2023 Schedule of Events
Here's a look at what happened at the 2023 Whistler Pride and Ski Festival. Please check back in late 2023 for information on the 2024 event.
2023 Schedule Highlights
With 8 days of incredible events, the energy and diversity of the festival is reflected in the schedule. Enjoy Whistler Blackcomb's incredible terrain for skiing and riding each day, parties and socializing in the evenings, and family-friendly events too. Here are a few must-see events the festival is known for, but there are plenty more!
Daily Ski and Snowboard Guiding
January 23 – 28, 2023 | Whistler & Blackcomb Mountains
The social core of the week, the free daily guided ski and snowboard groups are the best way to meet other festival attendees while exploring the awe-inspiring, award-winning slopes of Whistler Blackcomb. These volunteer-guided groups range from green runs to expert.
Community Day Parade Presented by TD Bank Group
Friday, January 27, 2023 | 3 – 5 PM
The vibrant colours of pride pop brilliantly against the white snow as skiers fly flags down the mountain. The flags are then paraded through the Village, ending at Olympic Plaza where the Resort Municipality of Whistler hosts a pride edition of Afterglow, bringing people together over warm beverages, live music, sweet treats, prize draws and larger-than-life entertainment!
Pride at Night
Your favourite events are returning in 2023, featuring talent worthy of a 30th event celebration! Highlights include:
Whistler Pride Welcome Party
Sunday, January 22, 2023 | 4:30 – 8:30 PM | Nita Lake Lodge
The festival's official kick-off where guests mingle with each other, festival organizers and meet the friendly Ski and Snowboard Guides. With live music by the warm glow of the fireplace at Cure Lounge & Patio.
Lit! at Vallea Lumina
Monday, January 23, 2023 | 9 & 9:30 PM | Cougar Mountain
Enjoy a multimedia night walk through an enchanted forest in pursuit of hidden wonders at Vallea Lumina. After the walk there will be time to socialize by a roaring fire with beer, wine, and hot toddies to warm your spirits.
Sip 'n Dip
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 | 9:30 – 11:30 PM | Scandinave Spa
Enjoy wine, beer, and music in the pavilion at world-renowned Scandinave Spa. Soak in the hot tubs, try the hot-cool-relax cycle, and cozy up by the firepits in the relaxing, natural mountain setting of the traditional Scandinavian baths.
An evening with BIANCA DEL RIO – Whistler Pride Comedy Night
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 | 8 – 11 PM | Whistler Conference Centre
Dubbed the “Joan Rivers of the Drag World” (The New York Times), there isn’t anything Bianca is afraid to say. A night of side-splitting humour filling the massive Sea to Sky Ballroom at the Whistler Conference Centre with laughter. Tickets are available online. VIP Table seating includes access to advance Meet & Greet at 6 PM. Doors open at 7:30 PM.
Splash Pool Party
Thursday, January 26, 2023 | 10 PM – 2 AM | Meadow Park Sports Centre
Let's get soaking wet! Bring your own towel and swimsuit. Clothes check and lockers available on site. Catch the free shuttle from the Aava Whistler hotel.
Furrocious!
Friday, January 27, 2023 | 10 PM – 2 AM | Whistler Conference Centre
Go wild at FURROCIOUS, the Friday night party where the dress code is leather, sports gear, or whatever lets your sexy out. Tricked out with lights, visuals, and tech by Encore, the Whistler Conference Centre Grand Foyer and Sea to Sky Ballroom become a dark, intimate space where deep, dirty beats rule.
Snowball: Main Event
Saturday, January 28, 2023 | 10 PM – 4 AM | Whistler Conference Centre
The Whistler Pride and Ski Festival's massive main event and grand finale featuring international DJ Micky Friedman (Berlin), supported by Nick Bertossi (Canada), with performances by Canada's Drag Race finalist, Kendall Gender. Drink and dance until 4 AM with lights, lasers and tech by Encore!
Family-Friendly and Free Events
Charity Ski Race
Thursday, January 26 2023 | 1 – 2:30 PM | Race Centre, Blackcomb Mountain
Test your speed at the Blackcomb Race Centre and help raise money for QMUNITY, BC's Queer, Trans, & Two-Spirit Resource Centre. $5 recommended minimum donation per race.
Youth-Only Guided Ski and Snowboard Groups
Friday, January 27, 2023 | 9:45 AM – 1 PM | Roundhouse Lodge, Whistler Mountain
Queer youth and allies (ages 13 - 18) are invited to join the free guided ski/ride groups where they will be welcomed and mentored by groups of skiers and snowboarders at their level. At 3 PM, youth are welcome to join groups from Pride Squamish, Whistler Rainbow Connection, Lillooet Secondary and on-mountain Parade Marshals to participate in the Ski Out and Community Day Parade presented by TD Bank Group.
Whistler Pride Youth Social
Friday, January 27, 2023 | 4:30 – 6:30 PM
A free meet-up for Queer youth and allies ages 13 - 18 directly following the Parade. Filmmaker and professional skateboarder and snowboarder Jake Kuzyk will screen some of his work followed by a Q&A. Gender-fluid drag performer Gia Metric will also be available to talk about their experience and answer questions. Gia Metric is a non-binary drag artist best known for competing on season 2 of Canada’s Drag Race, as well as their out-of-this-world fashion, electrifying pop performances, and advocacy for mental health awareness. Dinner and beverages included. Pre-registration is required as there’s limited capacity.