

What does this mean for our Snomosexuals? Our Powder Hounds and avid Gay Ski Week chasers..? The EPIC Pass will no doubt leverage your vacation budget so you have more of your budget to allocate towards your bar bill, spa treatments, exquisite culinary experiences and other non ski adventures at Whistler Pride and Ski Festival plus some of the other Gay Ski Weeks including Breck Pride and Telluride Gay Ski Week!

The 411 on the EPIC Pass for Gay Ski Week

Following are the benefits for Epic, Epic 7-Day and Epic 4-Day pass holders, as well as RCR season pass holders – RCR Rockies Pass, Fernie Season Pass, Kicking Horse Season Pass, Kimberley Season Pass, Mont Saint Anne and Stoneham Season Pass.

Epic Pass™: Epic Pass holders will receive a total of seven days of skiing or snowboarding with no blackout dates at RCR. Once the seven days have been used, pass holders can get 50 percent off additional lift tickets at RCR. Pass holders get the added benefit of going direct to the lift with their pass and avoid the ticket window. The Epic Pass offers full access to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood at Lake Tahoe; Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont; Afton Alps in Minnesota; Mt. Brighton in Michigan; Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin; Whistler Blackcomb in Canada; and Perisher in Australia, with no blackout dates. The Epic Pass also provides limited access to Telluride in Colorado; Les 3 Vallées, Paradiski and Tignes-Val D’Isere in France; 4 Vallées in Switzerland; Arlberg in Austria and Skirama Dolomiti in Italy; and Hakuba Valley in Japan.
Epic 7-Day Pass: Epic 7-Day Pass holders will receive up to seven days of skiing or snowboarding at RCR with no blackout dates as part of their seven total days on the pass. After the seven days, regardless of the resort at which they were redeemed, pass holders can get 50 percent off additional lift tickets at RCR. Pass holders get the added benefit of going direct to the lift with their pass and avoid the ticket window. The Epic 7-Day Pass features a total of seven days with no blackout dates at Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Telluride, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Stowe and Arapahoe Basin, plus seven additional free days at Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton or Wilmot Mountain.
Epic 4-Day Pass: Epic 4-Day Pass holders will receive up to four days of skiing or snowboarding at RCR with no blackout dates as part of their four total days on the pass. After the four days, regardless of the resort at which they were redeemed, pass holders can get 50 percent off additional lift tickets at RCR. Pass holders get the added benefit of going direct to the lift with their pass and avoid the ticket window. The Epic 4-Day pass features a total of four days with no blackout dates at Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, BeaverCreek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Telluride, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Stowe and Arapahoe Basin, plus four additional free days at Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton or Wilmot Mountain.
RCR Season Pass Holders: RCR Rockies Pass, Fernie Season Pass, Kicking Horse Season Pass, Kimberley Season Pass, Mont Saint Anne and Stoneham Season Pass holders will receive 50 percent off lift tickets at all Vail Resorts owned mountain resorts.

Details about all of Vail Resorts’ 2018-19 season passes can be found at epicpass.com when they go on sale March 6, 2018. Get your pass today and save.

Whistler Pride 2018 Photos

Whistler Pride 2018 Photo Gallery

Thank you to all of our guests, volunteers and partners that helped to make this year’s 26th annual Whistler Pride and Ski Festival super memorable. We hope you enjoy some of the photos we were able to capture along the way. Reminder to take our annual survey and you could win a US$1,000 Flight Voucher with Delta Air Lines. Survey closes Feb. 28th.
Click here to take the Survey!

Sunday, Jan. 21 – Welcome Party

Sun Welcome Party Whistler Pride 2018 Photos

Monday, Bearfoot Bistro and Blasted Church wine paired dinner

Mon Bearfoot Dinner Whistler Pride 2018

Après Ski at the CABN

Sip N Dip at the Scandinave Spa

Whistler Pride After Dark

Games Night, Wild West, Night of Comedy, Throwback Thursday photos.

Splash Pool Party Photos

Whistler Pride Ski Guide Photos

Furrocious with Superstar DJ/Producer GSP (Greece)

Weekend Après Ski at the Whistler Conference Centre

Whistler Pride’s 8th Annual Pride Parade

Whistler annual Pride parade began in 2010 when the festival hosted the first ever Pride House at the Vancouver/Whistler Olympic Winter Games. Pride House was created to provide a safe and inclusive space for fans, athletes and family to come together and enjoy the games while raising awareness of homophobia and transphobia in Sports and in society in general. This year we were honoured to have the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre’s ambassadors lead the parade and provide an official welcome to the shared territories. We also had one set of “I Do’s” making this year’s parade extra special.

Snowball26 with the Cube Guys photos

Instagram telling a story at Whistler Pride and Ski Festival 2018

Whistler Pride is very grateful to the generous support of Tourism Whistler and the festival’s official airline partner – Delta Air Lines for helping to bring some wonderful Instagrammers and social media influencers to this year’s Gay Ski Week.

Hot water…

One of our favourite events this year was the Sip N Dip at the Scandinave Spa. It looks like the Nomadic Boys enjoyed it too!

SEBY: “Oh Stefan I’m getting ‘snow board’ and ‘piste-off’ at all these skiers. I’d really ‘Après-ciate’ an ice cold drink right now. I mean there’s ‘snow’ possible way these puns can get any worse, we’re totally on ‘thin ice’…” STEFAN: after almost a decade together he can still find a way to make me burst out laughing! Stripping down in the snow (and of course skiing) here in Whistler is super exhausting, so we were craving a spa. The divine @scandinavewhis is the #1 Tripadvisor rated spa in Whistler so we checked it out, and absolutely loved it. It’s all outdoors with a mix of cold/hot baths, and a strict silence policy in place. Definitely worth checking out #onlyinwhistler

A post shared by Nomadic Boys (@nomadicboys) on Jan 30, 2018 at 7:56am PST

Laughs…

Wednesday we welcomed back the incredibly talented and funny Margaret Cho for the Night of Comedy. Margaret was named one of the top 50 stand up comics of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine. This five time Emmy and Grammy nominated artist was sensational. Looks like a Couple of Men enjoyed her too!

Definitely our #gayselfie photo moment of #whistlerpride2018! During this years night of comedy we had a blast thanks to the hilarious @margaret_cho! Later today we will celebrate lgbtq Pride parade on the slopes of #whistlerblackcomb! See you out there! ?????? — ?A #coupleofmen’s #gaytravel #travelblog goes around the world #followme on our trip✨ ??❤️?? Karl & Daan coupleofmen.com •••••••• ? #gaylovers #gaykiss #gaysofinstagram #gaylove #gaycouple #instagay #beardedmen #gaycanada #gayworld #gayeurope #gayfollow #gaybears #loveislove #lovewins #gaystagram #gaysnap #gaygram #gaycute #gayguys #gaylife #gaysexy #gayhot #margaretcho 01-2018 ?️‍?

A post shared by Couple of Men Travel Blog (@coupleofmen) on Jan 26, 2018 at 8:37am PST

Backcountry…

The Nomadic Boys Stef & Seb explored Whistler’s backcountry with The Eastsiders Kit & John with The Adventure Group out in the Callaghan Valley at Cougar Mountain.

When the gay boys go skiing, this happens…! #onlyinwhistler Love hanging out at the #whistlerpride2018 week with the awesome @eastsiderstv lads. Have you seen their show on Netflix? This was our @tagwhistler adventure day together ? If you’re here in Whistler, let us know!

A post shared by Nomadic Boys (@nomadicboys) on Jan 26, 2018 at 8:32am PST

Après…

Après Ski in Whistler is always one of our favourite things to do. Daniel, Kit and John all take a bit of a time out to enjoy the outdoor après experience at the Four Seasons Whistler

. @eastsiderstv @kitwilliamson. @gowhistler @whistlerblckcmb @gaywhistler @myvancouver @Inside_Vancouver @dineoutvanfest #whistlerpride2018 #OnlyInWhistler #MagneticMovie #InTheNameOfWinter #ilovegayvancouver #VeryVancouver #DOVF www.whistlerpride.com tourismvancouver.com dineoutvancouver.com whistler.com

A post shared by DANIEL NEWMAN (@danielnewman_) on Jan 27, 2018 at 6:13pm PST

Pride…

Friday was the 8th annual Whistler Pride Parade. The parade started in 2010 when the festival hosted the very first Olympic Pride House. A pavilion that dared to speak openly and honestly about homophobia and transphobia in sports. It was a place fans, athletes and families could come together to celebrate the Olympic spirit in a safe and inclusive space. Pride House has gone on to be a world wide movement with a Pride House in PyeongChang at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games hosted by Canada House.

Happy #whistlerpride2018! While our friends at home in Amsterdam just went to bed, we celebrated the 26th edition of Whistler Pride in West #Canada, British Columbia. Together with hundreds of LGBTQ+ we stood up for equality and love! Happy #gaypride everyone! ??❤️?? — ?A #coupleofmen’s #gaytravel #travelblog goes around the world #followme on our trip✨ ??❤️?? Karl & Daan coupleofmen.com •••••••• ? #gaylovers #gaykiss #gaysofinstagram #gaylove #gaycouple #instagay #beardedmen #gaycanada #gayworld #gayeurope #gayfollow #gaybears #loveislove #lovewins #gaystagram #gaysnap #gaygram #gaycute #gayguys #gaylife #gaysexy #gayhot #gayselfie 01-2018 ?️‍?

A post shared by Couple of Men Travel Blog (@coupleofmen) on Jan 27, 2018 at 3:20am PST

A room with a view…

John takes in some of the stunning views many of our Whistler Pride partner hotels have. The snow in the trees this year at the Delta Whistler Village Suites by Marriott was especially impressive.

Ready for another snowy day in Whistler! ❄️❄️❄️ #ilovegaytravel #whistlerpride2018 #onlyinwhistler

A post shared by John Halbach (@johnhalbach) on Jan 26, 2018 at 11:50am PST

2018 Charity Ski Race Results

The 2018 Charity Ski Race Results at Whistler Pride and Ski Festival

On Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018 Whistler Pride and Ski Festival welcomed 42 racers to guess their time at the GMC Race Centre on Blackcomb Mountain. Raising $376 and more donations are still coming in benefiting Squamish Safe N Sound.

Congratulations to the following Top Three Best Guess Times:

Rank	Name	Bib	Guess	Run	Diff
1	THOMAS NICK	7	0.25.00	0.25.07	0.00.07
2	SOPHY PASHLEY	23	0.24.20	0.24.30	0.00.10
3	JAMES TARLING 2	37	0.21.00	0.21.23	0.00.23

Fastest Time – Henry Schikker run: 0.19.00

Slowest Time – Millia Evans run: 1.11.49

Please visit us at the Pride House located within the Aava Whistler Hotel (4005 Whistler Way) to claim your prize. You can also email [email protected]

Thomas wins a US$500 Delta Air Line credit (must be booked by Aug. 30/18)
Sophy wins a 30 Minute Massage with Blue Highways (must be booked by Aug. 30/18)
James wins a $25 Gift Card to Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub
Henry wins a Scandinave Bath Experience
Millia wins a Scandinave Bath Experience

Must claim prizes by Saturday, January 26th, 2018 5PM pacific time.

Rank	Name	Bib	Guess	Run	Diff
1	THOMAS NICK	7	0.25.00	0.25.07	0.00.07
2	SOPHY PASHLEY	23	0.24.20	0.24.30	0.00.10
3	JAMES TARLING 2	37	0.21.00	0.21.23	0.00.23
4	ANTHONY CONTI	33	0.25.00	0.24.75	0.00.25
5	HARRIETT HOWARD	36	0.27.20	0.26.94	0.00.26
6	RALPH ONEILL	17	0.29.60	0.29.20	0.00.40
7	CHELSEA MADDESS	16	0.26.00	0.26.46	0.00.46
8	CHARLIE WALDEN	3	0.22.47	0.22.94	0.00.47
9	JAMES TARLING	32	0.21.00	0.21.56	0.00.56
10	JOHN GALLAGHER	34	0.20.76	0.21.36	0.00.60
11	DAVID COHEN	14	0.24.18	0.23.46	0.00.72
12	MILES ASHTON	38	0.28.00	0.28.96	0.00.96
13	CONRAD LEE	5	0.32.00	0.32.99	0.00.99
14	HENRY SCHIKKER	35	0.18.00	0.19.00	0.01.00
15	DYLAN LINDSAY	15	0.24.00	0.22.87	0.01.13
16	DAVID RAGGETT 2	2022	0.25.00	0.26.16	0.01.16
17	DAVID RAGGETT	22	0.25.00	0.23.68	0.01.32
18	MARKUS WEIS	31	0.18.65	0.20.05	0.01.40
19	SOPHY PASHLEY 2	2023	0.24.20	0.22.09	0.02.11
20	GLEN MITT	26	0.17.45	0.19.70	0.02.25
21	ANDRE ASHTON	39	0.29.00	0.31.64	0.02.64
22	ERIC KNUDSON	4	0.30.00	0.32.69	0.02.69
23	MIKE HUGHES	2	0.28.00	0.30.74	0.02.74
24	VIVIAN ZHOU	29	0.30.00	0.32.87	0.02.87
25	GEORGIA BURTON	24	0.30.00	0.27.07	0.02.93
26	JOHN SUTHERLAND	10	0.18.00	0.21.09	0.03.09
27	PATRICK HINZ	11	0.28.00	0.24.52	0.03.48
28	COLIN BLACKIE	30	0.19.60	0.23.26	0.03.66
29	ALBERT DOERING	28	0.18.00	0.21.75	0.03.75
30	JASON HURDLE	1	0.23.17	0.28.09	0.04.92
31	CHASE CONRAD	6	0.33.00	0.27.53	0.05.47
32	QUENTIN KRUGER	19	0.34.30	0.28.68	0.05.62
33	BEN EVANS	20	0.28.00	0.21.39	0.06.61
34	EFFIE CUTHBERT	25	0.30.00	0.23.04	0.06.96
35	TESSA PAXTON	27	0.30.00	0.22.12	0.07.88
36	ADAM LEIGHTON	13	0.28.00	0.19.68	0.08.32
37	QUENTIN KRUGER 2	2019	0.34.30	0.24.42	0.09.88
38	JEFF COHEN	12	0.25.70	0.36.37	0.10.67
39	DEREK THOMPSON	18	0.37.50	0.25.22	0.12.28
40	CHRISTINE ANTWEILER	8	0.48.00	1.05.40	0.17.40
41	ERIC JEMETZ	9	0.45.12	1.04.51	0.19.39
42	MILLIA EVANS	21	0.29.00	1.11.49	0.42.49

Whistler Pride Celebrates 26 years

Award-winning Whistler Pride and Ski Festival celebrates 26 years of inclusivity

Whistler, B.C. – One of the countries biggest and best gay and lesbian LGTBQI events, Whistler Pride and Ski Festival, returns to Whistler for its 26th year from January 21-28, 2018. Experience firsthand why GayTravel.com has awarded Whistler Pride as the Winter Event of the Year. This weeklong event boasts a colourful calendar with something for everyone, from daily après-ski sessions, comedy shows, parties, a parade and guided ski and snowboarding tours to explore the 8,176 acres of Whistler Blackcomb.

“Tourism Whistler has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the Whistler Pride and Ski Festival and on behalf of the entire team, I would like to congratulate the organizers of this event on receiving such well-deserved recognition as the number one LGBT event in the world,” said Barrett Fisher, Tourism Whistler’s President & CEO.

“The Whistler Pride and Ski Festival is an anchor event in Whistler, and has helped build the resort’s reputation as an inclusive destination. We are very proud of the work done by the Whistler Pride and Ski Festival organizers, and look forward to welcoming festivalgoers in 2018 and beyond.”

British Columbia is set to receive the most snow on the planet just in time for Whistler Pride, with up to 58 cm falling in Whistler by Sunday. For attendees looking to ski or ride, join the daily Whistler Pride guided groups to find fresh snow and make new friends.

Whistler Blackcomb Snow Report for Whistler Pride and Ski Festival — Snow Report as of 5:30AM Sun., Jan. 21, 2018

Off the slopes, seek out Whistler’s new rainbow crosswalks as you explore the Village or check out Whistler’s Guide for non-skiers for endless activity ideas.

Round out your days on or off the hill with après at Whistler Pride’s Official Gay Bar, the Canadiana themed CABN at the Aava Whistler Hotel.

Whistler Pride takes over the baths at the Scandinave Spa for the first time in festival history on the evening of Tuesday, January 23 for Sip ‘N Dip. Connect with other festivalgoers in the serene setting of the Scandinave Spa alongside music by Whistler’s own DJ Foxy Moron.

Comedian Margaret Cho returns to headline Whistler Pride’s Night of Comedy. Witness the hilarity of one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time live in Whistler on Wednesday, January 24.

Head to the Audain Art Museum to take in the latest exhibition after hours, during Mix and Mingle on the evening of Thursday, January 25. Explore Stone and Sky: Canada’s Mountain Landscape featuring 100 works of art by iconic Canadian artists including Lawren Harris, Emily Carr, Toni Onley, Edward Burtynsky and more.

Explore the complete event schedule filled with pool parties, parades and snowballs here.

Celebrate diversity at its peak this winter at the Whistler Pride and Ski Festival. For more information on TAG ® approved lodging and booking your next getaway visit Whistler.com.

Media Contact

Marion Young – Tourism Whistler
Specialist, Communications
T: 604.938.2726
E: [email protected]

Dean Nelson – Whistler Pride

T: 604.288.7218

E: [email protected]

Blasted Church Wine Paired Dinner

Blasted Church Wine Paired Dinner at the Bearfoot Bistro

Join Blasted Church Vineyards and the Bearfoot Bistro for an intimate Wine Paired dinner in the Wine Cellar of the award winning Bearfoot Bistro.

Welcome Champagne Sabering Reception
OMG traditional method sparkling Blasted Church wine

FIRST
2016 Blasted Church Sauvignon Blanc
hamachi & yellowfin tuna sashimi
buddha hand, sake macerated mandarin, cucumber, yuzu kosho, serrano chili, radish

SECOND
2015 Revered Series Swear to God 100% Chardonnay
Vancouver island black cod
Smoked cod perogie, northern divine caviar buerre Blanc, romanesco, bacon leek vinaigrette

THIRD
2015 Blasted Church Merlot
brome lake duck breast
kona coffee, cardamom, braised salsify, pemberton beets, kale, mustard seeds

DESSERT
2014 Revered Series Nothing Sacred Meritage
quanah dark chocolate tart
lapsang souchong smoked tea mousse, cocoa nibs caramel, peruvian chocolate sorbet

Ketel One Vodka Ice Room
Whistler Pride 4-flight Vodka tours

* subject to change, price includes dinner, wine, vodka tasting, and gratuity. GST tax extra.

Dining at the Bearfoot Bistro is more than a meal: It’s a culinary journey

Executive Chef Melissa Craig’s food starts with the season – the bounty, the colours. It’s the combination of a familiar flavour with a new technique, a local ingredient given an international twist. The exceptional seafood and wild game found in British Columbia is complemented by the best of the best available from around the globe: Wagyu beef, Perigord truffles, Berkshire pork… Her quest for perfection never ends.

No meal is complete without something sweet, and Executive Pastry Chef Dominic Fortin is a master of desserts and petits fours.

For more information on dining at the Bearfoot and other award winning restaurants in Whistler click here.

About Blasted Church Vineyards

OMG! Blasted Church Vineyards is a proud Whistler Pride Partner. Located in the Okanagan Valley (VQA) appellation in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia. Show your #BlastedPride Experience these exalting wines as we kick off the festivities at the Welcome Reception on January 21, and again at the Bearfoot Bistro on January 22 for an intimate wine pairing dinner. Share your event photos over social media using #BlastedPride for the chance to WIN gifts from the winery.

For more information on this winery click here.

WPSF2019

Join us January 20-27, 2019 for the 27th annual Whistler Pride and Ski Festival WPSF2019

Plan ahead and save the dates the 27th annual Whistler Pride and Ski Festival WPSF2019 returns to Whistler January 20-27, 2019. Some things you can expect to see for the 2018/19 ski season include a $66-million capital investment from Vail Resorts. Vail announced that they will be installing a brand new 10-passenger gondola on Blackcomb Mountain. The new gondola will replace the Wizard and Solar Coaster chairlifts helping to reduce lift lines in the valley. Upon completion this will be the first three-gondola connection in the world!

The Emerald Express four-passenger lift will also be replaced with a new six-passenger high-speed chairlift on Whistler Mountain.

The Catskinner triple-passenger lift will have a massive overhaul with a four-passenger high-speed lift.

Reminder your best value for lift tickets is the Vail Resorts’ EPIC Pass. The EPIC Pass gives you unlimited access to all the Vail Resorts around the world including Whistler Blackcomb.

Please note: Hotel package will be processed under merchant account: CrowdTorch – Whistler Pride’s official ticketing solution.

More on the EPIC Pass:

Click here to compare the various Epic Passes.

Epic Pass™: Epic Pass holders will receive a total of seven days of skiing or snowboarding with no blackout dates at Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR). Once the seven days have been used, pass holders can get 50 percent off additional lift tickets at RCR. Pass holders get the added benefit of going direct to the lift with their pass and avoid the ticket window. The Epic Pass offers full access to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood at Lake Tahoe; Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont; Afton Alps in Minnesota; Mt. Brighton in Michigan; Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin; Whistler Blackcomb in Canada; and Perisher in Australia, with no blackout dates. The Epic Pass also provides limited access to Telluride in Colorado; Les 3 Vallées, Paradiski and Tignes-Val D’Isere in France; 4 Vallées in Switzerland; Arlberg in Austria and Skirama Dolomiti in Italy; and Hakuba Valley in Japan.
Epic 7-Day Pass: Epic 7-Day Pass holders will receive up to seven days of skiing or snowboarding at RCR with no blackout dates as part of their seven total days on the pass. After the seven days, regardless of the resort at which they were redeemed, pass holders can get 50 percent off additional lift tickets at RCR. Pass holders get the added benefit of going direct to the lift with their pass and avoid the ticket window. The Epic 7-Day Pass features a total of seven days with no blackout dates at Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Telluride, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Stowe and Arapahoe Basin, plus seven additional free days at Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton or Wilmot Mountain.
Epic 4-Day Pass: Epic 4-Day Pass holders will receive up to four days of skiing or snowboarding at RCR with no blackout dates as part of their four total days on the pass. After the four days, regardless of the resort at which they were redeemed, pass holders can get 50 percent off additional lift tickets at RCR. Pass holders get the added benefit of going direct to the lift with their pass and avoid the ticket window. The Epic 4-Day pass features a total of four days with no blackout dates at Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, BeaverCreek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Telluride, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Stowe and Arapahoe Basin, plus four additional free days at Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton or Wilmot Mountain.
RCR Season Pass Holders: RCR Rockies Pass, Fernie Season Pass, Kicking Horse Season Pass, Kimberley Season Pass, Mont Saint Anne and Stoneham Season Pass holders will receive 50 percent off lift tickets at all Vail Resorts owned mountain resorts including Whistler Blackcomb.

For more information on the EPIC Pass visit: epicpass.com on sale now. Reserve your pass for USD$49 by August 30th and save.