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Whistler gay ski week

Whistler Pride & Ski Festival: Celebrating 30 Years of Pride

When Whistler’s first lgbtq+ ski week was held in February 1992, it was a relatively petty and discreet event; its lack of advertising and visual presence made it easy to lose when going through the local newspapers and archival records from that day. However, the event has grown and evolved over the past three decades and, as the Whistler Pride and Ski Festival looks to celebrate its 30th event this month, has become one of the most visible, annual events in Whistler and the largest event of its compassionate internationally.

Origins with Altitude

In 1992, Brent Benaschak, who had recently opened a bed and breakfast in Whistler, wanted to create a gay-friendly space both on the mountain and in the valley while also attracting new visitors. His company, Out on the Slopes, produced Altitude, the first incarnation of a gay ski week in Whistler. In the beginning, Altitude was advertised mainly by word-of-mouth with festival goers taking part in a guided ski and ride program, and other events, but Benaschak had a bigger vision for Altitude.

In its promptly years, the festival was not actively hidden but it also wasn’t highly

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Gay Ski Weeks are more than just ski vacations...they’re basically the winter versions of LGBTQ+ lgbtq+ fest events complete with community, adventure, and set against the stunning backdrops of the world’s superior ski destinations. From the legendary Aspen Gay Ski Week to the uncontrolled European Snow Movement in the French Alps, these events blend thrilling days on the slopes with unforgettable après-ski parties and nightlife.

Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, these gatherings offer the matchless mix of outdoor fun, inclusivity, and connection. Ready to plan your next snowy getaway?

Here’s the ultimate guide to the 2025 Homosexual Ski Weeks, showcasing the best destinations to hit the slopes and observe in style.

If you’re already planning your next winter adventure with Gay Ski Weeks, why not extend the playfulness into the holiday season? For a festive celebration that’s just as inclusive, check out our guide to gay-friendly Christmas destinations! 🎅

Gay Ski Weeks Calendar

Kicking off the year with events favor Gay Ski Week Aspen and Homosexual Ski Week Park City, these festivals are a cornerstone of winter enjoyable and inclusivity. Whether you’re hitti

Whistler Pride & Ski Week 2026

Not just a ski event – 8 days of winter pride celebrations 2026

Whistler Pride and Ski week is a celebration of diversity both on and off the slopes at Whistler, British Columbia, Canada.

The Event

  • Saturday 25th January, 2026 – Saturday 1st February 2026
  • The Whistler Pride and Ski Festival is more than just a gay ski week, it is an 8-day festival that combines Sports, Culinary, Wellness and spectacular Social and Cultural events.
  • More than 3,000 visitors appear the event from more than 30 countries around the world.

Whistler

  • Whistler is a charming town, north of Vancouver, British Columbia. At 2,000 feet (607 meters) and the Alpine peaks hover at 7,250 feet (2210 meters) Whistler has an annual snowfall in excess of 33 feet (10 meters – in fact this past season Whistler surpassed the 10 year annual average snowfall with over 1,200cm!) making for some sensational turns with the Whistler Celebration volunteer ski guides foremost you through the monumental terrain.
  • 2025 host hotel – Aava Whistler Hotel. As with most ski weeks, the host hotel sells out first. The obeying hotels are great alternatives, all close by:
    De

    Whistler Pride and Ski Festival

    The Whistler Pride and Ski Festival is an annual 2SLGBTQIA+-themed event at Whistler in January. It features a week of winter sports and fun events.

    Not your typical Pride festival, theevent has been running for around three decades and offers a welcoming atmosphere for all. It’s a Pride festival with parties and a parade, but it’s also a skiing and snowboarding festival with lots of snow sports activities.

    The 2026 festival runs from January 25th to February 1st.

    Other annual 2SLGBTQIA+ events in the Lower Mainland include the Vancouver Pride Festival, Chilliwack Pride Festival. Both happen in the summer. There is also a Squamish Pride event at the Britannia Mine Museum, plus various other events at other times of the year.

     

    This article contains the following information about the festival:

    Passes and Accommodations | Events | Other Whistler Activities | Other Information

     

     

    Whistler Pride launched in 1992 and has since grown into an annual festival that attracts thousands of participants. It’s actually the biggest event of its kind in Canada (i.e. the largest Pride-themed winter ski festiv