Sometime last fall, during that horrible series of online dating experiences that fueled the Kiss and Tell articles, one of my "dates" (whom I had added to Facebook) called me and asked why I had photos of my ex on my profile. At the time, I said something along the line of: you get to know someone over a number of years, move in with them, share your life for that time, go on globetrotting adventures…and then what? Stop talking to them because things don't work out intimate-relationship-wise and delete every record of them from your life?
I said it then and I'll say it again: bitch please! Here's to life after ex…as friends.
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On another selfish sidebar – a reader sent me my portmanteau today and I think it will double for my stripper name if that TV pilot of ours ever gets off the ground: S'Holla. UGHN!
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Whistler welcomes world for WinterPride 2009 (from Pink Passport feature in Xtra! West – December 17, 2008)
It’s time to dust off your favourite fur muff and strap on some goggles: North America’s favourite gay ski week has grown up.
Turning 17 this year and running from Feb 1-8, Whistler’s Gay Ski Week has survived its fair share of growing pains and challenges that left many wondering whether the event could survive at all, let alone keep pace with Whistler’s rapid growth leading up to the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
But Canada’s premiere Gay Ski Week has survived, transforming itself over the years from a once small local gathering into an international Pride celebration of all things winter.
Once known as Altitude and celebrated primarily for its skiing and its circuit parties, today it is known as WinterPride with a broader set of offerings to match.
“From culinary and health wellness programs to dog sledding and zip trekking, we’ve invested a lot of time and energy reaching out to all queer groups and their interests,” explains Alpenglow Productions’ Dean Nelson, one of the two men in charge of planning and coordinating this year’s festival. “We have something for everyone.”
The organizers’ efforts to expand their programming did not go unnoticed. Out Traveler recently named WinterPride 2008’s number one Lesbian Friendly Ski Week, while PlanetOUT granted WinterPride its number one Gay Ski Week title.
So if you thought that WinterPride was all about skiing, think again. This year, Nelson and the Alpenglow Productions team are planning more than 70 events throughout the week, which means you can do as much or as little as you want.
Must sees include the Snow Ball, the WinterPride Fashion Show and the Mountaintop Party. For those less inclined to dance the night away, activities like the new Peak 2 Peak gondola, yoga, wine tastings and comedy revues promise to keep you entertain during non-skiing times.
Last year, Nelson says over 3,000 guests attended WinterPride. With the weaker Canadian dollar and big name sponsors like Tourism Switzerland and Air New Zealand joining the festival this year, the international component to WinterPride is bound to swell even more.
There’s also the first annual Mr Gay World competition to consider.
“With 24 nations competing for the title, you can be sure that the delegates and their entourages will create an entirely different flavour than any other Pride Whistler has hosted,” says Nelson. “You can expect this year’s festival as a taste of what’s to come. 2010 is going to bring unique and exiting opportunities for us and our guests will experience WinterPride like never before.”
Here are a few quick facts to remember before planning your trip:
· The majority of WinterPride visitors fall in the 28-38 year old age range.
· The festival tends to attract an older crowd during weekdays and a more diverse age group during weekends, which is when the majority of parties and events take place at night.
If you need help planning your vacation, try visiting www.gaywhistler.com. Under the Plan Your Trip tab on the home page, there are tools available to help book accommodation, events and transportation.
If you still find that the costs are prohibitive, start planning for next year’s WinterPride now.
“By booking your accommodation before Nov 15, you can get rooms for as low as $99 per night and a seven day all-access pass for less than $300, which is a pretty smoking deal,” Nelson advises. “Planning ahead makes Whistler a very accessible queer destination.”
—Sean Horlor
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Drumroll…Here is this year's event guide for WinterPRIDE in Whistler. I am going to post my picks next week and will be attending Feb 5-9 to report on the events.
Following these listings is a print article that appeared in Xtra! West the other week outlining everything you need to know about the festival.
Note: **All images and content © 2008 WinterPRIDE, GayWhistler.com and Alpenglow Productions Corporation**
WinterPRIDE Events Calendar
WinterPRIDE is celebrating the 17th year of Gay Ski Week and this year's theme is very special – "Around the World in Eight Days" as GayWhistler plays host to 24 nations as delegates from around the world compete in the 2009 Mr. Gay World Competition.
Saturday, January 31st, 2009 Vancouver
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9PM |
Avalanche Party – Celebrities DJ Victor Cheng (Taipei) Country Theme: Taiwan Host Vancouver Hotel: Sandman on Davie Street $15 In Advance |
Sunday, February 1st, 2009 Whistler
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3PM |
Aprés Party – GLC We kick off the week at the GLC for our first aprés of the week in the legendary slope side venue. |
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6.30PM |
Fire & Ice Welcome Show – Who can resist fireworks and fire spinner – especially when snowflakes fill the air? The whole posse can enjoy watching skiers and snowboarders jump through the dazzling Ring of Fire every Sunday at 7pm at the base of Whistler Village Gondola. Learn what's hot in Whistler-on and off the snow. |
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7PM |
Welcome Reception – TELUS Whistler Conference Centre, Grand Foyer This is the night you can meet some of our sponsors as well as our community partners to help you get the most out of your stay while in Whistler. Pre book your snowmobile tours, cat skiing, spa treatments and more! Country Theme: Canada |
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10PM |
Welcome Party – Buffalo Bill's Enjoy an early night of dancing as you meet up with new and old friends! |
Monday, February 2nd, 2009 Blackcomb
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10AM |
Never Roam Alone Ski Guiding – Blackcomb Mountain, Glacier Creek Every day we have volunteers that tour similar skiing/riding ability guests around the massive mountains. Meet new and old friends in a safe and welcoming environment. |
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9AM |
CMH Heli-skiing will be offering the POWDER HOUND CHALLENGE — and chance to rip around the mountain and discover those hidden powder stashes. So, grab your poles and let's hit the slopes for a 2-hour FULL POWER clinic with one of CMH finest mountain guides. Limited space click here to reserve you spot today! |
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10AM |
ZipTrek EcoTours – Fly like Indiana Jones as you race through Old and New growth Rainforest on the "Bear" tour on a series of Zip Lines. $99*/person 
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12PM |
Monday Power Yoga With Julia – The Whistler Core (next to TWCC) A fun and complete Power Yoga means that poses will flow from one to another in conjunction with the breath. Let yourself be guided to a series of movements for the balance of your day. |
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1PM |
MASC Skincare 101 (Penthouse, Le Chamois (4557 Blackcomb Way #602) Get into a mean skincare routine with Patrick, co-founder of masc, a Vancouver-based skincare & lifestyle boutique. Patrick will help you take the complex out of complexion with results-driven products and easy to follow steps from top notch brands. Enjoy a complimentary detox mask with a glass of wine, and take away samples to try on your own time! www.shopmasc.com $20/person |
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3PM |
Aprés Party – Monk's Grill
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6PM |
Dine Around: 21 Steps – provides stunning 2nd floor views of Whistler Village. Their Kitchen creates updated comfort food that are both big in portions and flavours for great value. 21 Step's extensive small plate menu offers items that the locals crave. Reservations: 604.966.2121 or online Ric's Grill – one of Whistler's legendary restaurants featuring fresh seafood, delicious steaks and mouth-watering pastas. Their bar area is a popular place to have drinks, socialize and chat with friends. Conveniently located off the lobby of the Crystal Lodge directly in the Village. Reservations: 604.932.7427 or online |
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7PM |
Inner Tube Party – Coca Cola Inner Tube Park on Blackcomb Mountain For sliders and non-sliders alike! Swoop down the slopes on an inflatable tube – go with your friends or on your own. This is a safe and fun way to be part of the on-hill experience for those who don't ride or ski, and is guaranteed to be fun for all! |
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8PM |
Singles & Sex Food – Penthouse, Le Chamois (4557 Blackcomb Way #602) Come to our Singles & Sex Food social mixer where sexy food preparation + single men = who knows?!?! You will break bread while breaking the "ice" over a glass of Barefoot Wine. You and other single eligibles will be preparing "sex foods" like oysters, figs and of course Rogers chocolate. All ingredients touted for the "aphrodisiac" properties. Arrive with no mention of your occupation until the end of the evening and expose your alias food persona. A proven success for a potential date! $70 + GST |
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9PM |
Beach Party – Savage Beagle
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Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 Whistler
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9.30AM |
Outdoor Adventures Whistler – Snowmobile Fresh Tracks BC Tour. Start your morning off with a Roar! The Fresh Tracks tours combine the beauty of fresh-tracks on OAW's snowmobile trails with a local breakfast favorite. This Fresh Tracks tour is geared to meet the needs and desites of moderate riders. Your tour will begin with exploring some of the many trails through the backcountry of Cougar Mountain. Wind your way through backcountry terrain with a stop at a secluded wilderness Yurt for a fresh cinnamon bun and hot chocolate or coffee. $179*/person |
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10AM |
Never Roam Alone Ski Guiding – Whistler Mountain, Lightboard: Every day we have volunteers that tour similar skiing/riding ability guests around the massive mountains. Meet new and old friends in a safe and welcoming environment. |
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9AM |
CMH Heli-skiing will be offering the POWDER HOUND CHALLENGE — and chance to rip around the mountain and discover those hidden powder stashes. So, grab your poles and let's hit the slopes for a 2-hour FULL POWER clinic with one of CMH finest mountain guides. Limited space click here to reserve you spot today! |
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10AM |
Culinary Program – Penthouse, Le Chamois (4557 Blackcomb Way #602) Sauciest Sauce Session – Learn how to create some amazing sauces to use as the base for preparing great meals. In this class you will make and take home with you, fresh made salad dressing, flavor-infused oils and a fresh spice rub. Then, sample each as part of a great lunch with a glass of Barefoot Wine. $50 + GST |
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3PM |
Aprés (Mix) Party – BearFoot Bistro Join us at the Bearfoot Bistro and step into an afternoon of Russian pleasure. With Cameron Chu & guests filling the air with live jazz and food available from our Executive Chef, Melissa Craig who was crowned Canada's Best Chef at the Canadian Culinary Championships. Complete with vodka and bubbles, this Aprés is sure to electrify and keep you energized after a day on the slopes. Country Theme: Russia |
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3PM |
Aprés (Women) Party – 21 Steps, the Attic Country Theme: France |
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6PM |
Dine Around: La Rua – The cuisine at La Rua is truly international, with the Pacific Northwest influencing the menu which is rich in seafood, steak & game. Mediterranean décor links two distinct rooms entered through archways: One with the ski slopes clearly in view; the other being romantic, soft and warmed by the characters in the surrounding mural. Lar Rua Restaurante is proud to be featured as one of the best mountain resort restaurants in North America and as one of the top 100 places to dine in Canada. Reservations: 604.932.5011 or online Kypriaki Norte – Whistler's favorite Greek Restaurant offers an extensive menu. With a variety of dishes to cater to almost any palate, an ambiance unparalleled anywhere and friendly staff you'll experience a true Mediterranean escape. Reservations: 604.932.0600 or online |
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8PM |
Retro Bingo & Games Night – TELUS Whistler Conference Centre Retro Bingo Party – with Curve columnists Lipstick and Dipstick (mixed event that benefits The Centre). Lipstick and Dipstick aren't just fantastic relationship advisers, they also know how to rock a party and get a little bingo in there too! Bring your craziest retro duds (bonus for retro ski gear…that's right, the stretchy pants from 1987…you know the ones!) and come rock Tuesday night with bingo and a lot of fun! $15 in Advance |
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9PM |
Rhinestone Cowboy & Cowgal Party – Buffalo Bill's
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Wednesday, February 4th, 2009 Blackcomb
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10AM |
ZipTrek EcoTours – Fly like a Jedi Knight as you fly through Old and New growth Rainforest on one of the longest Zip Lines in Canada! The "Eagle Tour takes you on a series of Zip Lines bringing you back to the village. $119*/person |
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10AM |
Never Roam Alone Ski Guiding – Blackcomb Mountain, Glacier Creek Every day we have volunteers that tour similar skiing/riding ability guests around the massive mountains. Meet new and old friends in a safe and welcoming environment. |
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1.30PM |
Laughter Yoga Making Happiness Happen! Want to be more satisfied, more engaged with life? Do you want to find greater meaning and be happier regardless of circumstance? This workshop shows you how! Participants will learn how to identify and remove barriers to achieving happiness and learn simple, effective strategies to actively promote authentic happiness. Positive Psychology is a new branch of psychology that has generated research supporting that increasing happiness can happen using these strategies; strategies that many research participants describe as 'life altering'. You can make happiness happen! Laughter YogaLaughter Yoga is a wellness workout that has become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 6000 laughter clubs in 60 countries. Laughter Yoga is a combination of yogic breathing (Pranayama) and simulated laughter generated by body exercises. Since it is a scientific fact that the brain cannot distinguish between simulated laughter generated as a body exercise and genuine laughter, you receive all the physiological and psychological! Laughter really is the best medicine! Participants should wear loose comfortable clothing. |
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1.30PM |
Outdoor Adventures Whistler – Winter Wonderland Snowshoe Tour ($89*/person) |
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2PM |
Culinary Program – Penthouse, Le Chamois (4557 Blackcomb Way #602) Barefoot Wine Tasting |
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3PM |
Aprés (Mix) Party – Ric's Grill
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3PM |
Aprés (Women) Party – La Rua Country Theme: Spain |
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6PM |
Dine Around : BearFoot Bistro
$180 In Advance Seven Restaurant – West Coast style and Asian flare make Seven one of Whistlers unique local hotspots. Cozy up to the fire or relax on the couches with martini in hand. Sample the Carpaccio, come for the oysters, or fill up on osso bucco. Reservations: 604.932.4666 |
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8PM |
Queerly Canadian Comedy Show – TELUS Whistler Conference Centre The wild and crazy Comedy Troup of David C. Jones and the Bobbers with Special Guest: Denis Simpson (Polka Dot Door) $40 In Advance |
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9PM |
God & Goddess Costume Party – Garf's
$20 In Advance |
Thursday, February 5th, 2009 Whistler
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10AM |
Never Roam Alone Ski Guiding – Whistler Mountain, Lightboard: Every day we have volunteers that tour similar skiing/riding ability guests around the massive mountains. Meet new and old friends in a safe and welcoming environment. |
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11AM |
Take Flight with Air New Zealand for a special lunch with Mr. Gay World
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11AM |
"Sweets for your Sweetheart" class from Rogers Chocolates |
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12.15PM |
Thursday Lunch Circuit with John. Use 30 minutes of your lunch break to improve your fitness level and to keep you going throughout the rest of the day. |
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12.30PM |
Sno-Limo Peak Adventure – for the non skier this is the perfect activity to get chauffeured around in a special sit ski as you take in the sights and sounds of the ski slopes without having to do any of the work. Just sit back, relax and mush your guide on! $129*/person |
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1PM |
BMI Seminar at the Core. Body Measurements- |
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2PM |
Culinary Program – Penthouse, Le Chamois (4557 Blackcomb Way #602) Barefoot Wine Tasting |
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3PM |
Aprés (Mix) Party – TELUS Whistler Conference
$12 In Advance |
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3PM |
Aprés (Women) Party – The Mountain Club Country Theme: Austria |
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6PM |
Dine Around: Bavaria House
Reservations: 604.932.6009 or Reserve Online Monk's Grill The secret to Monk's success is beyond its location. As Monk's celebrates its 18th anniversary, the staff & management team are thrilled to continue to produce fresh menus and top service. It is a high level restaurant with high expectations. Monk's focus in Whistler is to be a big city restaurant with big city food. Reservations 604.932.9677 orReserve Online |
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7PM |
Women's World Bobsled Competition – Whistler Sliding Centre |
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8PM |
United Colors of WinterPRIDE Fashion Show – TWCC
$40 In Advance |
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9PM |
Women's PJ Party & Movie Night – 21 Step's Attic Kick back and relax a bit after the fashion show at our patented Pyjama Party/Movie Night. We'll show some lezzie classics, maybe snuggle a bit, check out who has the best PJ s. Bring your favourite squeeze, or find a new one. |
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10PM |
Fashion Show After Party – MAXX Fish |
Friday, February 6th, 2009 Blackcomb
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10AM |
Never Roam Alone Ski Guiding – Blackcomb Mountain, Glacier Creek Lodge: Every day we have volunteers that tour similar skiing/riding ability guests around the massive mountains. Meet new and old friends in a safe and welcoming environment. |
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10.30 |
Outdoor Adventure Whistler – Soo Valley Quest Dog Sled Adventure. Mush your own Dog Sled team! You, a team of eager Huskies, untouched wilderness, spectacular snowy paradise = Unforgettable experience. Step onto one of OAW's traditional dog sleds behind your team of energetic and loveable Alaskan Racing Huskies and get ready for a unique backcountry journey. A professional dog sled musher will introduce you to this amazing Canadian sport and teach you the basics of driving your own sled. Learn straightforward commands and simple sled-handling techniques. You will get a thrill like no other as you head out into the pristine Soo Valley, with your very own team of dogs. While on the trail, a professional guide will be nearby at all times, or you can ride with a guide. $169*/person (based on two people per sled) |
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1PM |
Climbing as a complete workout. It's hard to believe that you can have a great time, enjoying the intricate skills of climbing and still get an awesome workout. Presented By JF, co-owner of The Core |
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3PM |
Village T-Dance – Garf's DJ Di_Kotomi (Vancouver) Country Theme: Argentina $15 In Advance |
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3PM |
Village T-Dance (Women) Party – Savage Beagle Country Theme: India |
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6PM |
Dine Around: Tandori Grill located in Whistler Village North has selected dishes that are most sumptuous as they were inspired by Great Indian Emperors and prepared to perfection by Chefs of by -gone eras. The Moghal Kings who brought renaissance and enrichment to the Indian culture, favoured the technique of cooking in a Tandoor clay oven. Tandori Grill adopted this mode of cooking. Reservations: 604.905.4900 or Reserve Online Aprés Restaurant & Wine Bar – Located in Whistler Village North is an intimate modern dining room, with fresh local British Columbian modern cuisine and organic produce. Chef Eric Vernice prepares Modern European Cuisine with passion and flare. Food lovers will delight in a changing seasonal menu that showcases regional delicacies such as freshly caught Queen Charlotte Island Sable Fish, Cowichan Bay pasture-raised duck, and world-famous Dungeness crab paired with some of North America's finest West Coast wines. Reservations: 604.935.0200 or Reserve Online |
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7PM |
MountainTOP Party – Roundhouse Lodge Travel via Whistler Village Gondola to the top of the world were we have transformed the classic ski lodge into a hip and exciting Night Club DJ Wayne G (London) & Luke Johnstone (San Francisco) Special Performance by Destineak Country Theme: United Kingdom $99 In Advance |
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8PM |
Singles & Sex Food – Penthouse, Le Chamois (4557 Blackcomb Way #602) Come to our Singles & Sex Food social mixer where sexy food preparation + single men = who knows?!?! You will break bread while breaking the "ice" over a glass of Barefoot Wine. You and other single eligibles will be preparing "sex foods" like oysters, figs and of course Rogers chocolate. All ingredients touted for the "aphrodisiac" properties. Arrive with no mention of your occupation until the end of the evening and expose your alias food persona. A proven success for a potential date! $70 + GST |
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9PM |
Pampered Pussy Party – TWCC Join Flygirl & Lipstick & Dipstick and indulge yourself in some games, self exploration and sex toys demo. DJ Rhiannon and her kickin' grooves will keep everyone dancing till the wee hours of the morning. DJ Rhiannon (Vancouver) Hosted by Lipstick & Dipstick Produced by Flygirl Country Theme: Egypt $30 In Advance |
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9PM |
Celebrities on the Mountain presents Snowstorm – GLC (Garibaldi Lift Co) DJ Nick Bertossi (Vancouver) Produced in Partnership with Celebrities Night Club, Vancouver Country Theme: Canada $30 In Advance |
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10PM |
Furrocious Party – TWCC, Fitzsimmons Den DJ Mickey Moniker Country Theme: Kenya $25 In Advance |
Saturday, February 7th, 2009 Whistler
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10AM |
Never Roam Alone Ski Guiding – Whistler Mountain, Lightboard: Every day we have volunteers that tour similar skiing/riding ability guests around the massive mountains. Meet new and old friends in a safe and welcoming environment. |
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10AM |
ZipTrek EcoTours – Fly like Indiana Jones as you race through Old and New growth Rainforest on the "Bear" tour on a series of Zip Lines. $99*/person |
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11AM |
MASC Skincare 101 (Penthouse, Le Chamois (4557 Blackcomb Way #602) Get into a mean skincare routine with Patrick, co-founder of masc, a Vancouver-based skincare & lifestyle boutique. Patrick will help you take the complex out of complexion with results-driven products and easy to follow steps from top notch brands. Enjoy a complimentary detox mask with a glass of wine, and take away samples to try on your own time! www.shopmasc.com $20/person |
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11.30AM |
Outdoor Adventure Whistler – Trailblazer Snowmobile tour $229*/person |
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2PM |
Culinary Program – BareFoot Wine Tasting |
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3PM |
Aprés (Mix) Party – TELUS Whistler Conference One of the largest aprés ski of the week DJ Foxy Moran (Whistler) takes the mountain style aprés to legendary proportions. Country Theme: Switzerland $12 In Advance |
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3PM |
Women's Aprés Party – Kypriaki Norte Welcome to the Island of Lesbos! The perfect Aprés to wrap up Around the World in 8 Days! Country Theme: Greece |
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6PM |
Dine Around: The Mountain Club Aspen meets New York in the heart of Whistler Village. Chef Paul Roberts delivers the best of local ingredients. The Mountain Club features hand crafted cocktails, an extensive Pacific Northwest wine list, and casual food in a sexy, hip environment. Reservations: 604.932.6009 or Online 3 Below Reservations: 604.962.0601 |
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7PM |
Women's World Bobsled Competition – Whistler Sliding Centre |
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8PM |
Mr. Gay World Grand Finale – The Westin Resort & Spa, Emerald Ballroom
$20 In Advance |
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9PM |
WHOOSSH Martini Party – Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa Special Guest: Ms. Willie Taylor |
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9PM |
Shred Betties Bash – GLC Flygirl will be pulling out all the stops to bring their special flare to our signature Women's event. Wither DJ Betti Forde, renowned for her ability to mix all styles of dance music while maintaining her signature sexy electro-funk sound, spinning the night away. Produced by Flygirl DJ Betti Forde (Vancouver) Country Theme: Iceland $30 In Advance |
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10PM |
Snowball – TWCC Opening DJ – DJ Mat Ste-Marie Rhythm Therapist (Montreal / Vancouver) DJ Ana Paula (Rio De Janeiro) Special Guest Performance by Vertigo Posse, Destineak Country Theme: Brazil $90 In Advance |
Sunday, February 8th, 2009 Blackcomb
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3.30AM |
Chill – Ric's Grill Hang out at Ric's grab some food as you decompress from Snowball |
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10AM |
Sunday Brunch – Ric's Grill Farewell and see you for WinterPRIDE 2010 (March 1-8, 2010) |
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3PM |
Aprés (Mix) Party – Dublin Gate Irish Pub
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