Friday, November 26, 2010

Get your Event Tix by Nov. 30th for WinterPRIDE

GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE is gearing up for an epic snow season and Lady La Nina is already giving her blessings with a stellar start of the Snow Season! Nov. 26th saw an additional 23cm (9") of fabulous White Gold (aka SNOW) making the early season snow base 100cm (39") and counting!

To celebrate the start of the ski season with both Whistler Blackcomb mountains open along with the Peak 2 Peak Gondola we wanted to share with you highlights of WinterPRIDE past to get you excited for this coming season! Remember to buy your event tickets by Nov. 30th, 2010 to get the best deal - like Snowball Ticket for just $60! So what are you waiting for... get your tickets now!



Book your Stay & Ski Package by January 15th for $127/person/night for a 5 Night, 3 Day Ski - when you consider if you are one of those people that shows up last minute you can expect to pay approx. $100 for your Ski Pass at the window... so if you think in those terms... it is like you are getting a hotel for just $27/person/night! That is cheaper than the hostel! So what are you waiting for... call 1.866.787.1966 or book online today! GayWhistler.com

Whistler Film Festival - So Gay!


It is hard to believe but it is true, our very own Whistler Film Festival is coming OUT on their 10th Anniversary! Last year the film festival brought us the Canadian Premiere of "A Single Man" with Colin Firth and Produced & Directed by legendary designer Tom Ford. As most of us have experience "A Single Man" was incredible.


Well, it is now 2010 and the Whistler Film Festival has another film by yet another fashion designer: Yves Saint Laurent, one of the greatest names in French fashion in the 20th Century. The feature documentary “L'Amour Fou,” chronicles the life of Yves Saint Laurent starting when he was a timid 21 year-old starting work at the House of Dior and meeting his soon to be life partner Pierre Berge. For the fashionistas this movie gives you a rare glimpse of what inspires and hints of where inspirations come from in creating fashion forward designs. This movie shares Saint Laurent & Berge's story of love, arts, and ethics.

“If you love style and following the creative process from initial inspiration point to final frock, the modern art, exotic artifacts and luxe locales catalogued in the film deliver endless hints about where the designer's ideas began.” – Now Magazine

Tickets are just $13.00 Screenings: Thurs., Dec. 2nd @ 7PM and again on Sat., Dec. 4th @ 7.15 both at the Whistler Village 8 Cinema. Book online Now
** Want to Win Tickets for "L'Amour Fou"? Enter our contest now and you and a friend can go, courtesy of the Whistler Film Festival. **

Another hot ticket is the 10th Anniversary Gala and World Premiere of Hard Core Logo II on Saturday December 4 at 8:30pm. This rock and roll, story on the road is the follow-up to Hard Core Logo, considered by many to be one of the top Canadian films of all time.

The Whistler Film Festival has over 80 films, loads of celebrities and incredible parties! So come on up to Whistler and enjoy all the incredible snow, do a couple turns, take in a couple shows and party like it's 1999! Call 1.866.787.1966 for last minute deals. For more information on the Whistler Film Festival visit: http://whistlerfilmfestival.com/

GayWhistler's Host Hotel has a special WFF PRIDE offer just for you:
Quote Pride Film Festival for the following special rates. These rates are valid from November 28 – December 8, 2010.

November 28 – December 2, 2010 - $149
December 3 – 4, 2010 - $169
December 5 – 8, 2010 - $149

Call the Hilton direct at 1-800-515-4050 or email reservations@hiltonwhistler.com or BOOK ONLINE Now

GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE is January 30th - February 6th, 2011 visit GayWhistler.com for more details

Monday, November 22, 2010

The Hills are alive with the Sound of Music at WinterPRIDE 2011



No, there will be no Julie Andrews, but the line up for DJ’s this year at GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE 2011 is gonna shake the mountain. Thursday, Feb. 3rd Pool Party starts off with JC Simon of the globally distributed monthly mix show "JC Simon's ARCADIA". Influenced by the likes of Tiesto, Jason Nevins and Klubjumpers, his true talent, skill and ongoing love of music keeps his beats solid, crowd pleasing and mainstream.

Friday, Feb. 4th keeps rocking at the Village T-Dance with Marcus Purnell, excited to return to the stage this year marking his first appearance at Whistler since he was first heard at the closing party for Altitude 11. With a music career that has spanned more than two decades with residencies and appearances at some of the most prolific nightclubs and events in North America, Marcus Purnell has entertained dance floors with his unique style combining rolling house rhythms and riveting vocal progressions.

Later at Furrocious will be Ted Eiel, one of the brightest talents on the DJ scene today.
With over 15 years of club and radio experience, Ted has spun his supersonic sets of sexy, dirty beats at top-tier venues in the US and Europe. In the past 4 years, he's headlined some of the biggest leather and bear parties in the US: Folsom Street Fair, Lazy Bear Weekend, Provincetown Bear Week, Winter Party Weekend (Miami/Ft. Lauderdale), just to name a few. His 2009 closing party for IML, The Black and Blue Ball was voted one of the best events of the decade in Chicago. Ted’s aggressive, masculine sound that has been inspired by underground tracks drawn from classic house, electro, disco and rock. His music has been described as "muscle house" for men: sexy, funky, chunky house with an emphasis on dirty bass lines, melodic vocals and an intense energy that brings everyone to the floor.

Saturday, Feb. 5th - Snowball with open with local rising DJ Adam Dreaddy. Dreaddy has been throwing down some serious tracks over the past 3 years and there are no signs of slowing down. His passion for this art has far exceeded his expectations and everyday it’s a new track, a new skill learned and a new outlook on life. Having learned techniques such as beat matching vinyl, and Cd's, he launched himself in small lounges and restaurants all around Vancouver. Local promoters soon learned of this rising star and ushered him off to some of Vancouver's largest city clubs; Sharing the decks with international DJ's and meeting some amazing people along the way.

Ending the week at Snowball is DJ Eddie Baez, widely known throughout the dance music community. His impact upon dance floors worldwide is undisputed by industry peoples and dance music fans alike. Because of his genuine soul, vigorous persistence, and deep passion for music, Eddie Baez has blossomed into "superstar" status within the industry. Eddie has had much success with his innovative, tribal-inflected remixes of songs, representing some of the industry's most successful artists. Eddies recent version of Crazy, by Warner Brothers artist, Seal, hit the top of the Billboard Dance charts in its first weeks out, and continues to chart today. Now the long-awaited new compilation(s) keep coming and are filled with fierce vocal anthems, hypnotic house tracks and thunderous tribal beats. Eddies most recent remixes included Seal Crazy & Crime Mob Stilettos both on Warner Bros. Records, and Vivian Green, Tired, on Sony Music. In addition Eddie is continuing to work with other industry powerhouses, such as Pepper Mashay, in creating further original collaborations. Eddie Baez is one to continue to watch and watch we will.

For more information on GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE - the evolution of the annual Gay & Lesbian Ski/Snowboard Week please visit GayWhistler.com for more details. WinterPRIDE has events both on and off the slopes from Skiing, Dog Sledding, Snowmobile Tours, Spa Experiences, Culinary delights and epic dance parties and everything in between! The only thing that is missing is you! Call 1.866.787.1966 to reserve your spot today or book online.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Whistler Mountain Opens Today: 11/19


It is true! Whistler opens today with another 12CM of Fresh, OMG, virgin powder just begging to be carved up! The only thing that is missing is you! Call 1.866.787.1966 with rooms starting at just $89/night or book online at http://www.gaywhistler.com
Snow Report: 12cm (5") NEW | 93cm (36") BASE | 156cm (61") TOTAL

According to Whistler Blackcomb the following lifts are open: Whistler Village Gondola, Creekside Gondola (free ski parking!), Emerald Express, Big Red and Franz. It is going to be an epic jaw dropping Yahoo kind of day! Remember it is early conditions so please obey signage, ski with care and have loads of fun!

Reminder: GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE is coming up Jan. 30 - Feb. 6, 2011... get your Super Early Bird value event tickets before Nov. 30th! Book early and save call 1.866.787.1966 or book online at http://www.gaywhistler.com our Host Hotel is the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Whistler Mountain to Open Early! Nov. 19, 2010

It's official! La Nina has gifted our Coast Mountains with a lot of glorious White Gold allowing Whistler to open early on Nov. 19th! The buzz and excitement in the resort is in a frenzy with the announcement of a 6 day early opening! Remember to book your accommodations and lift tickets before Nov. 15th for the best deals of the season.

During the WinterPRIDE Week of January 30th to February 6th you can get ski packages starting at just $128/person/night. How good of deal is this? Well if you are one of those guys that plans last minute you can expect to pay $93/day for your ski lift ticket for same day window pricing... so that means you would only be paying an extra $35/night for a hotel! Now that is a deal. So what are you waiting for? Call 1.866.787.1966 today or book online at GayWhistler.com

Are you in the Silicon Valley or San Francisco area? This weekend is the Silicon Valley Ski Show November 13-14,2010. Make sure you stop by the Whistler Blackcomb booth and learn what is new this coming season and win some great show prizes.

Think Snow, think WinterPRIDE!
GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE the evolution of Gay & Lesbian Ski/Snowboard Week January 30 - February 6, 2011
Host Hotel: The Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa
For Reservations call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at GayWhistler.com

Volunteer at GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE


GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE - the evolution of the annual Gay & Lesbian ski/snowboard festival is made only possible by the generous support of our sponsors and for the army of Volunteers. Why do so many people give their time and volunteer for the festival? Some say it is a great way to meet people from all over the world, others volunteer because their partner is out skiing and they want to be kept busy and have fun, some do it as a "Volunteer-cation" i.e. combining their vacation and volunteering as a great way to economize their vacation. Some volunteer because they want to give back to the community.

Everyone has a different reason to get involved and help shape what the festival is today. Everyone has the same general goal: That is to make this one of the most open, welcoming, fun and friendly winter events on the planet! There are a variety of roles that need to be filled including:
- Documentation Photographers: People in this role are assigned a few key events and subjects they need to photograph giving them access to all the events both on and off the slopes
- Welcome Host(ess): People in this role are here to welcome our guests to the various events, check tickets, etc..
- GEO's Guest Experience Officers: People in this role are very outgoing and their main task is to have fun and engage our guests. Do you see some alone in a corner? It is your role to welcome that person to the event(s) and introduce them to other people and help them feel welcomed. We have people coming in from all over the world and some for the first time, so we want to ensure everyone feels like family and has an opportunity to be as engaged as they want... sometimes even nudging their comfort zone just a little!
- Security
- Dancers
- Decor & Dressers
- and many more roles... so if you are interested... send an email to Carson our Volunteer Director at volunteers@gaywhistler.com

Part of the Volunteer experience is the Perks: Some of the perks includes our Volunteer Thank you Brunch where everyone wins a prize! Some of the prizes are huge like: A Trip for Two anywhere in North America with our friends at American Airlines. This past season Rosemary won the trip and she went to Mexico... this is what Rosemary had to say...

"Volunteering at Winterpride has some great benefits, apart from seeing what a fun time everyone has at the week long event you get the opportunity to win big. 2 tickets on American Airline that took me to Mexico & the Yucatan Peninsula. It was timed right, arriving in Merida for the big Festival of the Dead which is how Halloween is celebrated. Shrines are built for those who have died, people visit with deceased friends & relatives, there is music, lots of freshly made tacos and firecrackers to add to the noise. Then of course there are the amazing Mayan pyramids, the white beaches and azure Carribean waters."


So what are you waiting for... Volunteer today and be part of the magic of GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE Gay & Lesbian Ski/Snowboard week.

Volunteering at Winterpride has some great benefits, apart from seeing what a fun time everyone has at the week long event you get the opportunity to win big. 2 tickets on American Airline that took me to Mexico & the Yucatan Peninsula. It was timed right, arriving in Merida for the big Festival of the Dead which is how Halloween is celebrated. Shrines are built for those who have died, people visit with deceased friends & relatives, there is music, lots of freshly made tacos and firecrackers to add to the noise. Then of course there are the amazing Mayan pyramids, the white beaches and azure Carribean waters.

So what are you waiting for... Volunteer today and be part of the magic of GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE Gay & Lesbian Ski/Snowboard week.

For more information visit http://www.gaywhistler.com
GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE - evolution of Gay & Lesbian Ski/Snowboard Festival runs January 30th thru to February 6th, 2011.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

La Nina is Coming to Whistler! 70+ CM in the Alpine already



Yahooo!! La Nina is approaching the spectacular resort destination of Whistler Blackcomb and has already thrown down 70+ cm in the alpine with way more of that glorious white gold to come! So boyz & gurrlz... get those boards shined up and get ready for one heck of a fabulous snow season! Reminder, book early to get the best deals call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at GayWhistler.com

Take a look at what La Nina has gifted Whistler Blackcomb already... so what are you waiting for? Can you feel the excitement?!

Oct. 27 Skiing on Blackcomb Mountain from Whistler Blackcomb on Vimeo.

Hotel Room for $35?! Book by Nov. 15th


This year, Whistler Blackcomb is throwing down some epic savings with our hotel partners when you book your vacation by Nov. 15th. With rates starting at just $128/person/night for a 5 night, 4 day ski package... that is like getting your hotel room for $35!

How is that possible? When you consider that if you are one of those last minute decision makers and you just show up a few days before and walk up to the ticket counter to purchase your ski ticket, you can expect to pay $93/Adult per day. So when you consider this, for an extra $35/person you will get a pretty stellar place to stay! Or for an extra $88/person you can stay at our Host Hotel: The Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa - a Four Diamond, Conde Nast Gold List hotel.

So what are you waiting for? Call today at 1.866.787.1966 or book online at GayWhistler.com

Our official reservation partner, Whistler Blackcomb, guarantees to give you the best rate possible. When you make your reservation through our partner we are able to quantify our festival's room night production which means more support in future years, which only helps to improve the value and quality guest experience we are able to provide. So when making your vacation decision we encourage you to book with our official partners which gives back to our community.

For a list of our partner hotels click here:
Below are starting from rates for a 5 Night, 4 Day Ski Package when booking before Nov. 15th call 1.866.787.1966
HOST Hotel: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa starting from $181/person/night

Preferred Partner Hotels:
Coast Blackcomb Suites - starting from $173/person/night

Pan Pacific Whistler - starting from $180/person/night

Fairmont Chateau Whistler - starting from $215/person/night

Associate Partner Hotels:
Aava Whistler Hotel - starting from $128/person/night

Delta Whistler Village Suites - starting from $165/person/night

Evolution Whistler - starting from $177/person/night

Call 1.866.787.1966 or book online

WinterPRIDE Mountain Guides - Join our Guiding Team!

Travelocity Never Roam Alone Ski & Snowboard Guiding at GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE Jan. 30 - Feb. 6, 2011

If you are at least an intermediate skier or rider, and are familiar with Whistler Blackcomb, you could be a guide during WinterPride. Please read the details below, and if you think this is for you, just get in touch!

Remember – OUR # 1 GOAL IS SAFE FUN FOR ALL!

Program Highlights
Dates
WinterPride is Sunday, January 30 through Sunday, February 6. GUIDING IS MONDAY, JAN. 31-SATURDAY, FEB. 5.
Traditional Program
Our traditional program continues this year meeting between Blackcomb and Whistler. This year we'll be able to get back to Creekside!
ATAC!
ATAC stands for All Terrain, All Conditions. This is going to be the new name of our experts-only program.
Women’s guiding program
If there are enough women for a group, they will once again have the opportunity to ski or ride in women-only groups by meeting at specific women’s guiding signs. Obviously not all will take advantage of this, but we want to offer this service to help continue to build the women’s program.
Scheduling
Since we have a much better understanding of our day-to-day needs, scheduling will be specific this year. We will, of course, do the absolute best we can to accommodate your schedule. BTW, we already know we need you on Thursday, Friday and Saturday! LOL!
Minimum Volunteer Requirements
We ask that all guides, volunteer a minimum of 2 days. And our preference is that those two days include either Thursday, Friday, or Saturday if possible.

Training Requirements
We have new rules this year. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. If you guided and received training last year, you DO NOT need to attend on-snow training this year AS LONG AS you attend the Sunday, January 30 guide meeting/party that will be held on the evening of Sunday, January 30 in the WinterPride hospitality suite area. If you can not make that, YOU MUST attend one of the on-snow training sessions either Saturday, January 8 or Sunday, January 30. The only exceptions are Whistler Blackcomb ski instructors and volunteer guides. If you did not guide last year, you will need to attend on-snow training. Please don't ask for an exception - I can't make it.

Positions Available
This year, there are three distinct positions in the guiding program.
Guide - Responsible for safely guiding WinterPride groups of varying ability.
Sign Master - Responsible for strategically placing signs in the Go Zone.
Pod Leader - Responsible for greeting and interviewing guests to determine the best group. You will coordinate guest assignments for a specific level or program such as green, black, women's program, ATAC!, etc. You will also be responsible for getting guest counts for each group and turning them into John.

Perks!
- Every guide will get 1 apres ski ticket for each day they guide
- Daily lift tickets will be provided by Whistler/Blackcomb if you do not have a Season's Pass
- 45% off Ski/Snowboard Tuning all season long
- Complimentary rentals at any of the Whistler/Blackcomb rental locations on & off the mountain
- 10% off retail all season long; 5% off skis and snowboards all season long
- For each day you guide you will receive 2 volunteer coupons to be redeemed as Prize entry vouchers or exchanged for WinterPride events. Some restrictions and limits may apply.
- Volunteer appreciation brunch Sunday, February 6th, 2011

Date Summary
Saturday, January 8 - On-snow training day 1
Sunday, January 30 - On-snow training day 2
Monday, January 31 through Saturday, February 5, daily guiding.

My Contact Information
john@gaywhistler.com

RECRUIT!!
If you know of anyone that would be a great guide, please have him or her contact me via email with the required information.

RESPOND!!
Simply respond to this post and let me know the following:
Position
Ski or Snowboard
Which days you can work
Your training choice

I look forward to skiing and riding with each and every one of you, and truly appreciate your help to make WinterPride guiding a whole lotta fun! I will send out regular information as we learn it. In the meantime, keep your eyes on www.gaywhistler.com for news and information.

John Sutherland
Guide Director

Host Hotel: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa call 1.866.787.1966 or book online GayWhistler.com