Dean Nelson is the man behind one of the biggest gay and lesbian ski weeks every year up in Whistle, BC. WinterPRIDE features top notch skiing and snowboarding, but also a plethora of events and parties for skiers and non-skiers alike. WinterPRIDE in Whistler is one of the most lesbian-friendly gay ski events. Dean Nelson talks to us about WinterPRIDE and why the ladies love it so much.
WinterPRiDE – Annual Gay & Lesbian Ski Week: Feb. 5-12, 2012
Dean, tell me what WinterPRIDE is and how you got involved? -
WinterPRIDE is the evolution of Gay Ski Week. In 2007 we re-branded Gay Ski week as we saw there was a bigger opportunity to reach more people by become more inclusive to both the skier/non skier, to the full spectrum of our very diverse LGBT community. We have programming specific for the women, to the bear/leather/fetish, to the circuit queens and everything in between. I first was involved with Gay Ski Week back in 1995 as a hotel partner, as well as a volunteer, and then in 2006 became part of the organizing group that took over the week long celebration.
There are a few other gay ski weeks out there, but WinterPRIDE seems to be the best at attracting lesbians. Why is that?
WinterPRIDE is a huge team effort and we are really fortunate to work with many wonderful community groups that are able to engage and listen to what our women are looking for and needing in a winter escape. We are thrilled to have been able to work with http://www.flygirlproductions.com/ Flygirl Productions for the past three years and really taking our Shred Betties Bash to the level that are attracting the international and regional lesbian. We also have created some fun programming on Friday with our Purrlesque party which got off to a great debut last year.
Why come to an event like WinterPRIDE instead of just going to Whistler for a ski week on your own?
The advantage of coming during WinterPRIDE is the village vibe is remarkably different. Everyone loosens up, is having a great time and everyone can just be themselves without having to think in their mind, “Is this okay?” Also many of our resort partners have exclusive discounts and promotions during the week therefore making your vacation budget stretch that much more. You can also win some amazing prizes and of course you are meeting like-minded people from all over the world. Many of our guests have found their life partners! When WinterPRIDE is in port of Whistler…. it’s like being on the Love Boat! Things can happen… just saying.
Tell me about the skiing and snow boarding. Do people all meet up to ski together or what?
Yes, everyday during WinterPRIDE, we assemble everyone that wants to ski/snowboard together into similar skiing/riding abilities. This way you are able to meet other people at your own speed and have an enjoyable experience on the 8,171 acres of pure skiing bliss… our mountains can be a bit overwhelming for some of our guests from Minnesota! This also means if you are in a relationship and you are at different skiing abilities you can break off and each have an amazing time on the mountain and come back and meet for lunch and later for apres without feeling guilty of either holding your partner back or pushing him/her into terrain that they are not comfortable with. It has saved a many a marriage I reckon!
Are there races or competitions?
On Friday, Feb. 10th we have our annual Charity Ski Race… the race is actually a race against yourself where you need to guess your time. So it does not necessarily mean the fastest racer wins…. it is the skier that is the most consistent. Last year the winner guessed his time perfect! All proceeds this year go towards the Whistler Health Care Centre.
What about newbies? Can they get lessons?
Yes, Whistler Blackcomb offers both private and group lessons. When you sign up and let the guest relations know you are with WinterPRIDE they will do their best to link you up with other WinterPRIDE guests.
What kinds of events do you have for non-skiers?
There are so many amazing adventures to get into… we have the very passive adventures like culinary (mixology, wine tastings, beer sampling, progressive dinners), sightseeing on the Peak2Peak gondola, Inner Tubing, dog sledding, ice skating in the village, to relaxing and detoxing at one of our many spas… to more adrenaline adventures like Bungee Jumping, Snowmobile tours, ZipTreking, and new this year… Skelton! Imagine hovering just inches off a sheet of ice clocking some 70 mph head first down the fastest sliding track in the world! That is Skelton at the Whistler Olympic Sliding Centre… it is okay, totally safe… Skelton is the easiest of the three sliding sports and you have a full training session on how to slide safely!
What big women’s events do you have scheduled for 2012?
This year we have the incredible Purrlesque Party with the every outrageous Samantha Mack as our emcee / mistress of the night and headline acts include Burgundy Brixx and Madame Mae I with DJ Kassy Riot whipping the girls into a frenzy! The Vancouver Observer said, “To watch Burgundy Brixx, was to see an artist at the top of her craft. In a sparkling green dress that set off her flaming red hair, Brixx was in total control of the audience, expertly choosing when and what to reveal.”
Of Course we have Shred Betties Bash coming back for another fabulous year with Mandy & Leigh of Flygirl Productions producing the show with DJ Riki Rocket and DJ Miss M and loads of beautiful snow bunnies to get you in the mood to party the night away. All of our events are accessible to everyone, so besides these two signature events… the girls will be at the apres ski parties, comedy show with Vancouver comedian Julia Stretch and Hollywood comic Jason Stuart.
Is WinterPRIDE a good place for single lesbians? Or is it geared more toward couples?
WinterPRIDE has a diverse offering so we have both singles, couples and swingers! So of course a single lesbian is going to have a total rage… as I had indicated earlier many guests have found their life partners here….
Anything else you want to say about WinterPRIDE?
We are celebrating diversity for 20 years… on Sunday, Feb. 5th we will be doing a retrospective during the Welcome party looking back at 20 years and where we have come… and looking forward to more fantastic years to come…. this year the Resort Municipality of Whistler (Town Hall) has officially declared Feb. 5-12, 2012 “Pride Week in Whistler” and the Mayor herself will be presenting the Proclamation during the Thursday Apres Ski. It is so exciting to see after 20 years the municipality recognizing the festival and giving us official civic status. That is exciting! We have come along way!! We still have some incredible ski packages ($130/person/night for a 5 night / 4 day ski pass) to some stellar room only prices starting at just $119/night… so come on up and be part of the celebration! Call 1.866.787.19
