skiOUT! Weekend calling for a weekend filled with Snow Porn

Sat., Feb. 22 is a skiOUT! Weekend

Photo by Mitch Winton - Whistler Blackcomb

WINTER DELIVERS AT WHISTLER BLACKCOMB WITH 119CMS/4 FEET OF SNOW IN LAST SEVEN DAYS

#WinterPRIDE had some incredible Blue Bird days and fast groomers and now this weekend skiOUT will have some incredible POWDER to play in. So get those boards shined up and plan to head to Whistler this weekend for some awesome #snowporn!

Winter has delivered the goods to Whistler Blackcomb with 119cms / 4 feet of snow falling on the mountains over the last seven days. With another 39cms / 15 inches of snow predicted in the next three days, conditions are prime for skiers and riders seeking fresh powder snow.

Recent Whistler Blackcomb Snow Stats [as of February 17, 2014]

· 22 cm in the last 24 hours

· 53 cm in the last 48 hours

· 119 cm in the last 7 days

So what are you waiting for? Whistler is calling...

Planning ahead?

- Sat., March 8th - skiOUT

- Sat., March 22nd - skiOUT and WHOOSSH party weekend

- Sat., April 5th - skiOUT

- Sat., April 19th - skiOUT + Retro WHOOSSH party weekend

- Sat., May 3rd - skiOUT

- Sat., May 17th - skiOUT

for reservations call

1.866.787.1966 or online

skiOUT is the Vancouver/Whistler LGBT ski/snowboard club.  For more information on skiOUT! click here

WinterPRIDE is just 2-weeks away

Another massive Pacific storm front has just moved in dumping another 43cm of glorious powder on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains and just in time with WinterPRIDE now just 2-weeks away and counting.

We are very excited to share with you the 2014 WinterPRIDE Festival Guide showcasing a star studded line up with a double threat from the Southern Hemisphere with COURTNEY ACT - Australian Idol finalist as well as a contestant on this year's RuPaul's Drag Race - Season 6.  Last time COURTNEY ACT was in Whistler she was bound and determined to meet a handsome ski patroller, paramedic and doctor.  She went all out and ended up checking out some of Whistler's finest men in full action with a dramatic rescue off of Whistler Mountain.  I have been personally assured that this year she will keep both feet firmly planted on terra firma, however what happens in the hot tubs is a totally different story...

CHRIS OLWAGE - New Zealand's Got Talent finalist for his dramatic portrayal of "Black Swan" with his pure brut strength and masculinity brought this tragic story alive with an exciting twist.  Chris will be doing a special performance at the Mr. Gay Canada Grand Finale & Fashion Show which will be a MUST SEE event.  Chris also won the prestigious title while in Antwerp, Belgium this past summer while at the worldOutgames as the current reining Mr. Gay World.  While in Whistler he will be one of several celebrity judges at the Mr. Gay Canada competition.  Other celebrity judges include the Mayor of Whistler.

WinterPRIDE's new entertainment director, Sunil Sinha of Big Roger Events, has worked overtime to secure some of the hottest DJ's on the circuit today.  Whistler is thrilled to welcome: IVAN GOMEZ (Barcelona), DJ PHIL B (SFO), DJ SETH COOPER (Chicago), DJ PORNSTAR (LA), DJ PAULO (LA), local dj's include:  NICK BERTOSSI, DJ QUEST, DJ KASEY RIOT, DJ LISA DE LUX.  Ticket sales have been strong and we are expecting another incredible year.  We do encourage you to get your tickets today before we are sold out.

The 2014 WinterPRIDE Festival Guide is now online so take a few minutes and dive in and plan your week.  See you in a few weeks!

1700+ acres open in time for US Thanksgiving at Whistler Blackcomb

Blackcomb Mountain to Open at Whistler Blackcomb Thursday November 28

PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and Full Size Terrain Park Also Opening

WHISTLER, BC November 27, 2013 – This Thursday, November 28, Whistler Blackcomb will complete its winter kick-off by opening Blackcomb Mountain to skiers and snowboarders. After two successful weeks operating on Whistler Mountain, the operations team has readied Blackcomb Mountain which will add approximately 700 acres of terrain to Whistler’s 1000+ acres for guests to enjoy.  Blackcomb’s lift operations team notes there will be seven lifts opening including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Guests will have the option to either upload at the Wizard Express in the Upper Village, the Excalibur Gondola in Whistler Village, or cross over from Whistler Mountain via the PEAK 2 PEAK. Also opening on Blackcomb will be the Excelerator Chair, Solar Express, Jersey Cream and Catskinner chairs.  As an added bonus, the Whistler Blackcomb Terrain Park crew has been putting in long hours to have a full terrain park built and ready to ride on Thursday.

“We are extremely excited to get guests up on both mountains and are proud of the hard work our operations teams have been putting into our opening days,” says Doug MacFarlene, Mountain Manager at Whistler Blackcomb.  “We’ve been focusing on our snowmaking to help out Mother Nature and with our recent snowmaking upgrades on Blackcomb things are looking really good.  Again we would like to remind guests it is still early season, and it is important to obey signage and ski and ride on open runs only.” 

Blackcomb Mountain Food and Beverage locations that will be opening on Thursday include Merlin’s Bar and the Wizard Grill at the base of the mountain, as well as the Rendezvous and Glacier Creek Lodges on the mountain.

The hours of operation for both Whistler and Blackcomb will be 8:30am to 3:00pm with the last upload at 2:30pm and the ski out open to Whistler Village from both mountains. Lifts tickets will be available from the Whistler Village, Creekside and Blackcomb Daylodge ticket windows or online at www.whistlerblackcomb.com. Edge Cards are also available at the early bird rates until December 2 for Canadians and Washington State residents, and later that month the Grand Opening of Whistler Blackcomb’s two new lifts; The Crystal Ridge Express and the Harmony 6 Express is scheduled for Saturday, December 7.

New version – Whistler Blackcomb Mobile App and Mobile Website
The latest version of the free Whistler Blackcomb mobile app, powered by TELUS is available for iPhone and Android phones. The improved app features a completely new user interface plus reports on live mountain conditions, webcam feeds, snow and lift alerts to ensure a connected mountain experience. Through the 2013.14 winter season, Whistler Blackcomb will add more content to improve the app including a new completely enhanced Run Tracker with Cloud support and a new Friend Finder feature. The newly released mobile website quickly provides all the detailed mountain information right to any mobile device and tablet. Visit http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/app for more information.

Guests looking to plan a trip to the consistently rated No. 1 Mountain Resort in North America can visit whistlerblackcomb.com/deals_packages  or call 1-866.787.1966.

The Aava Whistler Hotel is a proud sponsor and host hotel for the 22nd Annual WinterPRIDE festival January 26 - February 2nd, 2014.  Plan your Whistler Gay Ski Week escape today.  Special guests include:  Ivan Gomez (BCN), DJ Phil B (SFO), DJ Pornstar (LA), DJ Paulo (LA), DJ Seth Cooper (Chicago), DJ Nick Bertossi (Vancouver), DJ Del Stamp (Vancouver) and more! Use Promo Code: "Turkey" and take an additional $22 off for #BlackFriday.  Get your festival tickets today!  Happy US Thanksgiving!

Event management for WinterPRIDE Men's Event Passes 2014 powered by Eventbrite

Volunteer for Pride! Winter has arrived...

It is that time of year again when Whistler is getting ready to gear up for another incredible snow season at the number mountain resort - Whistler Blackcomb!  Giving back to your community can be one of the most rewarding things you can do and GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE is no exception.  Volunteer for Pride today and sign up now.

WinterPRIDE is January 26 - February 2nd, 2014.  Host Hotel + Pride House is the Aava Whistler

Whistler Blackcomb awarded top scores

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB RECEIVES TOP SCORES FROM ANNUAL RESORT RANKINGS

Photo by: Jussi Grznar | Whistler, BC, Canada

Accolades Credited To Whistler Blackcomb’s Incredible Terrain And Dedicated Staff

WHISTLER, BC November 7, 2013 – The annual resort rankings are in and Whistler Blackcomb is proud to be the recipient of four “best overall” awards and 12 “category wins”. These consistent results continue to position Whistler Blackcomb as one of the leading ski resorts in the world and a must-visit destination on every traveller’s bucket list.

“Our success is credited to our prime geographical location which results in great snow and an incredible variety of terrain, but what really makes the difference is our people,” says Stuart Rempel, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Whistler Blackcomb.  “Our staff strives every day to provide the best and most memorable experiences to all of our guests and these awards are proof of that effort. We constantly aim to improve our physical assets as we respect our natural environment. The addition of the Crystal Ridge Express and the Harmony 6 Express chairs this winter will heighten the guest experience by moving people around the mountain more efficiently to their favorite zones.  We’re confident these expansions, along with our focus on guest service, will allow us to remain at the top.”

Whistler Blackcomb Awards and Rankings 2013.2014

No.1 Overall

-       Freeskier Magazine

-       SBC Resort Guide

-       Best Overall Northwest Region, Onthesnow.com

-       2013 Ski Club of Great Britain: Highest Net Promoter Score in the world.

Accolades

-       #1 Landmark In Canada, Trip Advisor, Traveller’s Choice Awards

-       Best Gondola View in North America, Liftopia.com

-       One of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Canada’s Top 100 Employers, CAN

-       Top 25 Ski Resorts in the World, Snowaddiction.org

-       Best Winter Destination, Georgia Straight, Best of Vancouver 2013

-       Best Weekend Getaway, Georgia Straight, Beat of Vancouver 2013

-       Best Terrain in the West, SBC Resort Guide

-       Best Parks in the West, SBC Resort Guide

-       Best Terrain in Northwest Region, Onthesnow.com

-       Top 5 Canadian Resorts, Huffington Post

-       Best Après, SKI Magazine

-       Best Ski Resorts for Powder, Telegraph UK

-       Best Nightlife, Freeskier Magazine

-       Best Nightlife in Northwest Region, Onthesnow.com

-       Best Nightlife Overall, Onthesnow.com

-       Best Nightlife, TransWorld SNOWboarding

-       No.2 Lodging , SKI Magazine

-       No.2 Terrain Variety, SKI Magazine

-       No.2 Off-Hill Activities, SKI Magazine

-       No.2 Best on a Powder Day, Freeskier Magazine

-       No.2 Best Apres. Freeskier Magazine

-       No.2 Best Steeps, Freeskier Magazine

-       No.3 Top Resorts, TransWorld SNOWboarding

-       No.4 Dining, SKI Magazine

-       No.4 Digital Presence, SKI Magazine

-       No.5 Best Parks, TransWorld SNOWboarding

-       No.5 Lifts, SKI Magazine

-       No.5 Top Lifts to Lap – Peak Express, Freeskier Magazine

Whistler Blackcomb is scheduled to officially open for the winter season on Thursday, November 28.

Click to book WinterPRIDE Hotel Package Now

Guests looking to plan a trip can save up to 39 per cent on ski and stay packages by taking advantage of Whistler's Early Booking Offer until November 15, 2013.  Visit whistlerblackcomb.com/deals_packages  or call 1-866-787-1966 for details.

Reminder:  The 22nd annual Gay & Lesbian Ski/Snowboard Week - GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE is January 26 - February 2nd, 2014.  Headline entertainment include: DJ Ivan Gomez (BCN), DJ Phil B. (SFO), DJ Pornstar (LA), DJ Paulo (LA), DJ Seth Cooper (Chicago) and DJ Nick Bertossi (Vancouver).  8-days, 65-events, 26-nations, 3,000+ guys and gals enjoying diversity at the leading Mountain Resort in North America (and the world!).  Host hotel:  Aava Whistler

Waffles + Wagers

It really is amazing how quickly time ticks away... days are becoming shorter, the mornings more crisp and the snow line on the mountains keep creeping closer to the valley floor.  We are now just a short 10-days away from the Nov. 15th Early Booking offer deadline to lock in your epic snowcation getaway.  I know it can be hard to imagine the awesomeness that is to come, but our friends at +WhistlerBlackcomb have just released a "taste" of things to come.... we present:
Waffles + Wagers

The Wonder Reels S2: Waffles, Wagers and the NEW Crystal Ridge Express features a foursome of skiers and snowboarders riding up the new Crystal Ridge Express chair who decide on a friendly wager for waffles at the Crystal Hut. The friends romp and race through the iconic Crystal Zone on Blackcomb Mountain and the last one to the bottom has to buy the waffles back at the top. This video is produced by Switchback Entertainment and the featured athletes include Ashleigh McIvor, Ian Morrison, Robjn Taylor and Jesse Millen.

Remember to lock in your deals today and see you throughout the season and at Whistler's #WinterPRIDE January 26 - February 2nd, 2014.  Call 1.866.787.1966 or online GayWhistler.com

Online event registration for WinterPRIDE Men's Event Passes 2014 powered by Eventbrite

#WBSnowReady Oct03 Epic Tease

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB CELEBRATES AMAZING EARLY SEASON SNOW BY AWARDING A SOCIAL MEDIA CONTEST WINNER WITH THE SEASON’S FIRST HELI-SKI EXPERIENCE 

WHISTLER BC, October 4, 2013 – Every year Whistler Blackcomb sends professional athletes up

Blackcomb Mountain to document their first powder turns of the season but, thanks to unusually large amounts of early snow, Whistler Blackcomb was able to send athletes up earlier than ever before. Yesterday, professional skiers Mike Douglas, Eric Hjorleifson and professional snowboarder Annie Boulanger were flown up to Blackcomb Mountain and the Spearman Glacier by Whistler Heli-Skiing for their first tracks of the season.

In another unprecedented first, Whistler Blackcomb also sent #WBFirstTracks social media contest winner Jeremy Bekken (aka JerBuck) along for the ride for his winning Instagram photo – a powdery smile plastered on his face the entire day. All the while, legendary ski photographer Paul Morrison and Switchback Entertainment captured the action on film and photo.

Reminder:  This coming weekend is the Legendary Turkey Sale at Whistler Oct. 11-13, 2013!

Save up to 70% off Brand names and get yourself sorted for the best snow season ever!  Room rates starting at just $89/night or stay at the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Whistler for a special Thanksgiving Special of just $139/night.  Many of Whistler's restaurants will have some awesome Fall wine & dine specials too plus the various spas will also have some special treats and savings to get you into the spirit of #WinterIsComing.

Call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at WhistlerBlackcomb.com

Remember to book before Nov. 15 for the best deals of the season! REmind

Reminder: WinterPRIDE is January 26 - February 2nd, 2014. 8 Days, 65 Events, 3,000+ 'Mo's from around the world celebrating diversity in the snow! Visit GayWhistler.com for more info.

The Wait for Winter

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.

Event Registration Online for WinterPRIDE Men's Event Passes 2014 powered by Eventbrite

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB SKIERS AND RIDERS PASSIONATE ADVOCATES OF RESORT

Key Strengths Of No. 1 Ranked Resort Include Friendliness Of Staff, Variety Of Trails And Sense Of On-Mountain Safety

WHISTLER, BC September 17, 2013 – As the mountains in North America receive their first

Photo by: Paul Morrison | Whistler, Canada

dustings of snow, Whistler Blackcomb is planning for the launch of two new chairlifts in December. While annual accolades from ski and snowboard magazines regularly position Whistler Blackcomb as one of the top ranked ski and snowboard destinations in the world, as the saying goes, “The customer knows best.”

Every winter thousands of skiers and riders are surveyed on the mountains to help Whistler Blackcomb assess their key strengths as well as their “Net Promoter Score (NPS).” This score determines a customer’s loyalty by asking how likely they are to recommend the resort, and to scale their answer from one to ten. With 87 per cent of Whistler Blackcomb’s customers rating the likelihood of a recommendation at either 9 or 10 out of 10, it is clear the resort has loyal customers that are passionate about everything the mountains have to offer.

“We see over two million skier visits every winter season,” says Dave Brownlie, President and Chief Executive Officer, Whistler Blackcomb. “We are the most visited ski resort in North America; that many skiers and riders can’t be wrong! Out of every metric we use to evaluate our success as a business, the NPS is one of the most important things we look at.”

RRC Associates is the third-party company that evaluates and reports the results of Whistler Blackcomb’s surveys. The data is gathered through intercept surveys where on-mountain guests are asked to evaluate the facilities, amenities, employee service, and overall aspects of their visit.

Besides sitting in one of the highest percentiles of NPS for ski resorts in North America, Whistler Blackcomb’s customers also recognized the following attributes as key strengths:

·         Friendliness of staff

·         Variety of trails

·         Overall ski and snowboard experience

·         Sense of on-mountain safety

·         Grooming

·         Snow conditions

·         Terrain park and halfpipe

“Whistler Blackcomb is constantly focused on improving every aspect of our business,” says Brownlie. “The $18 million capital expansion of the New Harmony 6 six-pack chairlift on Whistler and the new Crystal Ridge Express on Blackcomb opening this December are a testament to our commitment to providing the best possible experience for our guests year over year. However at the core of it all are our people. Every Whistler Blackcomb employee works together to exceed expectations, and when the results of our winter surveys tell us a story of success, we can’t be more proud of our team and the positive impressions they make on our guests’ experiences.”

Whistler Blackcomb is scheduled to officially open on Thursday, November 28, 2013. Guests looking to book a vacation at Whistler Blackcomb for the 2013.2014 winter season can save up to 39 per cent by taking advantage of the Early Booking offer. Stay and ski/ride packages start from $97 per person, per night and are available until November 15, 2013. Visit whistlerblackcomb.com/lodgingdeals or call 1-866-787-1966.

About Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb, the official alpine skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is situated in the Resort Municipality of Whistler located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia 125 kilometres (78 miles) from Vancouver, British Columbia. North America’s premier four season mountain resort, Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains which combined offer over 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, receives on average over 1,174 centimetres (462 inches)  of snow annually, and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. In the summer, Whistler Blackcomb offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. 

Proud to be a venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Twitter: @WhistlerBlckcmb | Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/whistlerblackcomb

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB EARLY BIRD SEASON PASSES ON SALE NOW

Save Up To $320 on Your Pass and Enjoy Endless Skiing and Riding for the 2013.2014 Season

WHISTLER, BC August 27, 2013 – Winter is just around the corner and Early Bird Season Passes for Whistler Blackcomb’s 2013.2014 ski and snowboard season are now on sale. Until October 14, 2013 guests will be able to receive up to $320 in savings on their 2013.2014 Season Pass. Unlimited Adult Seasons Passes are just $1,589 at the Early Bird price. A season pass offers the best value to guests looking to ski or ride at Whistler Blackcomb; allowing for freedom, flexibility, and exclusive Passholder perks, including 50 per cent off lift tickets at partner resorts in The Mountain Collective, as well as various discounts on Whistler Blackcomb products and services.

“It is going to be another very exciting year at Whistler Blackcomb with the opening of our two brand new chairlifts, the Crystal Ridge Express high-speed quad and the Harmony 6 Express high-speed six pack,” says Stuart Rempel, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Whistler Blackcomb. “These new lifts will allow guests to get even more turns in at North America’s largest ski resort with better access to the terrain they love. An Unlimited Seasons Pass allows guests to make the most of every day of the season. Plus, the addition of 50 per cent off lift tickets at our partner resorts in The Mountain Collective is an incredible opportunity for our Passholders to experience some of North America’s other iconic ski areas.”

The Early Bird Unlimited Seniors (65-74) Season Pass is available for $849; Youth Unlimited Early Bird Season Pass (13-18) at $719 and an Unlimited Child (7-12) Season Pass is $439. Ten per cent discounts are available for families purchasing passes while children six and under ski free.

Season Passholder Perks Include:

·         50 per cent off lift tickets at The Mountain Collective Resorts – (Alta/Snowbird, Aspen/Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Mammoth, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows)

·         20 per cent off at select on-mountain food and beverage locations

·         Save up to 20 per cent at select Whistler Blackcomb retail and rental stores

·         $50 off select Snow School programs

·         2 for 1 Fresh Tracks Mountain-Top Breakfast tickets until December 23, 2013. Presented by the Globe and Mail

·         $100 off Whistler Heli-Skiing

·         Unlimited summer hiking access in 2014 with the PEAK 2 PEAK Alpine Experience

·         Passholder Perks also include Tube Park discounts, lodging deals, monthly offers and more. Complete details at whistlerblackcomb.com/perks

Guests who purchase their Season Pass before October 14, 2013 can opt in for the following:

• Purchase a Whistler Blackcomb Gift Card valued at $500 for only $399
• Purchase three Bring-A-Friend lift tickets for only $179 (valued at $327)

Snow Advantage

Whistler Blackcomb is the consistently ranked No. 1 resort in North America receiving an annual average snowfall of 1,174cm or 38ft. Adding to Mother Nature’s bounty, Whistler Blackcomb also utilizes 235 snow guns to provide guests the best possible ski and snowboard experience from opening day in November through to the end of the winter ski season in May.

Early Bird Season Passes are on sale now until October 14, and can be purchased through www.whistlerblackcomb.com  or by calling 1-866-787-1966.  Whistler Blackcomb’s official opening day for the 2013.2014 season is Thursday, November 28, 2013.

About Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb, the official alpine skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is situated in the Resort Municipality of Whistler located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia 125 kilometres (78 miles) from Vancouver, British Columbia. North America’s premier four season mountain resort, Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains which combined offer over 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, receives on average over 1,174 centimetres (462 inches) of snow annually, and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. In the summer, Whistler Blackcomb offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. 

About GayWhistler

GayWhistler (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 - WinterPRIDE.  WinterPRIDE is January 26 - February 2nd, 2014 (new week - one week earlier than previous years) and has four key elements:  Sports, Culinary, Wellness and Entertainment.  WinterPRIDE has something for both the skier/snowboarder and the non-skier/boarder as well as programming for the Lesbians and Bears.  WinterPRIDE has been awarded as one of the best Gay Ski Weeks in the world by various editors and publications.  WinterPRIDE will be celebrating 22 years in 2014 with official civic status.  Aava Whistler is the official Host Hotel of WinterPRIDE

Event Tickets now on sale:  Visit http://www.gaywhistler.eventbrite.ca/

GayWhistler is a subsidiary of Alpenglow Production Corporation. 

GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE GENERATES $9.0 MILLION TO THE PROVINCE OF BC

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

 

PEARL Pride Party App World Debut at WinterPRIDE

GuySpy Proudly launches the free PEARL Pride Party App for iPhone & iPad at GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE

Stark Mobile Technologies will be launching their new gay event app at this year’s WinterPride in Whistler BC

The best and fastest growing gay social network app GuySpy, is proud to present

PEARL

the premiere mobile app for all global LGBT Pride events and Circuit Parties, as well as associated parades and activities.

“We had been looking for a way to more efficiently give back to the enormous community that supports and uses the GuySpy app and PEARL was created to do exactly that!” says GuySpy’s Morris Chapdelaine. “To be able to offer a completely free app to world-wide Pride organizations so that they can better reach out to their audience, connect with social networks and promote their parties and sponsors seemed to be something everyone was looking for.”

ads Chapdelaine.

With PEARL, users are able to keep up to date on what’s happening when, build and maintain a personal schedule, share information with social networks, and upload, view and share user photos. Additional features include:

•full event vent and location listings including full schedules, maps, branding and sponsorship info.
•tweet from within the app, check-in and post right to Facebook
•push messaging capabilities for changes, updates or time sensitive information 
•links to event tickets

The official kick-off of PEARL is happening on February 3rd in Whistler, BC.

"GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE is honored to be the world's first pride festival to launch this exciting mobile enabled application.  As a company we have always embraced technology and social media.  We are proud to play a role in being leaders in adapting to the way our guests want to connect and to share with their networks what they are doing and experiencing and PEARL is the natural evolution to help make those connections and sharing possible.”

Says Dean Nelson, CEO & Executive Producer of GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE.

The PEARL app is currently available for iPhone and iPad. Click to down load for free

If you represent an LGBT Pride Event or a global circuit party weekend/fund raiser, please contact morris (at) guyspy.com for information on getting on PEARL

GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE is from Feb. 3-10, 2013 at the award winning resort of Whistler Blackcomb. For more information visit GayWhistler.com or call 1.866.787.1966

WinterPRIDE on the Air with Global BC Saturday Morning News with Lynn Colliar

Saturday, January 26th - GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE was invited on to the set of the Saturday Morning News with Lynn Colliar at the Global BC Burnaby studio. Dean Nelson, CEO & Executive Producer of WinterPRIDE along with Brandon Hamilton, Winner of the Vancouver heat of the Mr. Gay Canada cross country search. Together they were able to share some of the highlights the viewers on Global TV can expect to experience Feb. 3-10, 2013 in Whistler Blackcomb. For ski packages & last minute deals call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at GayWhistler.com

Just in Time for US Thanksgiving Long Weekend

In the last 24 hours, Whistler Mountain has received 37cm (14.8") and more snow is in the forecast making way for more terrain to be opened on Whistler and this Thursday (Nov. 22nd) Blackcomb Mountain officially opens for the season, just in time for the US Thanksgiving Long Weekend!

This weekend, Saturday, November 24th is the official kick off to the 11th season of the Vancouver/Whistler LGBT ski/snowboard club - skiOUT!  This is a fantastic way to meet new and old friends out on the slopes of Whistler.

First of the Season - SkiOUT

WHISTLER MOUNTAIN on Saturday 24th November at 10AM SHARP!

Meet the gang @ the Lightboard outside the Roundhouse!  Lunch is 1pm at the Roundhouse, 2nd floor, right side and of course Apres is at Dustys – 2nd floor around 3:30ish.

There will be limited runs open, but there is snow so all is GREAT!  Give yourself lots of time to make it up (approx. 45min from Whistler Village gondola)!  Watch for the rainbow flag!

Stay for the weekend or the night... call 1.866.787.1966 for last minute specials!  November hotel deals start at just $76/night!  Call or book online today!  

WhistlerBlackcomb is GayWhistler's official travel partner.  WinterPRIDE - Whistler's annual Gay and Lesbian ski/snowboard week is Feb. 3-10, 2013.  For more information visit GayWhistler.com  WinterPRIDE's official host hotel is the Aava Whistler Hotel.

Mckillop comes out at the 21st annual WinterPRIDE in Whistler, BC, Canada

GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE & Mr. Gay Canada are proud to announce the official underwear & swimwear sponsor is: MckillopUW.com 

GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE welcomes Mckillop Underwear & SWIM as the Official Underwear/Swimwear Sponsor. Founder & Head Designer Ryan Mckillop is leading the men’s below the belt revolution with the most ergonomic underwear/swimwear on the market today. Mckillop skillfully merges old world hand craftsmanship with modern ergonomic cuts and styles.

“We here at Mckillop are excited and honored to be apart of the 21st annual WinterPRIDE celebrations in Whistler this February 3-10, 2013. Throughout the week it is our pleasure to enhance your experience with our unique Mckillop style; showcasing our wears on the WinterPRIDE’s dancers at various locations around Whistler. We will also be outfitting the underwear & swimwear for the Thursday night Mr. Gay Canada Grand Finale Fashion show, to which the delegates will be wearing a custom designed Mr. Gay Canada Boxer" explains Canadian Fashion Designer, Ryan McKillop. “The festival guests can expect a few little surprises in their welcome bags upon arrival so everyone can experience MCKUW.com.”

“We are thrilled to have Mckillop on board as our official underwear sponsor for both WinterPRIDE and Mr. Gay Canada. It will be great to have such a premium hand crafted underwear to ensure all of the WinterPRIDE dancers and Mr. Gay Canada delegates are looking their best at all times,” says Dean Nelson, CEO & Executive Producer of the festival.

WinterPRIDE 2013 runs from February 3-10, 2013, and continues to revolutionize the traditional gay ski week format with its unique blend of four winter festival elements: Sports, Culinary, Health and Wellness, and Entertainment. 

  

In addition to the world-class skiing and snowboarding being offered in Whistler, many of WinterPRIDE's regular highlights will return for 2013, such as an array of dance parties, culinary events, zip trekking and dog sledding. WinterPRIDE 2013 also offers an expanded program of on-and-off mountain events, including special events for lesbians and bears as well as the annual Mr. Gay Canada competition. 

5 Night Lodging and 4 Day Ski Packages start at just $114/person/night.  Available until November 15th, 2012 for stays from February 3-10, 2013.  For Reservations call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at gayWhistler.com

Turkey Sale! Winter is coming...

Wow, can you imagine that our beautiful summer has come to an end and we are starting to gear up for a truly epic snow season in just a couple short months from now?  Already the mountains are starting to vibrate with the excitement of the coming snow and in two short weeks is the annual kick off to that crazy season we love so much with Whistler Blackcomb's legendary annual Turkey Sale (over Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend) October 4-8, 2012.

Stay the weekend and experience some stellar last minute hotel deals so you can shop, eat, drink and be marry!  Call 1.866.787.1966 or shop online for those wicked deals starting at just $99/night!  We recommend staying at GayWhistler's host hotel:  The Aava Whistler hotel is just $90.50 (full prepayment/non refundable)

You can save up to 70% off your THE TOP BRAND NAMES IN SKI AND SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT, OUTERWEAR AND ACCESSORIES

WHY VISIT THE TURKEY SALE?

Shop over 20,000 square feet of top name brands under one roof, at HUGE pre-season savings.
Right beside the Turkey Sale you will find WMSC's Ski & Snowboard Swap where you can buy & sell used gear.

New Season Pass and EDGE Cardholders can pick up their new Pass or Card while checking out the sale (returning Pass and Card holders can re-use their Pass or Card from last year).

Plan ahead and save!  Here is to another powder filled dreams to come!

Remember:  GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE - the evolution of the Gay & Lesbian Ski/Snowboard week is Feb. 3-10, 2013 for more information visit gaywhistler.com

The Rainbows have arrived into Whistler - 5 Days counting

Well, it is official... The Rainbow flags are flying high over Whistler village and Pride week is just 5 days away! The energy and buzz in the village and around the world for Whistler's 20th Annual Gay & Lesbian Ski/Snowboard week is going strong. Ticket sales have been in high demand and some of the event passes are close in being sold out... so if you have yet to buy your passes you better act quick before they are gone. Book online today!

- More GayWhistler Publications

Doing a quick call around there are still a few rooms to be had in the village. The host hotel - Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa has a few different room categories available but their inventory is moving quickly so do call the hotel soon to lock in your stay. For those that are looking for a place to crash and to economize on your accommodations - the Whistler Athletes' Centre could be the perfect alternative for you. They have rooms starting at just $50 Single and $75 for Double occupancy. This is the centre all those hot 2010 Winter Olympians stayed... it is beautiful but it is about 10 - 15 minutes south of the main village. There is frequent transit or you can self drive or take a taxi to the village.

Have you got your transport sorted? We have some great choice for you:

YVR International Airport to Whistler direct on the Pacific Coach - Whistler SkyLynx with eight departures daily! Call 1.800.661.1725 or book online today!

YVR International Airport to Whistler with more personalized service The Whistler Glacier Group is the perfect choice. They have a huge fleet of Town Cars, SUV's, Limo's, mini coaches to full size coaches to take you and your posse on your schedule. Call or visit Whistler Glacier Group today! Call 1.866.905.7779 or visit online

Already in Vancouver? Then take the Whistler Direct Shuttle... the only shuttle service that can pick you up from your hotel in Downtown Vancouver and drop you off at your door in Whistler. Exclusive $25 one way fares available for WinterPRIDE guests... call 1.888.405.2410 or visit online.

Call our Central Reservations at 1.866.787.1966 and one of our helpful guest services agents will be happy to assist with all of your last minute travel arrangements. They can quickly review all of Whistler's inventory and help narrow the search and find you the right place with your budget in mind. They can also book all of your winter adventures like ski tickets, ski school, ski/snowboard rentals, Dog Sledding, Snowmobile Tours as well as your ground transfers from YVR. Call 1.866.787.1966

Remember think snow, think WinterPRIDE! Feb. 5-12, 2012 for more information visit gayWhistler.com

15 Days and counting!

Yahoo! La Nina has been very kind to the Resort of Whistler this season dumping a total of 583cm (230") or 18+ Feet of snow since the start of the season with heaps more snow on it's way! In the last 24 hours we have had 23cm bringing the snowbase to a healthy 215cm (84") - as measured at Pig Alley Weather Station at 1650 meters on Whistler Mountain.

So with 15 days to go before the kick off to GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE it is looking like we are in really good shape. We saw a jump in tickets this past week when Whistler Blackcomb & Tourism Whistler released a surprise 72-hour sale helping to spur some of those fence sitters to jump over to Whistler and take advantage of the incredible snow conditions.

If you do not ski/snowboard...that is totally okay as there is just so much to do. Are you feeling a bit butch? Do you want to have a feeling of being an Olympian? Why not try the Biathlon experience and shoot at targets in the snow! Or throw on some furs and be an old world explorer and go snowshoeing? Have a need for speed? Love Roller Coasters? Then you have to do the Skeleton Experience at the Whistler Sliding Track! Check out these and other activities you can do while in Whistler. Activities do require ADVANCE RESERVATIONS - so book today and avoid disappointment.

Remember to book your hotel room soon as inventory is moving quick! Call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online today!

WinterPRIDE has a stellar line up of entertainment so make sure you purchase your event tickets before arriving to the resort as many of our events sold out on Sunday night of Pride last year. So plan ahead and book today! Visit GayWhistler.com

72-HR Winter Sales just in time for Pride

News Flash!! Whistler Blackcomb has just released an exclusive 72-Hour Sale with savings up to 50% this season. This is fantastic news on top of the already 17+ feet of snow this year... you could sort of say this is the icing on the cake for our 20th annual celebration of Gay Ski Week!

So what are you waiting for? This is the time to jump off that fence and make your way up to Whistler and experience 100% of the 8,171 acres of pure skiing bliss! Book Online Now! or call 1.866.787.1966
WinterPRIDE - Whistler's Gay/Lesbian Ski/Snowboard Week is Feb. 5-12, 2012 and has a wicked line up of some incredible talent including: International DJ/producer Manny Lehman, DJ Ted Eiel (Chicago), DJ Tim Jones (London), DJ Dan Murphy (Sydney), DJ Adam Dreaddy (Vancouver), DJ/Producer Bertossi (Vancouver), DJ Zach Shore (Vancouver), JC Simon ARCADIA (Ottawa), DJ Riki Rocket (UK), DJ Miss M (Vancouver), DJ Kasey Riot (Vancouver), DJ Foxy Moron (Whistler), DJ Byron James (North Vancouver), DJ Kevin Costner (Whistler), DJ Doug Cameron; Special Guests: Jason Stuart, Julia Stretch, Ruckus Deluxe, Patrick Masse, Tyrell Witherspoon, Symone Says, Jodie James, Syren, Samantha mack, buster Cherry, Burgundy Brixx, Madame Mae I, Cris Derksen, Mr. Gay Canada 2012 Delegates

For complete listings visit gaywhistler.com or click on the festival guide below:

- Click to search other GayWhistler publications

GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE is Feb. 5-12, 2012 in Whistler, BC, Canada

WinterPRIDE Ski/Snowboard Guiding presented by Air New Zealand

WinterPRIDE Mountain Guides - Join our Guiding Team! presented by Air New Zealand Feb. 5-12, 2012

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, February 5th, 2012 through Sunday, February 12, 2012. GUIDING IS MONDAY, Feb. 6th -SATURDAY, FEB. 11th.
Traditional Program
Our traditional program continues this year meeting between Whistler and Blackcomb. This year we are starting the program on Whistler and ending the week on Blackcomb.

ATAC!
ATAC stands for All Terrain, All Conditions. This is 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
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, February 5th guide meeting/party that will be held on the evening of Sunday, February 5th in the WinterPRIDE hospitality suite area at the Aava Whistler Hotel (4005 Whistler Way, Whistler) If you can not make that, YOU MUST attend one of the on-snow training sessions. 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 1 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 12th, 2012

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
2012 WinterPRIDE Ski/Snowboard Guide Safety Manual

- More gaywhistler

Mountain Safety & Responsibility - Alpine Responsibility Code