Whistler’s WinterPRIDE 2008 expands lesbian programming with promise of being “the world’s most inclusive gay ski week”

Whistler, BC – Whistler’s WinterPRIDE 2008 – a winter version of the many summer pride events that are held around the world – is keeping true to its promise of being “the world’s most inclusive gay ski week” by introducing an exciting new program of activities for women.

The headline events of WinterPRIDE’s 2008 women’s programming include:
An intimate and interactive evening with Curve magazine columnists Lipstick (Gina Daggett) and Dipstick (Kathy Belge) at the lesbian-owned and operated Solarice Spa + Wellness Centre
Women’s Night of Music, headlined by American singer-songwriter Melissa Ferrick, who has previously won ‘Album of the Year’ from the Gay and Lesbian American Music Association
Women’s guided ski tours with celebrity 3 times ESPN X-Games Gold Medalist Missy “the Missile” Giove , après ski parties and sleigh-ride adventures
The infamous L Party to round off the week

“We have certainly seen an increase in female attendance over the last two years and we wanted to produce an even higher range and quality of events for them at WinterPRIDE 2008,” said Sean Kearns, President of Alpenglow Productions. “We are breaking down the barriers of what can and can’t be done with a gay ski week event, and we will continue to broaden our offerings to make WinterPRIDE the most inclusive gay ski week in the world.”

The new focus on women’s programming has already caught the attention of OutTraveler, America's premiere gay and lesbian travel magazine, which called WinterPRIDE “the most lesbian-friendly [gay ski week] of the bunch” in its December 2007 issue.

“We hope our new programming will encourage even more women to attend so they can meet in a unique and fun environment, enjoying the full WinterPRIDE experience,” said Kearns.

WinterPRIDE 2008 runs from February 3-10, 2008, and continues to revolutionize the traditional gay ski week format with its unique blend of four winter festival elements: Sports, Culinary, Health and Wellness, and Entertainment.

In addition to the world-class skiing and snowboarding on offer in Whistler, many of WinterPRIDE’s 2007 highlights will return for 2008, such as an array of dance parties, culinary events, ziptrekking and dogsledding.

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ABOUT GAYWHISTLER
GayWhistler (http://www.gaywhistler.com/) is a year-round promoter of Whistler to the gay and lesbian community, and promotes and produces the annual Gay Ski Week. GayWhistler is a subsidiary of Alpenglow Production Corporation.

For more information:
Dean Nelson
Community & Media Relations Director
Alpenglow Productions Corporation
Tel: 604 288 7218
Email: dean@gaywhistler.com

MEDIA RELEASE
December 10, 2007
Top Comic to Headline WinterPRIDE Comedy Night

Whistler, BC - Whistler's WinterPRIDE 2008 adds to its festival with some laughs with the WinterPRIDE Queerly Canadian Comedy Show.

Last Comic Standing top 10 finalist and Toronto native Debra DiGiovanni headlines WinterPRIDE's “Queerly Canadian” comedy show Wednesday, February 6, from 8PM-11PM at the TELUS Whistler Conference Centre.

DiGiovanni, recently voted as Canada’s Best Female Comedian at the 2007 Canadian Comedy Awards also appeared on the 5^th season of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” as a top 10 finalist competing with comics worldwide for the coveted title. The WinterPRIDE Queerly Canadian comedy show kicks off Debra’s 2008 Canadian Stand Up tour.

Opening the comedy show is Vancouver’s own Darcy Michael and together with Debra makes for an anticipated over the top Queerly Canadian night of comedy. Darcy’s edgy yet personal approach, combined with his unique delivery style will no doubt have the audience rolling in the aisles. Michael best known for recounting his “life as an undercover fag” riffing on his same sex marriage and telling tales about being an accidental “parent.” No one is better suited than Darcy Michael to open for “Canada’s Fruit Fly” Debra DiGiovanni. Together they have many entertaining stories all of which will keep the audience in stitches. Sean Kearns, President and CEO of GayWhistler said, “Comedy is a tough genre to reach a diverse audience, but we feel these two individuals will create a magic that will transcends generations, lifestyles and nationalities!” DiGiovanni adds “We are thrilled to be a part of the festival this year. Darcy and I are totally getting arrested. I’m just saying!”.

Tickets for the Queerly Canadian Comedy Show are priced at $35 and can be purchased online at www.gaywhistler.com. For more information on the comics, visit:

Debra DiGiovanni: http://www.debradg.com/

Darcy Michael: http://www.darcymichael.com/home.htm

WinterPRIDE 2008 runs from February 3-10, 2008, and continues to revolutionize the traditional gay ski week format with its unique blend of four winter festival elements: Sports, Culinary, Health and Wellness, and Entertainment.

In addition to the world-class skiing and snowboarding being offered in Whistler, many of WinterPRIDE's 2007 highlights will return for 2008, such as an array of dance parties, culinary events, zip trekking and dog sledding. WinterPRIDE 2008 also offers an expanded program of on-and-off mountain events, including special events for lesbians and bears that are currently being developed with those communities.

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ABOUT GAYWHISTLER

GayWhistler (www.gaywhistler.com) is a year-round promoter of Whistler to the gay and lesbian community, and promotes and produces the annual Gay Ski Week. GayWhistler is a subsidiary of Alpenglow Production Corporation.

For more information:

Dean Nelson

Community & Media Relations Director

Alpenglow Productions Corporation

Tel: 604 288 7218

Email: dean@gaywhistler.com

See the Magic of GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE

WinterPRIDE 2007 – Featured on HERE! TV

click HERE! to view

GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE Gay Ski Week

Whistler’s 2008 Gay Ski Week sets dates for the GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE celebration

Whistler, BC – GayWhistler, the year-round promoter of Whistler to the gay and lesbian community, has set the dates for its annual Whistler Gay Ski Week - the annual WinterPRIDE celebration.

The annual Gay Ski Week festival has been set for February 3-10, 2008. Due to celebrate its 16th year, the event is now one of the largest and most-renowned gay ski weeks in the world. Building on the successful launch of the revitalised festival in 2007, WinterPRIDE reflects the evolution of Gay Ski week which offers advanced mountain experiences and a full compliment of non ski/snowboard activities. Organizers are planning for 3,200+ attendees for the 2008 WinterPRIDE with the expanded programming designed to appeal to both ski/snowboard enthusiasts and guests who may never have skied or snowboarded.

“We have had fantastic response to the new direction we have taken this annual event, growing it into a more comprehensive and inclusive festival. Without question the introduction of the WinterPRIDE Banquet brought in one of the highest attendances in a single event over the week. Our banquet featured a special guest appearance by Cirque du Soleil’s – Mystére. The re-introduction of the Mountaintop Dance at 7,000 feet and the improved complimentary ski/snowboard guiding program are also enormously popular,” says Sean Kearns, President of Alpenglow Production Corporation – the parent company of GayWhistler. “WinterPRIDE fits in with our vision of opening up Gay Ski Week to more than just skiers and snowboarders. This is the next evolution in gay ski weeks and we look forward to expanding WinterPRIDE for 2008.”

The week-long GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE festival involves numerous winter sports activities, entertainment and parties all in the name of celebration, socializing and raising money for good causes, including AIDS Vancouver. In addition to a spectacular line-up of winter sports and activities including dog-sledding and snowmobiling, Gay Ski Week 2008 will feature a series of lectures, hands-on culinary classes, spa + wellness programs and evening social events. The late week entertainment will include the always anticipated Snow Ball-Dance ‘Till Dawn as well as a few new surprises!

“The 2008 GayWhistler WinterPRIDE festival is open to everyone and all ages,” says Kearns. “It will be a time to come together as a community and enjoy winter activities and celebrations.”

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ABOUT GAYWHISTLERGayWhistler (www.gaywhistler.com) is a year-round promoter of Whistler to the gay and lesbian community, and promotes and produces the annual Gay Ski Week. GayWhistler is a subsidiary of Alpenglow Production Corporation.