WinterPRIDE 2011 Volunteer Prizes & Perks

GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE is successful because of the hard and dedicated work of our volunteers! Our community recognizes this and has offered the following prizes for our volunteers to win! Thank you to our community partners in playing an important role in the annual WinterPRIDE festival.

Prizes Include:
- Three Night Stay at the Holiday Inn SunSpree Aruba
- Scandinave Thermal Experience
- Goodies from the Love Nest
- Whistler Blackcomb Ski Gear like googles, gloves, face masks
- Barefoot Wine & Bubbly
- Finlandia Vodka

To volunteer contact volunteers@gaywhistler.com

Thank you to our sponsors for helping to make the festival possible! GayWhistler.com

Happy Holidays from GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE

WP Holiday Video 2010 Final

Travel Tips for GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE

We all love stretching our dollar just a wee bit more and this year is no exception. Here are 3 of our top tips:

#3 Pack light! No need to haul your ski boots, and all your ski gear when you can rent everything at the resort!
Whistler Blackcomb has a huge array of equipment for rental and you can switch out your gear both on and off the mountain at any of their rental locations. It is hassle free, easy and best of all it is all 2011 equipment! They even rent outer wear so all you have to pack is your helmet, gloves and goggles! Now you have extra room for that extra Apres outfit you so wanted to bring! For more information click here or call 1.866.787.1966. Make sure you inform the agent you are with WinterPRIDE and save up to 30% when booking online!

#2 Travel Discount Codes, Airline Discount Codes and web specials! Some of our travel partners have some wicked deals including our partner at Travelocity! Visit GAYtravelocity.com and take $150 of your Vacation package with the PROMO CODE: GLWHISTLER

The airlines have some great deals out there including our friends at
American Airlines: Use Promo Code: 9211BA Business ExtrAA Account Number: 527604 - using this code will track our loyality and help keep the AA.com/Rainbow programs going.

Alaska Airlines is offering a 10% Discount: Discount Code, ECMB32 - Winter PRIDE -Whistler Ski Week – into
Vancouver, BC, Canada from any AS/QX US (except Hawaii and Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay, Alaska) city. Travel dates are January 26, 2011 through February 09, 2011. Not valid for Mexico, Hawaii or Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.
Book Online at: alaskaair.com/gaytravel

#1 January 24 - February 6th is Vancouver's most popular event of the year "Dine Out Vancouver" or DOV.
We hope you're hungry! Indulge in your love of food and BC VQA wine at over 200 restaurants with 3-course meals at $18, $28 or $38 and why not sleep around... at these prices, you can't afford not to. Book a hotel room for $68, $98, or $138 per night making Vancouver the perfect destination for your pre or post WinterPRIDE "city" experience. For more information on DOV visit: TourismVancouver.com

WinterPRIDE 2011 Shuttle & Transport Options

Looking to get the party started right away? Then you need to take the WinterPRIDE Shuttle and meet other guests on the ride up the scenic Sea to Sky highway!

WinterPRIDE is thrilled to be working with our friends at Whistler Glacier Group for another incredible season. Whistler Glacier Group prides itself in providing a high quality limousine service with a unique Whistler flavour. With their luxury fleet of sedans, SUVs, coaches and limos, whether you are an individual or part of a large group, they can meet your transportation needs.

Please ask one of their reservation agents about the WinterPRIDE shuttle service that we are providing. This shuttle will run from Vancouver airport to Whistler on January 30th and from Whistler to Vancouver Airport on February 6th with a stop at the Sandman on Davie for those doing a pre/post stay in the city.

January 30th: Airport 11AM, Sandman on Davie 11.30AM, Airport 2PM, Sandman on Davie 2.30PM, Airport 5PM, Sandman on Davie 5.30PM **Times subject to change depending on passenger demand.

February 6th: Whistler to Sandman on Davie & Airport: Departures starting at 9AM

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** Custom Shuttle & transfer times also available **
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For reservations or more information please call 1-604-905-7779 or book online WhistlerGlacierGroup.com and a member of staff will be more than happy to help you. WinterPRIDE attendees will receive a 10% discount from the published rates so make sure you let the reservations agent know, or put in the comment box, that you are with WinterPRIDE. GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE - the annual Gay Ski Week runs January 30th - February 6th, 2011. For more information on the festival visit GayWhistler.com

WinterPRIDE 2011 Dine Around Locations

GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE 2011 Dine Around
✣ OpenTable.com Reservations


Mon., Jan. 31st
Bavaria Restaurant - has been in operation for 9 years and has become a popular spot for get togethers. The ambiance at Bavaria Restaurant is a fusion of Swiss, French bistro, German and Austrian style.
4369 Main Street | 604.32.6009 | bavaria-restaurant.com

Player’s Chop House - brings a fresh twist to the steakhouse concept. Featuring West Coast character, bright interiors and sun-soaked patios, this Creekside restaurant is an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts and lounge revelers seeking an eclectic menu of local, sustainable and perfectly prepared cuisine from Executive Chef Jon Campbell.
2015 Lake Placid Rd #120 | Tel: 604.938.1270 | whistlerchophouse.ca

Tue., Feb. 1st
Aura at Nita Lake - with stunning lakeside vistas, Aura conjures up iconic memories of yesteryear with a classic railcar dining experience where old world cuisine meets modern day trends.
- 2131 Lake Placid Rd | 604.966.5700 | nitalakelodge.com

Ric’s Grill - is one of Whistler’s legendary restaurants featuring fresh seafood, delicious steaks and mouth-watering pastas. Their bar is a popular place to have drinks, socialize and chat with friends.
4154 Village Green | 604.932.7427 | ricsgrill.com


Wed., Feb. 2nd
21 Steps - provides stunning 2nd floor views of Whistler Village. Their kitchen creates updated comfort food that are both big in portions and flavours for great value.
4433 Sundial Place | 604.966.2121 | 21steps.ca | ✣

Quattro at Whistler - is best known for its warm service, contemporary Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list, recognized by Wine Spectator as one of the world's best.
4319 Main Street | 604.905.4844 | quattrorestaurants.com | ✣

Thurs., Feb. 3rd
Whistler Tasting Tours - experience four of the best Whistler restaurants in one night! This progressive dining journey takes guided groups to several gourmet restaurants for a delicious multi-course meal paired with fine BC wines. Voted the #1 Thing to do in Whistler.
604.902.8687 | whistlertastingtours.com

Araxi Restaurant + Bar - is a crossroads of mountain elegance and approachable dining in the heart of Whistler village. Innovative and skillfully executed dishes deliver intelligent compositions and delightful flavours, carefully married to their award winning wine list.
4122 Village Gate Square | 604.932.4540 | araxi.com | ✣


Hy’s Steakhouse - has been Canada's premier steakhouse for over 50 years. This stunning location in the beautiful resort town of Whistler features Canadian Triple A beef, an award-winning wine list and exceptional service in a warm contemporary atmosphere.
4308 Main Street | 604.905.5555 | hyssteakhouse.com | ✣

Fri., Feb. 4th
Bearfoot Bistro - every night is a celebration of culinary excellence and extravagant joie de vivre! Executive Chef Melissa Craig, crowned Canada's Best Chef at the Canadian Culinary Championships in 2008, creates in her open concept kitchen while owner, André Saint-Jacques will teach you to wield a sword and saber Champagne in the award winning underground 20 000-bottle wine cellar. Oyster special available daily in the Champagne Bar from 3 to 6 pm.  Vodka tasting in the Belvedere Ice Room - Canada’s only vodka ice room and coldest room worldwide. Live music by pianist Cameron Chu. Open daily from 3 pm.
4121 Village Green | 604.932.3433 | bearfootbistro.com | ✣

Tandoori Grill - located in Whistler village North, has selected dishes that are most sumptuous as they were inspired by Great Indian Emperors and prepared to perfection by chefs of by gone eras. The Moghal Kings who brought renaissance and enrichment to the Indian culture favoured the technique of cooking in a Tandoor clay oven. Tandoori Grill has adopted this mode of cooking.
4368 Main Street #201 | Tel: 604.905.4900 | tandooriwhistler.com

Sat., Feb. 5th
White Spot - is a British Columbia legend with a passion for using only the freshest and finest quality ingredients. For breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late night snack, White Spot is the place. Fresh Thinking. Fresh Cooking.
4005 Whistler Way | 604.962.7770 | whitespot.com

Wildflower - invites you to enjoy a fresh and fun showcase of locally inspired dishes. Enjoy extensive 'by the glass' wine selections, a noteworthy variety of regional beer or a signature cocktail. Base of Blackcomb Mountain.
4599 Chateau Blvd | 604.938.2033 | http://bit.ly/wp11FCW |✣


Sun., Feb. 6th
Cinnamon Bear Grille - finding inspired ways to combine exceptional flavors in Pacific North West dishes drives the menu selection at Cinnamon Bear Bar & Grille. Directed by Executive Chef Jay Lynn, emphasizes fresh ingredients, unique taste combinations, creative presentations and top-notch service to create a dining experience as memorable as it is flavorful.
4050 Whistler Way | 604.932.1982 | hiltonwhistler.com | ✣

Remember to take advantage of Vancouver's annual "Dine OUT Vancouver" making a city stop the perfect pre/post WinterPRIDE experience. Room rates starting at just $68 and 3-course dinners from $18/person making it even easier to fuel that Pride romance for an extra night or so!

WinterPRIDE is the annual Gay & Lesbian Ski/Snowboard Week in the resort of Whistler. For more information visit GayWhistler.com

Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa - The perfect Shopping Getaway!

Randi has been after me for a while to come down and cross the boarder and experience the Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa just outside of Bellingham. When driving down the i5 it is hard to miss the huge Casino sign and like a moth drawn to light I was guided into the Hotel Casino.

As I walked into the lobby of the hotel and presented myself to the front desk, I was immediately welcomed by Randi, Hotel Sales Director, and had she had my room key and check in was over in mere seconds. We then headed towards the casino to one of their signature food & beverage outlets: "The Steakhouse at Silver Reef" here we were met by the Casino's F&B director, Rian, and we all sat down for dinner. I knew I would be in for a treat when you consider that Wine Spectator has given the Steakhouse their "Awards of Excellence" and the Wine Enthusiast the "Award of Distinction."

We enjoyed beautiful pairings of wine & port throughout dinner. Some of the specialities we tried included: Carpaccio of Beef with Truffle Oil, baby greens, artichoke hearts and grain mustard ($9), as well as the Jumbo Prawn cocktail served with a zesty cocktail sauce ($14), followed by a Caesar Salad ($8) prepared table side.
Then we were entertained by the incredible showmanship of tableside service of Steak Diane a tender Filet Mignon sauteed with shallots, thyme, mustard seed and mushrooms ($37) and a Steak au Poivre a tender Filet Mignon, in a peppercorn brandy sauce ($37). The steaks were prepared perfectly and just melted in my mouth. The service and the culinary delights were some of the best I have experienced. Just when I thought I couldn't have any more... the dessert cart came out.... OMG, talk about tempting creations... I ended up savouring the Chocolate Rockettes which is a house specialty. It is a souffle-like chocolate cake served warm with a molten center served with vanilla bean ice cream ($7). the Steakhouse is an incredible dining experience and excellent value.

The Casino and Hotel are inspired by First Nations art and artifacts. The guest rooms are well appointed and they have a private floor (6th Floor Diamond Club). I had the privilege of staying in the Emerald Suite (613). It was a one bedroom suite perfect for entertaining. It has two bathrooms, large wet bar and living room complete with your own private massage chair and 50" Flat screen. The master bedroom and ensuite were to die for. Large walk in shower, double man jetted bath and amenities by H2O.

So what was great about this property is it's location. Within minutes you are in Bellingham with all the outlet Malls and BellisFair Mall, within an hour to Seattle... ferry service to Vancouver Island and an hour to Vancouver. Making this destination a perfect city escape or using the property as a base to explore these three great cities (Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver). You could also use the property as an airport hotel considering they now have non-stop flights to Hawaii and other sun destinations!

For more information on the property call 866-383-0777 ext. 254 or visit online silverreefcasino.com Rates start at just US$129
Perfect for last minute Christmas shopping... and unwind after at the Spa, then dinner at the Steakhouse and relaxing in your suite! Christmas made easy!

The Silver Reef Hotel Casino will be at WinterPRIDE Jan 30 - Feb 6, 2011 so make sure you say hi!

Love Snow! La Nina Sashays into Whistler...

The gays are known to love the bling... but the gay skier & rider is known for their quest of White Gold. Insane amounts of this natural bling brings a smile to most skier/rider's face especially if you are lucky enough to enjoy face shot after another... we are talking SNOW! And how we love to ride it good and hard! Yahoo!! We are upon yet another epic snow season with Whistler Blackcomb getting over 11 feet of the white stuff to-date and heaps more in the forecast.


Just this week alone we have seen 56cm in the last week bringing the snow base up to 150cm. For the first week of December this is simply amazing... and WinterPRIDE is still some fifty days away!

This weekend (Saturday, December 11th, 2011) the Vancouver/Whistler ski club skiOUT! will be Out hitting the slopes on Blackcomb (10AM RendezVous Light Board) to shred some of that precious bling we all so love. 1PM is the usual lunch time at the Glacier Creek Lodge, followed by 3PM or so Apres Ski at Milestone's (formerly Monk's Grill).
Later that night things will get all festive with the annual holiday special... Yuletide WHOOSSH Martini Party... maybe try the Southern Comfort Egg Nog to get you into that festive spirit! WHOOSSH will be at the Southside Diner from 9PM - 12AM and is always a lot of fun.

So come on up and get OUT and have some fun. Call 1.866.787.1966 for some incredible last minute deals and stay at one of our partner hotels:
Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Coast Blackcomb Suites, Delta Whistler Village Suites, Evolution in Creekside, Aava Whistler Hotel, or perhaps a luxury home with Whistler Select. If you are looking to economize... why not sleep with an Olympian?! Try the Whistler Hostel for just $35/person/night. Let them know you are with "Pride."

Remember think Snow, Think WinterPRIDE!

November 30th Powder Day at Whistler Blackcomb from Whistler Blackcomb on Vimeo.

GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE - the evolution of Gay & Lesbian Ski Week is January 30 - February 6, 2011. Host Hotel: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa. Call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online for all the best deals.

An Avalanche of Laughter rolls into Whistler for WintePRIDE

The brash New Yorker, Michele Balan, trades her sea legs for some ski legs as she rolls into town. One could say this New Yorker knows how to cruise and can be seen on many of the RSVP, Atlantis and various straight cruises. Michele was one of the
four finalists on NBC’s 2006 “Last Comic Standing,” and she is "The Last Woman Comic . . .. "

She has appeared on The Joy Behar Show, Byron Allen's Comics Unleashed, and the OUTlaugh festival on MTVs LOGO.

She opened for the Smothers Brothers and is headlining all over the country in comedy clubs, cruises, corporate events, JCC's country clubs and more! She is appropriate for all audiences...well, maybe not children's parties!

She writes comedy and is a contributor in many books and magazines and writes comedy for other well known comedians.

Voted one of the “Top 10 Comics” by Backstage Magazine in 2004,

Often told she was naturally funny, the Brooklyn native left a high-paying executive position at a computer company to pursue comedy – even though comedy has never proved as lucrative – and she has been performing ever since.

She has recorded "Neurotic by Nature" at the LA Improv in 99 (it features Nell Carter), in 2004 she recorded "Live Just Barely" at the famed Joe's Pub... and her recently released DVD.... from ECSTACY TO VITAMIN C! Show reviewed by Cindy Adams of the NY Post... "Dynamite!"

WinterPRIDE is thrilled to welcome Michele Balan to the festival Mainstage on Thursday, February 3rd, 2011. Visit GayWhistler.com for tickets and festival information.