Mr Gay World to be crowned at Whistler’s Gay Ski Week

Already a unique celebration of diversity and inclusiveness, Whistler’s WinterPRIDE, taking place from February 1-8, is even more special this year, bringing with it the first-ever Mr. Gay World competition.

This year marks the 17th year of Whistler’s Gay Ski Week – an event now considered one of the largest and most-renowned gay ski weeks in the world, attracting thousands of attendees to the resort each year. Since 2007, Whistler’s Gay Ski Week has been known as WinterPRIDE and is produced by GayWhistler, which also operates GayWhistler.com, a year-round resource for gay and lesbian travellers to Whistler.

As WinterPRIDE continues its evolution, this year marks a significant development with the inclusion of the first-ever Mr. Gay World competition. The Mr. Gay World Grand Finale on February 7 marks the conclusion of an international search involving 1,500 men from across 40 nations, culminating in the selection of one winner among 24 finalists. The eight-day festival features more than 70 events, including skiing and winter sports, culinary workshops, health and wellness seminars, après ski events, themed parties and dances.

“GayWhistler is very honoured to be chosen to host the Mr. Gay World Grand Finale during our annual festival,” said Dean Nelson, CEO of Alpenglow Productions/ GayWhistler. “We feel that having this global competition in Whistler during WinterPRIDE brings a totally new level of excitement as we welcome many new faces to experience this gorgeous mountain destination. For competitors from some countries, it will be the first time they’ve ever seen snow,” Nelson said.

“I am so proud of the community of Whistler, which embraces diversity and the value of being authentic. I cannot think of a better place to crown Mr. Gay World.”

The winner of the Mr. Gay World competition will demonstrate – through leadership, charisma and intelligence – the ability to act as a positive role model, ambassador and spokesperson for the global cause of equality, respect and understanding.

The theme of this year’s WinterPRIDE, organized by GayWhistler, is Around the World in Eight Days, with many events themed after various countries including New Zealand, Brazil and England.

Event participants can take advantage of the legendary Travelocity Never Roam Alone ski guiding program with volunteer ski and snowboard guides on hand to lead guests on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. WinterPRIDE brings international talent to the resort with DJs from all over the world on hand to get the party started with daily après ski events and late-night parties.

Highlights of this year’s festivities include the MountainTOP Party at the Roundhouse on February 6, and the Mr. Gay World Grand Finale at The Westin Resort & Spa Whistler on February 7, followed by the Snowball at the TELUS Whistler Conference Centre.

For winter packages and accommodation options, visit Whistler.com

For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit Gaywhistler.com.