Whistler Pride and Ski Festival returns in January for week-long celebration

The rainbow flag will be flying high at Whistler Blackcomb later this month for the 2019 Whistler Pride and Ski Festival.

Taking place from January 20 to 27, the annual even is a week-long winter celebration of diversity both on and off the slopes.

Each day begins with open and inclusive guided ski and snowboarding groups, alternating between Whistler and Blackcomb. Afterwards, warm up at the free friendly après. Every night features specially curated entertainment including a game night, a private event at Scandinave Spa, a comedy night featuring Pam Ann, an indoor pool party, a cabaret drag show, and a variety of dance parties.

The festival also hosts a unique free-to-join, inclusive guide program for new-to-Whistler skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels to enjoy the awesomeness of the 8,171 acres of runs. On Thursday, the guides challenge their groups to participate in the charity ski-race at the GMC racecourse on Blackcomb.

The guides also lead the way in the Whistler Pride parade, skiing rainbow flags down Whistler Mountain to join in marching them through the village.

Also new this year, festival attendees will get free admission to the daily Après at CABN, the appropriately named festival gathering place and lounge at the Aava Whistler hotel. The late-afternoon dance parties feature cocktails, appetizers and live music by DJ Corey Craig from New York.

After dark, the cultural and entertainment programming shines. After a hugely successful launch last year Sip ‘N Dip, a private event at Scandinave Spa keeps its Tuesday night spot. Wednesday’s annual comedy night features the return of comedian Caroline Reid as her Celebrity Airhostess persona Pam Ann. New to the festival is Saturday night cabaret featuring iconic queen Jackie Beat.

Other musical attractions this year include Brazilian sensation Rafael Calvente returning to spin at Splash, the indoor pool party, DJ Phil B from San Francisco spinning Furrocious on Friday, and, making his Whistler debut, Grammy-nominated legendary DJ/Producer Abel Aguilera (DJ Abel) headlines Snowball, the massive main event closing party.

And with all the snow the resort has received as of late, those looking to get their fix of winter will have no trouble either.

Those who are planning to visit the resort during the event, or are interested in finding out more about the week-long happenings are encouraged to visit the festival’s website.

Whistler Pride and Ski Festival 2019

Where: Various locations in Whistler Village and Whistler and Blackcomb mountains

When: From Sunday, January 2o to Sunday, January 27, 2019

Tickets: Available online, tickets vary depending on event

See also

• Justin Trudeau spotted hitting the slopes at Whistler (PHOTO)
• Whistler breaks all-time record for snowfall in December
• It wintered so hard at Whistler Blackcomb today that lifts had to close