Wednesday, February 8, 2006

Live from Gay Whistler Ski Week - Wednesday

I'm about to leave the frosty mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb, and I'm bummed because the sun is blazing and the ski conditions are grand. Not to mention, hundreds of gay skiiers and snowboarders are up on the slopes right now partaking of the fun and thrill. But the Seattle Gay News only committed to coverage for the first half of Gay Whistler Ski Week, so let me set up the rest of the week for anyone who is heading up here or still thinking about it.

Tonight's apres-ski social is at Bear Foot Bistro, and a masque/rave party is planned for late-night at Maxx Fish. Incidentally, I was at Maxx Fish last night and there were lots and lots of hot gay boys there, from Seattle and Montreal and the US East Coast, and a big group is expected to arrive today from the Bay Area. It was cool to see these gay snow-types come together, mingle, talk about skiing and snowboarding, and dance to great music.

Tommorow's schedule includes on and off-mountain lunches, an apres-ski social at the Telus Conference Centre and a late-night concert with Canadian notable Kim Kuzma. The gay ski week committee has been raving about Kuzma, talking about her as some big recording artist. I personally have never heard of her and can't fathom paying $39 to see her live. So, I recommend instead hanging out at the various bars - most of them with cover charges - and mingling with the locals and other gay men who just want to cocktail and dance.

Friday's activities include a guided ski tour of Blackcomb, on and off-mountain lunches, apres-ski at the Telus Conference Centre, and a pub crawl that costs $40 but admits you into three of the busiest bars at Whistler Village (Savage Beagle, Moe Joe's, Maxx Fish).

Saturday's events are a guided ski tour of Whistler, on and off-mountain lunches, apres-ski at the conference centre and a big late-night dance/party at the conference centre as well.

Sunday is the final day of Gay Whistler Ski Week, and it features a brunch at Aubergine Grill and an apres-ski at Dubh Linn Irish Pub.

Three other GLBT events taking place this week are a wine and spa social at the lesbian-owned Solarice Spa, on Friday. I had a massage there yesterday and it was heavenly. Ask for Chris, a martial arts specialist off duty, who is amazing with his hands. There's also a martini party at the Hilton, with money being raised for AIDS Vancouver, and "The L Party" for women at Maxx Fish. The latter two events take place on Saturday.

Let me recommend a terrific, low-cost dining spot. It's called Splitz Grill. I had the lemon-garlic basted grilled chicken burger and I got to choose my own veggies to put in it. It was only $7.95 (Canadian), and for another buck you can get a slice of bacon. Also, Hot Buns Bakery has fantastic fresh pastries and good coffee (ask for the bold vs. mild roast).

Okay, gotta go to check out of my hotel (the Adara - which is fabulous and hip) and catch my ride to Vancouver. It's been great doing this for you. If you can't join the fun this year, think about 2007.

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