What's Happening at Whistler Pride and Ski Festival 2017

January 2017 will mark the 25th annual celebration of Whistler Pride and Ski Festival, a week of events and group skiing on the beautiful ski slopes of Whistler Blackcomb. From  January 22nd – 29th, the village of Whistler will welcome locals and visitors alike to experience some of Canada’s finest skiing and snowboarding while celebrating diversity. All are welcome to come out and participate in these Pride skiing sessions and volunteer ski guides will be there to lead guests through the massive terrain. Other highlights of the festival will include a live comedy performance by iconic celebrity air hostess Pam Ann, and epic club night Snowball 25, headlined by special guest DJs, The Cube Guys of Sleeping Giant Music.
 

A Perfect Place to Celebrate Pride

As well as some of the world’s best skiing and snowboarding, Whistler village itself offers visitors an abundance of activities. Easily accessible on foot, the charming village of Whistler offers everything from dog-sledding and snowmobile tours to adrenaline-inducing bungee jumps and zip lines. For those wishing to relax on their break, there are plenty of wellness programmes, culinary treats and art galleries in which to indulge. Daily happy hour Après Ski social events, comedy shows and late night themed parties are offered to keep everyone entertained and feeling lively.
 

Tons of WHISTLER Pride Events

As for the Whistler Pride and Ski Festival program itself, events will begin the weekend before the festival, and continue throughout the celebration:
 
Weekend Warmup
Kicking off the weekend’s entertainment on the evenings of Friday 20th and Saturday 21st are Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, an internationally renowned all-male drag company, bringing an innovative twist on classical ballet. The show begins at 8pm at Queen Elizabeth Theatre and tickets begin at $25.
 
Welcome Reception
On Sunday 22nd, Canadian singer-songwriter Kim Kuzma headlines The Welcome Reception at The CABN in the Aava Whistler Hotel. From 4pm-8pm your volunteer ski and snowboard guides will be discussing their favourite spots on the slopes and giving you a warm welcome to Whistler. Blasted Church Winery rejoins Whistler Pride as the official festival wine, and celebrity bartender Ryan Steele will be there to keep the evening flowing.
 
Guided Skiing and Riding
Every morning from Monday 23rd to Saturday 28th, join the Whistler Pride Ski Guides for daily guided skiing and riding on Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain. Guests will be placed into groups of similar skiing or riding ability to allow a fantastic opportunity to befriend fellow visitors from around the world and enjoy the beauty of the mountains in a safe environment. There will be different meeting points for the daily groups, and guests wishing to join should arrive at the meeting for 9:45am with the groups departing at 10am promptly. Lunch will be offered daily at 11:45am at various locations,, and a daily Après Ski will take place in several venues across Whistler from 3pm to 6pm.
 
Snow Landing
As well as the usual guided tour and Après Ski, Wednesday 25th features Snow Landing, a comedy evening by international celebrity air hostess Pam Ann, alter-ego of Australian performer Caroline Reid. Doors open at 7:30pm at the Whistler Conference Centre, with the show beginning at 8pm and an after party at 10pm at The CABN in the Aava Whistler Hotel. Cabaret Seating begins at $100 with General Seating beginning at $40.
 
Throwback Thursday and Splash Pool Party
On Thursday 26th, after enjoying the slopes and Apres Ski activities, guests are given a choice of evening’s entertainment. Throwback Thursday with DJ Quest promises a night of dancing to classic anthems at The CABN from 9pm ($20), and Splash Pool Party at Meadow Park Sports Centre takes place from 10pm ($50). Grab the free shuttle from the Aava Hotel starting at 9:30PM every 30 minutes.
 
Pride Parade
On Friday 27th, special events include the 6th Annual Pride Parade, a free public event celebrity Olympic pride and diversity. The march will begin at 3:00pm as skiers ride the Pride flag down Whistler Mountain before marching together from Whistler Village to the Conference Centre. That evening from 10pm, join DJ Micky Freidmann in the popular Military Ball, an evening of costumes and dancing at Whistler Conference Centre.
 
The Snowball
The culmination of the week’s events is Saturday’s Snowball 25, Whistler’s Pride’s final night of celebration and closing party. Internationally renowned DJs, The Cube Guys of Sleeping Giant Music will host the evening’s entertainment from 10pm at Whistler’s Conference Centre.
 

A Celebration Not to be Missed!

This year Whistler Pride and Ski Festival features in the Top 20 BC Events and Festival ranked by TopEventsCanada.com. Ski Magazine’s 2016 annual survey announced Whistler Blackcomb as North America’s Number One overall destination for the second time in three years. Truly a great experience for any visitor to Whistler wishing to take part in an incredible celebration! To book accommodation for your trip to Whistler Pride, take a look here to book online, or give our Destination Experts a call on 1.877.902.1616 – they’re available 7 days a week.
 
Happy Pride, everyone!