All posts tagged with: WinterPRIDE

After three days of competition between eight passionate contestants, Danny Papadatos of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan was named Mr. Gay Canada 2013.

“The experience of Mr. Gay Canada has been incredible and I am very excited to be given this platform,” said Danny. “There is so much work to be done in rural centres and to provide a safe forum for LGBT youth.”

Less than 25 points separated the winner from the second runner up, Rylie Moore, of Victoria, BC, however, Danny was selected by the judges because of his maturity and leadership skills.

The annual competition was held in Whistler, BC, February 5-8 at part of Whistler Gay Ski Week and WinterPRIDE.

This past weekend at WinterPRIDE in Whistler, B.C., a panel of judges determined Thomas Egli, to be the winner of the prestigious Mr. Gay Canada 2012 competition.

“I am honoured to serve as a much-needed positive role model for LGBT youth in Canada and around the world,” said Thomas. “Popular media and gay culture bombard us with stereotypes which can be confusing for people who are just coming out. I want to increase awareness of the true diversity of  the LGBT community.”

As a role model for youth, he has had the opportunity to teach LGBT youth that being gay is not about stereotypes, but about self-expression.

“I also want to promote healthy lifestyles in the gay community,” Thomas explained. “I am thankful for all of the support I’ve received from family and friends, new and old.  The next exciting step is to prepare for the upcoming event in South Africa , where I will proudly represent Canada.”

The Vancouver based entrepreneur leads an exciting life both as an international tour leader and an ecologist. His extensive travels around the world have given him the ability to understand both culture and environmental sustainability. As a diver, Thomas has the honour of showing visitors the West Coast wildlife, and as an educator with National Geographic, he takes youth on expeditions to remote parts of the world.

Ken Coolen, Co-Executive Producer of Mr. Gay Canada said, “The Judging panel was especially impressed by Thomas’ maturity and leadership.  They are confident in his ability to represent Canada’s LGBT community to the world.”

Also awarded at the February 11th ceremonies were:

• Calan Breckon – Mr. Congeniality 2012
• Brian Webb – People’s Choice Award 2012

After three days of intensive competition held during GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE celebrations in Whistler, BC, Brian Webb of Armstrong, BC, has received the People’s Choice Award in the Mr. Gay Canada 2012 competition. Through online voting Brian received the most votes out of the five contestants representing regions from across Canada.

Held February 9-11, 2012, the competition included a series of challenges to determine who would best represent Canada at the Mr. Gay World competition, to be held April 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“It is a great honour to be a finalist and to receive the People’s Choice Award in the Mr. Gay Canada competition,” Brian Webb stated. “i want to thank all my online followers, friends and family for their support. As a role model and ambassador for youth and the LGBT communities, I am honoured that I can continue to provide a positive image for young gay men and continue to champion gay human rights through my blog, www.myWebbSite.ca. I will continue to attend events and raising awareness of issues facing our community and youth, including safer sex, anti-bullying and self-esteem.”

Delegates of the 2012 Mr. Gay Canada competition were judged on a series of challenges and categories including a swimsuit appearance, fashion show, sports challenge, panel interviews, presentation skills and public online voting.

OUTtv, Canada’s only national gay and lesbian television network, documented the entire competition, which will air as a reality television show later this spring.

WinterPRIDE is well underway in Whistler, BC, one of the most well-known gay ski weeks in the world, and it is bigger than ever as they mark their 20^th anniversary of being out on the slopes.

From the Thursday night pool party to the Snowball dance, there are over 65 events and activities – pretty much something for everyone. For the technophiles out there, there are many apps and gadgets tailored for the slopes.

Having previously worked in the ski industry for many years I have tried all the latest gear. I am still an avid skier and I’m excited about these hot gadgets that Caya, the trend-setting retail experience by TELUS, has picked out to try this year.

WinterPRIDE is going to be the most fun this season on the snow – see you there!

oh, and if all else fails, you can always resort to GuySpy or Grindr, which use GPS technology to locate the hottest guys in your area.

Top Three Gadgets

Liquid Image Ski Goggles – $279.99 at Caya

There’s no better way to show off your skills than documenting that jump with video taken from your own goggle-cam. Creates 5 mega pixel HD video, records up to 30 frames per second and can store up to 711 minutes of footage.

Fuji Finepix XP20 Camera – $169.99 at Caya

If you are most likely to be spotted on the bunny slopes or in the bar this weekend then a waterproof camera is for you. You can capture memorable moments both on and off the slopes with this water, shock and freeze proof camera that comes in sexy blue or green. Features include 14 Mega Pixels, HD Video Recording and 5x Optical Zoom.

Glider Gloves – $29.99 at Caya

Pro-riders know there is nothing more painful than removing gloves to take pictures or use a cellphone. These thick, super warm and durable touch screen compatible winter gloves solve the dilemma. They come in charcoal or sand colour, feature anti-slip grip and work with any touch screen device

Top Three Apps

Satski – The world’s best-selling GPS ski & snowboard app provides live speed, vertical and distance with real-time location, navigation and tracking on easy-to-read trail maps.  Maps are loaded to your phone so you don’t pay roaming charges while skiing.

GayCities – is a free app that allows you to find LGBT friendly bars, restaurants, clubs and hangouts, with reviews from like-minded people and a mapping feature to help you find locations.

Whistler Blackcomb Live – Whistler Blackcomb’s official app, powered by TELUS, gives real-time mountain information including lift status, trail conditions, weather, maps and webcams, plus GPS capabilities allowing you to track your vertical.

Although the 20^th Annual WinterPRIDE is just getting underway today in Whistler, BC, you won’t want to miss out on the biggest party of the entire Gay Ski Week – Snowball Dance ‘Till Dawn.

Hosted at the Whistler Convention Centre from 10pm – 4am on Saturday, February 11, 2012, the giant wrap-up party will be a celebration of 20 years of being Out & Proud on the slopes.

Vancouver’s DJ Adam Dreaddy will get the crowd warmed up, the dance floor moving and the bodies shaking for DJ / Producer, Manny Lehman. Manny was born in New York and has spend the better part of the last 20 years of his life dedicated to the music industry. He has produced remixes of Janet Jackson, Cher, Madonna, and Sarah Brightman and Lady GaGa for radio, nightclubs and retail distribution. Manny is a popular DJ on the gay club circuit tour having played at Black and Blue (Montreal), Pride Toronto, White Party (Palm Springs), and Fireball (Chicago).

Tickets are available at the door for $90 (including HST).

DJ Dan Murphy

It might be cold and snowy up in Whistler for WinterPRIDE, but the party will be heating up as the Mr. Gay Canada finalists make a big splash at the WinterPRIDE Pool Party on Thursday, February 9, 2012, for a late night party hosted by drag diva, Symone.

Australia’s favourite, most experienced DJ’s, Dan Murphy, will be keeping party-goes moving all night long. With a reputation for sets that a uplifting and crowd-pleasing, mixing classic with current, it’s no wonder he landed on Australia’s Top 50 DJ list three times in 2011. Dan has played at events ranging from private clubs and parties, to some of the largest events in the UK, United States and Ibiza. He has even played supporting gigs for Deborah Cox, Kelly Rowland, Adam Lamberta, David Guetta, Ru Paul, and the Freemasons.

The Pool Party is presented by the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba and is hosted at the Meadow Park Sports Centre. The is a six-lane pool, kids pool, and hot tub, all waiting for party-goers to enjoy the fun. Yes, there will be liquor too, from Finlandia Vodka, Whistler Beer and Barefoot Wine.

Tickets are available at the door for $50, with proceeds going to the Vancouver Pride Society. Guests who are planning to make a splash are reminded to bring their own towel and swim suit (clothing and lockers are available on site). A shuttle bus will depart from the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa every 20 minutes throughout the night starting at 10pm. Pool Party goes from 10:00pm – 2:00am.

From 9pm – 2am, on Friday, February 10, 2012, there will be guaranteed Snowstorm at Garfinkel’s nightclub in Whistler. Vancouver’s Celebrities Night Club and Gay Whistler will turn Whistler’s largest nightclub in to the coolest party of WinterPRIDE 2012.

The new sound and intelligent light system will keep the dance floor pumping all night long, along with entertainment including hot Go Go boys and a drag performance by Vancouver’s Syren..

Headlining the night is DJ Nick Bertossi of Vancouver. In the spring of 2007 he found himself thrown into Vancouver’s nightclub scene, and since then, his list of credits have been piling up. After Pride 2007, Bertossi was picked up by CanThrill entertainment for the Envy My Music series and started to make regular appearances at Vancouver night clubs including Celebrities, Shine, 1181, the Majestic (now called Junction), and became the resident DJ at 816:the World. Bertossi has opened for superstar DJs including Hex Hector and Boy George.

Early bird tickets for Snowstorm are available in Vancouver at Little Sisters Bookstore and Priape, or online from Celebrities Night Club. Tickets will be on sale until February 2.

Creating a positive image for young gay men to make a difference and be accepted within their own communities is the goal of the Mr. Gay Canada competition. Through positive, authentic and empowered role models, Mr. Gay Canada is a champion for Gay Human Rights within the community and global stage.

To do this, Mr. Gay Canada raises awareness of issues including safer sex practices, bullying and self-acceptance. The applications for Mr. Gay Canada are now in and the delegates have been selected to compete in the coveted title of Mr. Gay Canada 2012.

Today I am pleased to announce I have been selected to compete for the title of Mr. Gay Canada 2012.

An intensive three-day competition will take place during WinterPRIDE in Whistler, BC and will include a series of challenges. These challenges include modeling photo shoot, sport, fashion show, swimsuit, public speaking and local outreach for a local charity to give back to the host community.

To qualify to be a delegate for Mr. Gay Canada 2012, delegates must:

• Be 19 years of age.
• Be Canadian and self-identify as a gay or bi-sexual male.
• Not have any direct participation in pornography or as an escort before or during the competition (or term if awarded).
• Be free of open criminal proceedings or criminal record.

The organizers of Mr. Gay Canada have worked hard to have representatives from across Canada represent as many Provinces and Territories as possible.

The announcement of the winner of Mr. Gay Canada will take place as the Apres Ski event on Saturday, February 11, 2012 in Whistler, BC.

Titleholders of Mr. Gay Canada include:

• 2007: James Coburn (Hospitality; Sherbrooke, Quebec)
• 2008-2010: Darren Bruce (Engineer; North Vancouver, BC)
• 2011: Rob Goddard (Hospitality: Vancouver)

Please leave a comment on this blog post on why you think I should win the title of Mr. Gay Canada 2012.

DJ Zach Shore has established himself as one of the best DJ’s in Vancouver’s club scene.

Zach was introduced to DJing from his dad, who had previously been a DJ and had set-up a home studio for making remixes. Zach experimented at home and then took his talents to underground, playing parties where he learned how to adapt and be flexible in his own unique style.

Having graced many dance floors with his music, Zach has entertained thousands of club goers with his wide variety of style. He has mastered the art of setting the mood and tone to captivate the crowds.

Today, Zach is aggressively developing his skills in music production as his dance remixes become more recognized by other DJ’s and artists. Zach also creates soundtracks for video and animation companies throughout North America.

DJ Zach Shore will be the headline DJ at Gender Bender Ball at WinterPRIDE on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 9pm – 2am at Garfunkles in the Whistler village.

“Zach Shore is sure to get you groov’n on the dance floor,” said Vancouver Drag Diva, Symone.

WinterPRIDE is held February 5 – 12, 2012 in Whistler, BC. Tickets are on sale now for the Gender Bender Ball and other events.

The GMC Race Centre will be groomed to perfection this Friday afternoon for recreational skiers competing in the WinterPRIDE Charity Ski Race. The intermediate GS course located on Cougar Run on Blackcomb Mountain makes it ideal for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. Proceeds from the friendly competition will go to the Whistler Health Care Centre. There are over $2,000 in prizes available, including Salomon Shotgun skis, hot new gear from Descente, and goggles from Oakley and Smith.

• Date: Friday, February 4, 2011
• Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
• Location: GMC Race Cente, Cougar Milk, Blackcomb Mountain
• Entry Fee: Minimum $5 donation / run

For more information visit Gay Whistler’s website. Race ya!

Drag queens and cocktails – quintessential elements for the best gay parties!

You’ll get both on Wednesday, February 2, at WinterPRIDE’s Drag Queens and Cocktails, at Whistler’s hottest night club, Garfinkles.

Dancing, singing, laughing, and performing are just a few words hosts Kendra Doll and Buster Cherry know all too well. Vancouver’s DJ Drew will keep the dance floor alive and the bartenders will keep the drinks flowing late into the night.

• Date: Wednesday, February 2, 2011
• Time: 9:00pm – 2:00am
• Location: Garfinkles, Whistler Village
• Cover: $15 (buy online) or $20 at the door

For more information on events at activities, visit the WinterPRIDE website.

Do you like it dirty, shaken, twisted or fruity? They’re all options tonight at WinterPRIDE in Whistler! The Monday Martini Party will help you get your week off to a great start. DJ Laela will be spinning funky house, electro and dance beats late into the night.

• Date: Monday, January 31, 2011
• Time: 9:00pm – 2:00am
• Location: Village Night Club (4222 Village Square)
• Cover: $15 at the door

For more information on events happening this week in Whistler, including the Snowball, visit the official WinterPRIDE website.

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Gay Ski Week and WinterPRIDE are just about to get underway in Whistler, BC. You’re in luck if you are looking for a great deal on quality and affordable accommodation located in the centre of the world-class resort.

For the ultimate Whistler experience, look no further than the Whistler VIllage Inn and Suites.

The Whistler Village Inn and Suites is committed to providing a welcoming, accepting environment for all of guests, for all stays.

The hotel is located at the foot of the lifts and gondola’s accessing both Whistler and Blackcomb peaks, is almost literally ski-to-your-door accommodations!

Inside the cozy 86 room boutique hotel are standard hotel rooms, studio suites, lofts and and well-appointed one-bedroom suites.

Most of the contemporary, mountain resort feeling rooms come with balconies, wood-burning fireplaces, flat screen TVs and fully equipped kitchens.

Hotel amenities include:

• Outdoor swimming pool
• BBQ
• Hot tub
• Dry sauna
• Fitness centre
• Business centre
• Wireless internet
• Secure underground parking
• Complimentary ski storage locker

When you’re not out carving up some of the 7,000 acres of mountain terrain Whistler has to offer, the hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, night life, shopping and activities located just outside the hotel’s front door.

The hotel has some pretty explosive history too! The original lodge was scheduled to open in 1981, but fireworks, literally, burned the hotel to the ground. Since the hotel was re-built, Bruce the Moose, has welcomed guests from around the world into the hotel lobby.

Canadian legends including Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Loverboy and Smashing Pumpkins have been guests at the hotel over the years.

Whistler Village Inn and Suites is offering Whistler Gay Ski Week and WinterPRIDE guests accommodation specials too! Book 3 or more nights and receive 20% off, or stay 7 nights and receive 30% off.

To make your booking call 1-800-663-6418 or make your reservation online.

Hosted by Vancouver’s drag diva Symone, WinterPRIDE in Whistler, BC welcomes the hilarious and brash New Yorker, Michele Balan!

Balan was one of the four finalists on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and was the Last Women Comic Standing! Since the show, Balan has appeared on Comics Unleashed, in comedy clubs, theaters, cruises, and corporate events. Balan has also worked with the Smothers Brothers in their 50th anniversary tour!

This is Michele’s first visit to Whistler.

Event Details:

Event: Comedy Night with Michele Balan

Date: Thursday, February 3, 2011

Time: 8:00 – 10:00pm

Location: Whistler Conference Centre

Tickets: $50 at the door (first come basis)

Contest:

You can win tickets to see Last Comic Standard, Michele Balan at WinterPRIDE!

To enter, leave a comment on this blog post on your favourite WinterPRIDE  event, or tweet:

I entered to win tickets to see Last Comic Standing, Michele Balan at @gaywhistler from @br_webb. #BalanWinterPRIDE http://ow.ly/3CYj5

Contest closes on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 5:00pm PST.
 Winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Sunday, January 30, 2011.

Read the complete contest rules.

- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

This contest is now closed.

Congratulations Corey Tracey, you are the lucky winner of two tickets to see Michelle Balen live at WinterPRIDE this Thursday in Whistler!

Thank you to everyone who entered. Please keep watching for more contests coming soon!

On Friday, February 4 from Celebrities Night Club from Vancouver, BC, will host the third annual Snowstorm party  in Whistler, BC. Celebrities will bring their well-known party night-life to Garfinkles during Gay Ski Week and WinterPRIDE.

Celebrities resident DJ, and one of the top rising super-star in Vancouver’s DJ scene, Nick Bertossi, will keep party-goes energized and the dance-floor packed until the early morning hours. Vancouver’s circuit queen, Syren, will be performing at 11:00pm and at midnight, and the Celebrities regular Go Go Boys will be dancing all night long. The interior of Garfinkel’s will be transformed into “Celebrities Style”.

This event has a history of selling out early; it’s strongly recommended to buy your tickets well in advance. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at Little Sisters in Vancouver or online.

• Date: Friday, February 4, 2011
• Time: 9:00pm – 2:00am
• Location: Garfinkles, #1 – 4308 Main Street, Whistler, BC

This will be one of the best parties in Whistler during WinterPRIDE! See you there.

Time to sort out your travel schedule. Here are the top 7 must-attend Pride festivals in 2011:

1. WinterPRIDE, Whistler, British Columbia – January 30 – February 6
   
2. Gay Days, Orlando, Florida – May 31 – June 6
3. LA Pride, Los Angeles, California – June 10 – 12
4. New York Pride, New York, New York – June 18 – 26
5. Toronto Pride, Toronto, Ontario – June 24 – July 3
6. Seattle Pride, Seattle, Washington – June 25 – 26
7. Vancouver Pride, Vancouver, British Columbia – July 24 – August 1

Tyra Sanchez. Photo Credit: Gay Whistler

From January 31 – February 6, 2011, Whistler will host one of the biggest winter pride events in North America!

“It is going to be a fantastic year!” explained Dean Nelson, CEO and Community & Media Relations for GayWhistler ski week and WinterPRIDE. The ski conditions on the mountain this year have been excellent so far, and more snow is on the way.

The Whistler Resort & Spa is the official hotel for WinterPRIDE. Rooms are filling up quickly. If you haven’t booked your hotel room yet you can check availablity for all Whistler accommodation online or call 1.866.787.1966.

Tickets for all WinterPRIDE events are now available. “Advance ticket sales have been strong,” said Dean. Tickets for the larger parties and events including Snowstorm and Snowball sell out early. Tickets can be purchased at Little Sister’s on Davie Street in Vancouver, at the Love Nest Whistler and online.

WinterPRIDE returns to Whistler, BC, January 30 – February 6, 2011. The week-long winter pride celebration is filled with skiing & snowboarding, apres-ski activities, shopping, spa, dining experiences and parties that go late into the night.

Nightlife events not to miss:

Friday, February 4: Vancouver’s Celebrities Night Club hosts the big party on Friday night; Snowstorm. Circuit Queen Syren will be performing and DJ Nick Bertossi keep the dance floor alive late into the nice. Tickets are $35 in advance.

Saturday, February 5: The big wrap-up party is the Snowball Dance Till Dawn party. Tickets can be purchased in advance, or at the door for $90. The line-up of DJ’s and performers is impressive: DJ Adam Dreaddy, Super Nova, Zayra, and DJ Eddie Baez.

The full calendar of WinterPRIDE events can be found here.

If you haven’t already, book your accommodation now. The official WinterPRIDE hotel is the Whistler Hilton Hotel and Spa.

About Whistler:

Whistler is located 125km (78 miles), north of Vancouver, BC. Whistler was one of the host cities for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Whistler Blackcomb is one of the top rated ski resorts in North America and draws guests from around the world. The resort is surrounded by forested valleys, rivers and lakes, and has a central village.