Whistler Blackcomb Primed for Winter!

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

Whistler Blackcomb 2011/2012 Season Kick Off Video from Sherpas Cinema from Whistler Blackcomb on Vimeo.

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

The Hills are alive with Gays...

The Whistler High Note trail is FINALLY open, and SkiOUT is finally going hiking this Saturday, August 20th, 2011 10AM
Forecast: Sunny, Hot 28C, UV Index is HIGH so ensure you pack your sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat!

If you are unfamiliar with hiking in Whistler... this is one of the best and most accesible high alpine hiking experiences you can get. If you are only able to do one hike this year, this is the hike you will want to do. Not only is the scenery breathtaking, the alpine flowers are stunning, the ride on the world record breaking Peak 2 Peak is an absolute must, hiking between giant walls of snow and of course hanging out with a kewl group of 'Mo's is the icing on the cake - sort of speak!

The Details:
Parking lots 4&5 are still free...parking lots 1/2/3 $12/day.

Meeting spot: Whistler Village at the base of the Gondolas...watch for the rainbow flag. We leave at 10:00am SHARP so be there early! We head towards Blackcomb for our chair lift up. If you are late...take the Whistler Village Gondola up and meet us at the Roundhouse around 11ish

From Blackcomb, we take the Peak to Peak across to Whistler, meet up with any late hikers, and head up the Peak Chair and over to the High Note Trail.
We stroll the High Note Trail (7km return moderate level hike with some moderate elevation change) We have lunch around 1ish overlooking Cheakamus Lake - remember your packing your own lunch...so make it good! For those that prefer Gone Bakery in the Village Square packs a hearty sandwich / picnic bag to go!

After lunch we head back via snow packed Symphony and Harmony bowls...alpine lake swim anyone? In the past years, this has been a favourite stop and refresh in the glacier fed lake! We will head back to the Roundhouse, grab the gondola down were we will an refreshing beverage at Blacks Pub to wind down the day... we expect to be back in the village around 5ish

BE PREPARED TO WALK ON SNOW!!
Suggestions to help you enjoy your day
1) water
2) hiking shoes / sturdy leather runners/|extra pair of dry socks (if you wear mesh runners, your feet will get wet)
3) lunch - pack light but make it good!
4) did I mention water?!
5) backpack (with a water platypus maybe?)
6) camera
7) sunscreen SPF 30 recommended
8) bug spray (didn't have any problems last weekend..but just in case)
9) large garbage bag... cause we will for sure see some great tobogganing runs covered in snow! SO MUCH FUN!
10) your EDGE card!

If you renewed your Edge card for 2011/12 season you get a free sight seeing day...otherwise make sure you get your ticket online for the best savings. If you are going to ride the Peak2Peak more than once... the Season Pass is the best deal... buy online here The sightseeing pass is valid until Oct. 10th

For more information about this hike visit the skiOUT Event page - Click Here -

Spend the weekend in Whistler - The resort has some fantastic room rates available starting at just $89/night call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at GayWhistler.com

"Whistler Presents" Concert series at the Whistler Olympic Plaza on Saturday, August 20th Key of Zee, 7 PM
Northern Pikes, 8:15 PM So make a weekend of it!!

See you there!

Hotel | Accommodations deals click here or call 1.866.787.1966
Peak2Peak Sightseeing Passes click here and save online

Screaming Ski Season Deals - Whistler

So here we are mid August and we are already looking ahead to a stellar winter snow season. Yeah, I know... here in the Vancouver/Whistler region we have not had much of a summer... that is in part due to the HUGE snow pack we had this year which has helped keep our temperatures lower than normal, the good news in this is 1) for the first time in hundreds of years the glaciers on Whistler / Blackcomb appear to be advancing (aka growing!) 2) the alpine still has a fairly healthy snow pack which is all going to mean a better base for this upcoming season 3) long range forecasts are showing that this will be another EPIC snow season! So Boyz & Gurrlz get those boards shined up we are going to have a Snowtastic season!

Book your Winter Escape today 1.866.787.1966 from Whistler Blackcomb on Vimeo.

The other fantastic news is our hotel partners with Whistler Blackcomb have some ridiculous deals to be had if you are able to commit by August 31st. And by booking early, you are GUARANTEED to have the best rate of the season even if there is a price adjustment later your package will be adjust automatically when you book through Whistler Blackcomb. Call 1.866.787.1966

So all this chatter I know you want to know what are the freak'n deals...? Well my friend here is the skinny:


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

Outgames EcoChallenge - Whistler Strikes Gold!

The weather gods provided the 2011 Vancouver Outgames EcoChallenge warriors amazing weather conditions for a truly epic adventure race at Lost Lake Park in Whistler, BC. The racers endured a 10KM track with an approximate elevation gain of 1,000 feet over seven disciplines: Running, Mountain Biking, Swimming, Rappel, Building a raft and paddel, Tyrolean Traverse, and Orienteering. Each team needed to complete a series of six check points to collect a ribbon, each ribbon a different color and together they make up a Rainbow Pride Flag.

The first Medals for the Outgames have been awarded to the EcoChallengers below! Congratulations!

Novice/Intermediate (Team of 2)

Men Gold: Michael Frolick & Rohan Hare [1hour, 45 min.]
Men Silver: Bill Wu & Hoa Ly [1 hour, 58 min.]
Men Bronze: Michael Brown & Daniel Suman [2hours, 30 min.]

Senior Men Gold: Greg Larocque & Terry Syvenky [3hours, 25 min.]
Senior Men Silver: Bruce Townsend & Gord Dunbar [3 hours, 28 min]

Women Gold: Karen McCormick, Elaine Colford, Diane Smith, Beth Hamilton [3 hours, 28 min.]
Vancouver2011Outgames.com

TFD: Outgames & Vancouver Pride Parties

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

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!

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