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.