Whistler BC with their award-winning ski slopes has also been home of the award-winning winter event for the gay community, Whistler Pride. GayCalgary Magazine has been a proud sponsor of Whistler Pride since 2012. Last year, was their 25th Anniversary and with about 3000 people they had their largest attendance ever! This upcoming year looks to be on track to meet or surpass that number.

Along with the amazing ski conditions that Whistler offers, Whistler Pride keeps gay pride participants busy from January 21 to 28 with evening activities. One of the new and successful additions from last year was the Monday night Cards Against Humanity® night. Again, it will be hosted by actor, comedian, and Amazing Race Canada star Ryan Steele. Instead of playing as individuals, you play in groups against other groups to come up with the best combination of cards. The night is also hosted again in Cabn - which has become a great venue for the smaller events outside of the bigger Pride venue, The Whistler Conference Centre.

This year, they have added a new event at the Scandinave Spa Whistler called Sip ‘N Dip on Tuesday night. As you will see in our review of Scandinave Spa Whistler from my visit last year (http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5669), it is a quiet, no talking, no cell phones, and no drinking zone. It is set up during the day for people to unplug and relax from the crazy world out there. Whistler Pride is taking it over for that night, adding wine and music with local DJ Foxy Moron. Enjoy the spa’s different hot and cold features with friends and enjoy a glass of wine or two while seeing the night sky of Whistler.

For those plugged into social media and travel, Whistler Pride is hosting a special LGBT Destination Marketing Workshop. The workshop on Wednesday afternoon, is hosted by Matt Skallerud of Pink Banana Media. There will be other social media travel experts and influencers on hand from around the world for a panel discussion sharing their tips and techniques for the upcoming year.

Wednesday night, Margaret Cho will take the stage at Whistler Conference Centre for Whistler Pride’s Comedy Night. Last time she was at Whistler Pride was back in 2015. This five-time Grammy and Emmy nominated comedian will have the crowd laughing until their cheeks are soar.

On Thursday night, Mix N’ Mingle at the Audain Art Museum (presented by TD) is a new addition to the yearly line up. The Audain Art Museum is a great new venue and art museum in Whistler. Check out our article on the Audain Art Museum at http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5671.

The extremely popular Whistler Pride Splash Pool Party at Meadow Park Sports Centre is something you don’t want to miss. This year, DJ Rafeal Calvente from Brazil will be DJing tunes for an event where just about everyone is showing off their best form-fitting swimwear.

Friday night is the Furrocious Military Ball at the Whistler Conference Centre. This year they will have the award-winning DJ and Producer GSP from Greece. Remember to dress up for this event in either in some form of uniform, sportswear or leather. Last year, I had seen a lot of guys in onesies and long johns too!

Back by popular demand is the Cube Guys of Sleeping Giant Music from Italy djing for the wrap up dance Snowball26. Whistler Conference Centre gets transformed into a fantastic dance venue with amazing lighting and plan for a surprise performance sometime during the night. As always music and dancing until 4am.

Whistler Pride does have additional outdoor activities like their Pride parade through Whistler Village to the Olympic Rings, as well as a charity ski race down the GMC Race course on Blackcomb Mountain. Money raised will go to a local charity, Safe n Sound Squamish which has the mission of "To celebrate and honour lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer + citizens, their families and allies, through awareness, education, visibility and resources."

Check their website for a complete listing and details of over 30 events planned for Whistler Pride 2018.

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Contributor Steve Polyak |

Locale British Columbia | Whistler |

Topic Gay Pride |Ski and Snowboard | Travel | Whistler Pride |

Photo Gallery Travel |Whistler |