From Altitude to Pride: A Shared Winter Story in Whistler
It all started quietly, more than thirty years ago, with a handful of gay skiers coming together in Whistler for a shared week on the mountain. It was 1992, when a small group led by promoter Brent Benaschak and Out on the Slopes launched Altitude Gay Ski Week at Whistler Mountain. There were guided mountain tours, a few gatherings in the village, and a simple goal: to bring queer people together on the snow.
Word spread. Through the 1990s, the event picked up speed, adding charity races, après parties, and a growing sense of community that stretched far beyond the slopes and establishing Whistler as a destination for 2SLGBTQiA+ winter travellers looking for world-class skiing paired with a welcoming, social atmosphere.
A Festival That Grew Season by Season
After a few transitions and a brief pause in 2006, that early spark returned as the Whistler Pride and Ski Festival. What followed was years of steady growth, as the event built its reputation season by season and became known for its welcoming atmosphere, its mix of skiing and nightlife, and the sense of community that kept people coming back.
A New Chapter for Winter Pride
Now, Whistler is turning the page again. In 2026, a reimagined Whistler Pride Festival launches January 25 to February 1, marking a new chapter for winter Pride in the mountains. Under the strategic oversight of Tourism Whistler, the destination undertook a thoughtful process to shape the next era of Pride celebrations, ultimately partnering with TFD Presents, a Vancouver-based team with more than 20 years of experience producing major 2SLGBTQiA+ events across Canada. With programming led by TFD Presents, the festival builds on more than three decades of history while expanding its vision for what Pride can look like in a mountain destination. The 2026 Whistler Pride Festival, as a newly structured event under new management, marks a clear reset while still honouring the traditions of the Whistler Pride Festival.
“Whistler has a long and proud history of being welcoming and inclusive to all, and we are looking forward to ushering in a new era of Pride celebrations in the resort,” said Tory Kargl, Vice President of Destination & Market Development at Tourism Whistler, in a Tourism Whistler announcement. “This is a transition year as we establish a new vision, while continuing a beloved tradition that means so much to our community and our guests.”
Keeping the Heart of Pride on the Mountain
That balance between past and future is intentional. The festival may be reimagined, but it still retains its heart: daily guided ski and snowboard groups led by friendly volunteer guides, absolutely free to join for anyone with a valid lift ticket. Long considered the social core of the week, these guided sessions remain one of the easiest ways to meet other participants while exploring Whistler Blackcomb together, whether you’re carving green runs or chasing steeper terrain.
“I walked into my first Whistler Pride event more than twenty years ago and I’ve never felt like I belonged somewhere more,” said Tommy Dolanjski, CEO of TFD Presents, in Tourism Whistler materials announcing the festival. “That feeling of being welcomed and safe is what we hope to carry forward, creating something that honours the legacy while opening the door even wider.”
Après, Nightlife, and Space for Everyone
Alongside its on-mountain roots, the Whistler Pride Festival brings a refreshed mix of programming off the slopes. You can expect a Daily Après Ski Series rotating through the village, social gatherings alongside ticketed nightlife events, and intentional spaces designed for women, youth, and gender-diverse communities. Free and low-barrier events help make sure Pride feels welcoming and accessible, while national and local performers bring the energy to life, from DJs and drag hosts to multi-venue Pride takeovers that keep Whistler buzzing well into the night.
Why Whistler Still Draws Us Back
The setting itself remains part of the draw. Whistler Blackcomb offers vast alpine terrain, iconic sightseeing experiences like the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, and a magical village setting. You'll stroll car free laneways and plazas under holiday lights. Discover dining, shops, pubs and nightlife. Pose for selfies in Olympic plaza, or strap on a pair of skates. As a long-time Sea to Sky resident, I can personally attest to the simple pleasure of sitting on a heated outdoor patio, watching the snow fall, and catching up with friends after a day outside, whether that day was spent on the slopes, snowshoeing at Lost Lake Park, or unwinding at a spa with your sweetie. Whistler is a place where adventure and celebration naturally coexist. And what better celebration is there than Pride?
Benefits for longer stays
For those planning a winter getaway around the festival, there’s an added incentive to stay longer. Visitors who book three or more nights can receive a free $75 dining credit, making it easier to settle in and experience more of what Whistler has to offer.
Full Festival Schedule
The full festival schedule and planning tools can be found online. To explore the event lineup, learn more about the Whistler Pride Festival, and start planning your trip, visit whistlerpridefestival.com.
We'll see you there!
From that first gathering in 1992 to today’s reimagined festival, Whistler’s Pride story has always been about sharing the mountain together and then enjoying a darn good party afterwards! The setting hasn’t changed. And the vision continues to thrive.