The 2013/14 Snow season is less than two months away and our friends at Whistler Blackcomb are
hard at work getting the mountains ready with two new lifts: The Harmony6 on Whistler and the Crystal Express on Blackcomb. The mountain team has also been busy with summer grooming and redesign making the transitions to the lifts easier for both skiers and snowboarders something that I am sure everyone will appreciate.
This past weekend, Whistler was hammered by an intense storm transforming the alpine with a massive blanket of snow (Sept. 29) sending the village into feverish anticipation of the coming season. So today when Whistler Blackcomb released the next installment of "The Wonder Reels" Season 2 - we could hardly wait to share it with you.
Filmed, edited and produced by Switchback Entertainment, The Wonder Reels S2: The Wait For Winter showcases this magical time of October rains that will eventually give way to November storms. As the mountains reveal their first dustings of white, a palpable anticipation begins. Skiing and snowboarding's faithful start a ritualistic foreplay that culminates in the un-matched celebration of another opening day...
Whistler Opens November 28th, 2013 | GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE is January 26-February 2nd, 2014. Call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at GayWhistler.com reserve your snow-escape by November 15th for the best deals of the season.
The twenty-first annual GayWhistler WinterPRIDE - Gay & Lesbian Ski/Snowboard week took place This year the Resort Municipality of Whistler commissioned an economic impact study to better understand the overall value of the festival. The report found spending made by participants, spectators and event organizers generated $9.0 million in economic activity for the Province of British Columbia.
Mayor of Whistler at the Mr. Gay Canada Grand Finale
on February 3-10, 2013 and attracted visitors from around the world. Approximately three thousand gay and lesbian vacationers from 28 nations descended on the region with their friends over the eight day, sixty five events at the award winning ski resort of Whistler, BC, Canada. Economic Activity Total Industry Output representing direct and indirect expenditures generated by the event. Total to Province of British Columbia: $9.0 million Total to Whistler: $4.8 million
Jobs Spending associated with the event supported $3.1 million in wages and salaries in the Province through the support of 69 jobs, of which 52 jobs were supported in Whistler.
Tax Considerable tax revenues were supported by the event totaling $2.1 million. $953,000 federal $772,000 for province of British Columbia $332,000 for municipality of Whistler
* The economic impact assessment in 2013 was conducted by the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA), using the Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM).The 2013 study was funded by the Province of British Columbia’s Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI). The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) allocated RMI funds to produce a series of economic impact analyses for events throughout the community including GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE.
The festival is Whistler’s primary LGBT activation to welcome the gay and lesbian traveler to experience the dynamic and welcoming nature of the province and attracts tourism spending in British Columbia that goes beyond the weeklong event. In fact, according to survey research, 31% of participants plan to visit Vancouver/Whistler two or more times outside of the WinterPRIDE week, including 52% of the out-of-province participants.
“We are very proud of the economic impact that our event has made to the province,” said Dean Nelson, CEO and Executive Producer of GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE. “It demonstrates the strong buying power of the gay community and how loyal this segment is in supporting a destination that embraces diversity and makes everyone feel welcome.”
Post-festival entertainment in Vancouver, encouraged participants and their friends to extend their stay pre/post Whistler vacation. Strategic partnership with some of Vancouver’s LGBT community groups and special events help to entice guests to stay a bit longer in the Province.
“The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is committed to working with our partners to create an environment conducive to events,” Said Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden. “We are delighted to work with third party event producers such as GayWhistler – producers of WinerPRIDE Whistler – to attract incremental visits to the resort.”
The event, which takes place annually on the first week of February, has taken one of Whistler’s historically slower winter weeks and made it one of the busiest in the calendar year. Next year, the festival will move a week sooner to the last week of January to ease some of the added pressure the new BC Family Day holiday as well as the Chinese New Years celebrations has on the resort. The twenty second-annual WinterPRIDE festival will take place on new dates of January 26th to February 2nd, 2014. For more information, visit www.gaywhistler.com
Jason Stuart celebrates with laughter at the 20th annual WinterPRIDE festival in Whistler.
“I’m the Daddy and I have Candy” Comedy Tour heads North to GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE Gay & Lesbian Ski/Snowboard week to headline the Comedy Show.
GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE is thrilled to welcome Jason Stuart! Jason is no doubt, one of the most successful openly gay male comics in the United States, with over 150 Film & TV shows to his credit. He has performed at all the major Gay Events including Atlantis & RSVP cruises, Bear Life (NY), HRC Night of Comedy, Gay Days (Orlando), and Homolarius to name a few. Jason has performed at The Montreal Comedy Festival twice, on Broadway, all the "A" Comedy Clubs and to 100,000 people at the Millennium March in D.C. He has had his own cable TV special “Jason Stuart: Making It To The Middle” in addition to appearances on “One Night Stand Up” & “Wisecrack” on LOGO and “Comics Unleashed”.
As an actor he was recently seen in a cameo on HBOs ENTOURAGE with Andrew “Dice” Clay & regular Kevin Dillon. Later this year on TV, Jason has a supporting role as "Chief Maurice" in the thriller HOME INVASION starring C. Thomas Howell & Haylie Duff. In the indie film world he has 4 films coming out this year THE STAND IN, MONKEY MAN, FINDING MR. WRIGHT and WALK A MILE IN MY PRADAS. Last year he had a guest-starring role on THE CLOSER starring Kyra Sedgwick and made an appearance on ITS ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA . And if that’s not enough, Jason just completed the prison drama K11 and the romantic comedy BEAR CITY 2.
Jason is sure to make the 20th Annual GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE comedy show one to remember! WinterPRIDE Comedy show is at the Whistler Conference Centre on Wednesday, February 8th, 2011. WinterPRIDE event passes now on sale. For Accommodations, Stay & Ski Packages and more call 1.866.787.1966 or visit us online at Gaywhistler.com Host Hotel: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa
There is a sweet buzz in the air as Princess La Nina sends kisses to the resort with a cool breeze that whispers Winter is just around the corner and like the 2010/2011 season being the 2nd snowiest on record... the Long Range forecast for this coming winter season is looking pretty awesome!
Last week we were up in the Alpine for the annual skiOUT Alpine Hike on the "High Note Trail" and there was still plenty of snow... if the temperatures remain moderate I am sure this is just going to add to an epic early start to the season with a good base. Just this week Whistler Blackcomb released their teaser video
So what are you waiting for? Book your winter escape now and save HUGE on the end of summer sale (Ends August 31st) where you can save on your accommodations and lift tickets. Here is a sampling of those wicked deals:
1. Best Deal 47% Savings at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for just C$156*/person/night for a FIVE (5) Night FOUR (4) Day Ski package. The Fairmont is a 4.5 Star luxury hotel at the base of Blackcomb mountain.
2. Excellent Value 32% Savings at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa for just C$180*/person/night for a 5 Night 4 Day ski package. The Hilton was our Host Hotel in 2011 and is a 4.5 star luxury hotel with suites and over sized rooms. Some of their suites have a private steam room as well as wood burning fireplaces.
3. Best Price Point 29% Savings at the Aava Whistler Hotel for just C$125*/person/night for a 5 Night 4 Day ski package. The Aava is a four star property close to all the action including the Whistler Conference Centre.
Other options with wicked deals include:
$152*/person/night at the Crystal Lodge & Suites - The Crystal is "in the heart" of Whistler Village and is a four star property with a variety of room types perfect for your posse that needs a variety of bedding configurations, plus their location is stellar close to everything plus Ric's Mix & Starbucks are right there.
$180*/person/night at the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside with their unbeatable location and arguably "Whistler's Best Address" right at the foot of both Whistler & Blackcomb mountains. You literally cannot get any closer to the lifts. Their salt water pools and hot tubs makes your apres ski soak so much more enjoyable and leaves you feeling rejuvenated and ready to party with the big boyz!
$213*/person/night at the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre is the Pan Pacific's younger sister within Whistler Village centre and has One, Two and Three bedroom suites to choose from. Not only will you rejuvenate in their salt water pools but you also have included in your nightly rate a breakfast buffet served daily.
*Starting from rates are quoted in CAD funds. Package rate is per person per night, based on 2 people in a Deluxe Room, valid Feb 5 - 12, 2012. Taxes and fees are extra. Restrictions may apply. Offer is subject to availability and may change without notice. Offer available until August 31, 2011. Other packages available, please inquire for details.
To take advantage of these great rates call 1.866.787.1966 today or visit online at GayWhistler.com
The Hotels & Ski Packages are not the only items that are on sale...
GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE event passes are also on sale and as an added incentive we will give you a $25 Gift Voucher towards your event passes simply by using the Promo Code: Outgames. GayWhistler was a sponsor of the 2nd North America Outgames and to celebrate these games we are giving everyone an opportunity to use $25 towards their purchase of a Men's Full Week $249 (Regular rate $299) or a Women's Full Week event pass $169 (Regular rate $199). Book your pass today!
click here
Confirm today and lock in on these great deals. Call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at GayWhistler.com
This is going to be a summer like no other with so many things to see and do... If you do not have a road map to your social plans for the week... you better get on it right away or get left in the street!
TFD Presents the following Social engagements that you may just want to check out: rapture: heatwave | outdoor pool party at the Westin Grand Hotel, 433 Robson Street starring: RuPaul's Drag Race 3 Runner up manila luzon; DJ nick bertossi, DJ landon james,& special performance by cassandra Saturday, July 30 – 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Tickets range froom $22.40 ~ $33.60 available at Little Sister's and Priape Vancouver
After the Outgames Closing Party at the Plaza of Nations with an impressive line up of entertainment all day long including headliners, Dragonette, and Ace of Base from 11AM-11PM... You may still have some energy to burn off so why not head down to... rapture: dominate | leather/military party | Commodore ballroom, 868 Granville Street, featuring dj craig gaibler (sfo) & dj marcus purnell (yvr) Featuring like Kink and Fetish demonstrations all night long! Suggested Dress Code: Leather, Military, Denim, Fetish wear Saturday, July 30 – 9:00 pm – 3:00 am Tickets: $64.25 available online
On Sunday, July 31st after an epic Pride Parade day and incredible Outgames Volunteer Wrap Party at the Plaza of Nations and you are still looking to shake your booty... then the final Victory Party at the Commodare Ballroom, 868 Granville Street... is the place to be... this party goes from 9PM to 4AM with the super star DJ's of the freemasons, micky friedmann and special guest performances by Shokra, Raja, and Peter Breeze. Tickets are $81.00 and available online
For more information on the 2nd North America Outgames refer to Vancouver2011Outgames.com For more information on the 33rd Annual Vancouver Gay Pride Celebrations and Parade refer to VancouverPride.ca
Plan ahead and book your hotel rooms for the 20th Annual GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE by September 1st with the best deals of the season guaranteed! Call 1.866.787.1966 for your custom quote or visit online at GayWhistler.com
hard at work getting the mountains ready with two new lifts: The Harmony6 on Whistler and the Crystal Express on Blackcomb. The mountain team has also been busy with summer grooming and redesign making the transitions to the lifts easier for both skiers and snowboarders something that I am sure everyone will appreciate.
