Jan 18, 2008  |  By: ZACK ROSEN  | COMMENTS     

“L WORD” PARTIES aren’t the only events drawing sizeable lesbian crowds this winter.

This year, at Whistler Mountain’s WinterPRIDE, more events than ever before are aimed at attracting women who like to ski.

WinterPRIDE is an event that takes place in Whistler, home of British Columbia’s Whistler Mountain, the highest mountain in North America. Begun in 2006 to replace another gay ski event that was cancelled at the last minute, WinterPRIDE has scheduled an extensive program of lesbian events and attractions to balance out what can be a male-heavy environment.

“Over the last several years we’ve heard from the community that they wanted to see more diversity and inclusion and the biggest group being left out was the women,” says WinterPRIDE’s community and media relations director Dean Nelson, who expects about 1,000 women to attend this year’s event. “We’re absolutely thrilled about having fostered some relationships last year and growing the women’s program, so this year we’re stepping it up one step more.”

That step includes daily women’s-only ski and snowboard guided trips and a daily women’s après ski party, but the biggest addition to the women’s programming is a spate of high-profile special guests. Curve magazine advice columnists Lipstick and Dipstick will be on hand to promote a new book, acoustic rocker Melissa Ferrick will debut new music from her upcoming album and three-time X-Games gold medalist Missy “The Missile” Giove will even be on hand as a ski guide.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” says Giove, whose girlfriend will be accompanying her to Whistler. “You have good times and some platform to help support the GLBT community and at the same time be healthy … while partying really hard. I’m really looking forward to it.”

WITH A MIX OF skiing and non-skiing events for men and women alike, WinterPRIDE has something for people of all skill sets and interests. Besides offering skiing for every level of experience, the festival also guides snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and even dog sledding tours.

“A person who doesn’t have the desire to ski but wants the skiing experience can do a snow limo,” Nelson says. “They sit in a sit-ski and get pushed around by a really hot ski guy. They can be like Dame Edna and say, ‘Ahh, this is lovely.’”

Of course, after all that time in the cold there are a number of hot night-time events to attend as well, including a costume party and a “Brokeback Mountain” themed dance. For music lovers, a concert by Boston-based acoustic rocker Ferrick will be an attraction, but the non-skiing Ferrick already has her days planned out.

“I used to ski in high school but it’s a bit of a work hazard, I can’t afford to break a wrist,” Ferrick says. “Instead, I’m going to look at girls, sit in the chalet and sip hot chocolate and check out the latest skiing outfits.”

Women arriving to Whistler as couples, or arriving single and wishing to leave as couples, can enjoy a presentation by Lipstick and Dipstick. The Curve magazine advice columnists will be reading from their new book, “Lipstick and Dipstick’s Essential Guide to Lesbian Relationships,” and hosting a cocktail reception. Dipstick, whose real name is Kathy Belge, feels that the event will be of interest to single women as well.

“We always hear about people that meet someone at these events, anything’s possible,” Belge says. “You get two women together who both like to ski, and it could be the start of something wonderful.”

Whistler itself holds a lot of interest for gay tourists who ski. British Columbia was the first Canadian province to extend full rights to its gay citizens, even offering legal gay marriage. Factor in that the area is currently experiencing a banner snowfall and you get more than just your typical gay see-and-be-seen event.

“We’re more than just the nightlife glitz and glam parties of other festivals, we’re down-home friendly,” says Sean Kearns, the president of WinterPRIDE organizing group Gay Whistler. “Everyone’s welcome and we’re open to everyone, there’s no attitude. You can be a big muscle boy and have no attitude, having a cocktail at après with your average Joe. Everyone’s your average Joe at Whistler.”
 
This is a sentiment that Giove echoes. Currently residing in the decidedly hill-less Virginia Beach, she is eagerly anticipating her ski trip.

“You go up and ...