Saturday, July 23, 2011

Outgames Begin! Travel Tips - Whistler

Wow, it has been an exciting journey to bring the 2nd North America Outgames to Vancouver & Whistler. With so much to see and do I thought I would share some great travel tips for Whistler!

The one card you want for this summer is the Outgames Fast Track Card. This card is loaded with hundreds of dollars worth of savings including some of our merchants in Whistler!

Whistler Blackcomb is offering $5 off at the ticket window for the world record breaking Peak2Peak Gondola. Whistler is now one of the most accessible alpine experiences for novice day hikers in the world. Just remember to dress in layers as mountain weather can change in a blink of an eye, and just because it is 25C (82F) in the village does not mean that it will be as warm up top... you can expect temperatures to be 10+ degrees cooler or more! The Alpine is still heavy with snow, so if you want to have a snowball fight in the middle of summer... Whistler is the place to be!

So if you decide to come up and chill in Whistler either pre/post Outgames or Vancouver Pride... the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is the place to call home. Situated right at the base of Blackcomb mountain and a short walk to the very popular Lost Lake trails and of course Lost Lake itself. The Fairmont is offering Outgames passholders a special upgrade upon availability. The Fairmont has some awesome specials right now, so go on... book that room and then flash your card and get a complimentary upgrade to the next room category (subject to availability of course!)

Of course after an epic day in Whistler you have no doubt worked up an appetite! The Flipside in Village North is your place to be... here you flash your Outgames pass and get a free appie! A fun place with generous portions, reasonable prices and great food. I'll go back every night. Fish and Chips are worth the trip alone-fresh cod with skinny fries, I had the schnitzel and my eyeballs coveted the Girlfriends spaghetti at the next table. Three course $20 special included a great caesar and cheesecake with raspberries Yum Yum Yum. Added Value: Free appetizer
Description: Flipside Restaurant is delighted to support the Vancouver 2011 Outgames and offer all Outgames cardholders one Free appetizer with a purchase of a main course.

If you have gone hiking one of the thousands of trails or paddeled down the River of Golden Dreams (and maybe taken an unexpected dip in the river?!) no doubt you are looking for a good way to unwind and soak those weary bones... The Scandinave Spa is the perfect destination. Flash your Outgames Frast Track Card and save $5. Situated just north of Whistler Village, B.C., engulfed in a spruce and cedar forest on the edge of Lost Lake and Spruce Grove parks, this unique spa overlooks incredible mountain vistas and valleys. Invigorate and cleanse your body and mind in the hot baths and refreshing waterfalls, melt away with a relaxing massage, and breathe in the invigorating country air.

As you gaze up to the snow covered peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb you start to think of your winter plans and what a better way to get started than by getting a jump on the Early Bird Pricing for the Full Week Men's or Women's WinterPRIDE Pass! Enjoy a $25 gift voucher that you can use towards your 2012 WinterPRIDE pass. It is easy just purchase your pass online... and enter into comments Promo Code "Outgames" along with your card number and we will take $25 off your event pass. Buy today and save!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Shock Result - Serena “Willie-Ams” beaten by Cornelius the Beaver

In a shock result Serena Willie-Ams was beaten by Cornelius the Beaver, mascot for Canadian Pacific in a hard fought tennis exhibition game.

Serena Willie-Ams took on all-comers at the Vancouver Summer Live 125th Birthday event which took place in Stanley Park on July 9th, 2011. This appearance is prior to taking her place on centre court at the North America 2011 Vancouver Outgames running July 25-31, 2011.

Serena took on 20 competitors in a ``best of three shots game`` with opponents having the opportunity to win prizes by beating her. Serena arrived in style in her Pink Limo driven by her chauffeur Ryan.
Serena`s 20 competitors included three mascots; Bee Bop from the Vancouver Aquarium, Parka from Parks Canada and Cornelius from Canadian Pacific and 17 women, men, girls and boys who attempted to beat Serena in this tennis challenge. They proved to be a wonderful group of competitors, ideally suited for this equal opportunity challenge, highlighting the nature of the Outgames - diversity & inclusivity.

Cornelius proved to be the surprise star tennis player beating Serena 2 to 1 while 2 of the children and one of the adults also managed to win their prizes. Volunteers were recruited as ball boys, linesmen and cheerleaders and the huge crowd blew whistles and enthusiastically cheered on their favourites.

Serena is actually a local athlete participating in the North America 2011 Outgames which are being hosted in Vancouver this year in recognition of the city`s dedication to equal rights and opportunities. Serena, real name Symone Says, admits that Serena is only her ``Nomme de Sport”. ``I admire the real Serena, both on and off the court, and want to emulate her feistiness, spirit of adventure and of course, sporting ability,” said Symone.


John Boychuk (President of the Vancouver 2011 Outgames) said of the match. ``I had total confidence in Serena, her ball play has to be seen to be believed, but Cornelius proved to be a very capable beaver”.

The Vancouver 2011 Outgames will include multi-sport elements supported by GLISA (Gay Lesbian International Sports Association of North America) including Soccer, Volleyball, Eco-Challenge (Whistler) 10K Run, Golf and many more taking place throughout the Lower Mainland. For more information on the Sporting events of the Vancouver 2011 Outgames click here
For more details about the Vancouver 2011 Outgames go to vancouver2011outgames.com
Photos by Outgames photographer: Mark Kinskofer Click here to view Outgames Expo Tennis Match image gallery

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Venus and Serena “Willie-Ams” Exhibition Tennis Game

July 8, 2011 (Vancouver, B.C.) Venus and Serena Willie-Ams will be in Vancouver, B.C. to take part in an exhibition tennis match at the Vancouver Summer Live event taking place in Stanley Park on July 9th, 2011 prior to taking centre court at the North America 2011 Vancouver Outgames running July 25-31, 2011.

The “twins” are actually local athletes participating in the Vancouver 2011 Outgames which are being hosted in Vancouver this year in recognition of the city`s dedication to equal rights and opportunities.

The twins, real names Symone Says and Afrodesia Jenkins, admit that Venus and Serena are only their ``Nommes de Sport”. ``We admire Venus and Serena, both on and off the court, and want to emulate their feistiness, spirit of adventure and of course, sporting ability,” said Symone.

John Boychuk (President of the Vancouver 2011 Outgames) says of the match. ``I think it will be a very exciting game and I`m having a hard time trying to guess the eventual winner. Venus has a very strong serve and Serena`s ball play has to be seen to be believed”.

The exhibition match takes place at 3.00pm on Saturday July 9th at Brockton Oval in Stanley Park and attendance is free. During the Outgames, Venus and Serena will be found on the tennis courts in Stanley Park or propping up the bar at the Plaza of Nations “Cultural Festival”.

The Vancouver 2011 Outgames will include multi-sport elements supported by GLISA (International Sports Association of North America) including Soccer, Volleyball, Eco-Challenge (Whistler) 10K Run, Golf and many more taking place throughout the Lower Mainland. For more information on the Sporting events of the Vancouver 2011 Outgames click here
For more details about Summer Live visit vancouver.ca and for more details about the Vancouver 2011 Outgames go to www.vancouver2011outgames.com

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

HARD2: Leather Fetish Ball Vancouver


Spring is in the air and with that comes the much anticipated event of the Spring - Men in Leather's annual HARD - Leather Fetish Ball. Last year the Victoria Long Weekend event was a raging success and our friends at "Men In Leather, Vancouver" are primed and ready to throw down another epic party with Priape.

The Date: Sunday, May 22nd, 2011 - Victoria Day Long Weekend 8PM - 2AM

The Venue: FIVE SIXTY (560 Seymour Street, Vancouver) the former historic A&B Sound store has been transformed into one of Vancouver's hottest new clubs. With multiple levels and various rooms you can expect many a surprise including a "Dungeon Play Area." Get your tickets at Priape Vancouver (just $25) soon as this event is sure to sell out quick.

You can expect a special performance by Mantra, on deck DJ Nick Bertossi, Marcus Purnell & Ntectect will have the dance floor pulsing. Dress Code enforced: Leather + Fetish ONLY ** No Streetwear Allowed ** Coat Check + Change area available.

For More information visit MenInLeather.ca

Dine In Whistler 2011


April 25 To June 30, 2011
From Mountaintop To Tabletop
Dine in Whistler offers more than exceptional value at a variety of Whistler restaurants. It also serves up a spectacular natural setting that is sure to inspire. Enjoy a diverse range of dining experiences and menus – from soulful pub fare, to authentic ethnic cuisine, to unique and innovative fine dining – that promise a meal to be savoured long after the last bite is finished. From April 25 to June 30, 2011, enjoy 3-course spring menus for $19, $29, $39 and $49. Savour spring with a culinary tour of Whistler!

$19 Menu
the mix by Ric's
604.932.6499
Funky lounge, West Coast inspired tapas, fresh entrées and innovative cocktails.

$29 Menu
Bavaria Restaurant
604.932.7518
Best European bistro. Best fondues in town!
Please note Bavaria restaurant will be closed from Sunday May 8, 2011 to Monday May 23, 2011 reopening Tuesday May 24, 2011. Menu

Cure Lounge & Patio
604.966.5700 Menu

Ric's Grill
604.932.7427
Traditional meets original paired with an award-winning wine list.
Menu

Tandoori Grill
604.905.4900
Authentic Indian cuisine. Great vegan fare.
Menu

$39 Menu

21 Steps Kitchen + Bar
604.966.2121
Modern comfort food served with local colour.
Menu

Players Chophouse Whistler
604.938.1270
Proudly serves Prime Canadian Beef, sustainable seafood and local produce.

Quattro at Whistler
604.905.4844
Whistler's most inventive Italian cuisine and an award-winning wine list.
Menu

$49 Menu

Araxi Restaurant + Bar
604.932.4540
"Whistler's Best Restaurant 2010" — Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards (ten-time winner)
Menu

Aura Restaurant
604.966.5700
Inspired cuisine, innovative cocktails, intimate service and serene lakeside location.
Menu

Bearfoot Bistro
604.932.3433
Rated number one restaurant in Whistler for food and service by Zagat 2011.
Menu

Hy's Steakhouse
604.905.5555
All prime meat. Voted "Best Steakhouse in Whistler" for 12 years running.
Menu

For sensational Spring hotel rates call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at GayWhistler.com

Upcoming Events:
July 24-31, 2011: North America Outgames in Vancouver & Whistler
November 10-14, 2011: Cornucopia - Whistler's Celebration of Food & Wine
February 5-12, 2012: GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE - 20th Annual Gay & Lesbian Ski & Snowboard Week

Saturday, February 5, 2011

The SnowBall

Well this is it folks, the main event. Though many of my irony loving friends tend to poo poo the big circuit parties, I still have a soft spot for them. I do love dancing all night. And from what I've seen this week, there will be LOADS of eye candy at the party. Feast your eyes on these guys from the pool party.


Needless to say we've been having fun.


Head on over to our GayWhistler.com facebook page for more. See you on the dance floor!!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

WinterPRIDE Day 4

It's cold in Whistler but WinterPRIDE 2011 is heating up! BC's biggest and best ski resort is full of happenin homos from all over the world. The week is not even half over and I've talked to people from the US, UK, Sweeden, and of course... Canada!

This is Rob Easton, host of OUTtv's Don't Quit Your Gay Job standing in for Dean while his busy off organizing the extravaganza known as Winter Pride. I'll be running the @GayWhistler twitter account throughout #WinterPRIDE. Lemme know how you're doing!

The best part of the week so far has been watching how much Whistler has embraced the gays. Normally a fairly hetero place, the town is going out of its way to welcome us. One, rainbow banners and flags are everywhere, in store windows, on the street sign posts.

And two, sexy straight surfer snowboarder dudes posing for photos... shirtless (see left). Well at least he knows his market. He is one of the servers at Merlin's. where we had our après ski on Monday. I was especially amused when he said to our photographer, Mike Verbergt, "No we can do better than that."

And if you like this photo, head to our GayWhistler.com facebook page for ALL the shots he's taken so far.

Here are me and my volunteer buddies Al and Hunter from left to right. If you see us working away, come say hi. We're from Vancouver and mostly friend :p
See ya on the slopes. I'll be heading out on Thursday and Friday. Don't forget to let us know how #WinterPRIDE is treating you tweet us @GayWhistler. And say hi if you're out there.