Fifth annual Gay Ski Week NZ wraps up

The rainbow flag was lowered as friends farewelled for another year the fifth annual 42Below Gay Ski Week NZ in Queenstown on Sunday.
Queenstown’s Man, Camp and Shotover streets provided an apt setting for the event, which this year attracted around 500 gay revellers from as far away as Brazil and China for a full calendar of skiing, apr?skiing and activities.
Launching with a pink birthday celebration, and ending with a White Out party, Gay Ski Week NZ has grown in size each year and has become one of the major events on the international calendar of gay and lesbian events.
Organiser Mike Sanford said that Gay Ski Week NZ was the biggest and best of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and that this year’s event was the best yet.
We’ve had a blast in the past week, Sanford said. The activities on the slopes were hilarious, and the apr?ski circuit was even better. Our new events proved really popular with the DNA Dinner and Cruise aboard the Lady of the Lake a highlight.
It’s great to see familiar faces each year, along with new faces and I’m really encouraged to see our hard work rewarded by steadily increasing numbers over the past five years.
Also, the appointment of business manager Adam Bold made the event delivery smoother than in previous years.
Helped by sponsorship from 42Below, Gay Ski Week NZ featured a Pink Ski Bus that transported participants to and from Coronet Peak and Cardrona Ski Field throughout the week, followed by a hectic schedule of creative night-time events.
The majority of those visiting Queenstown for this year’s event were from Sydney and there was a good mix of couples and singles attending the event, according to Sanford. There was also a strong presence from other Australian states and the largest turnout yet of New Zealanders.
The White Out Dance Party on Friday was Queenstown’s biggest gay and lesbian gig, and featured DJs Dan Murphy from Sydney and Luke Fry from San Francisco.
Sanford said the key to the success of Gay Ski Week NZ was the support of Queenstown businesses, residents and sponsors.
I’d like to thank 42BELOW vodka, Air New Zealand, Crowne Plaza, Outside Sports, Shotover Jet, NZONE and the friendly staff from Real Journeys’ TSS Earnslaw.
Sanford and Bold were already planning for Gay Ski Week NZ 2008 and advise potential attendees to mark 29 August to 7 September in the diary.
Adam has already swung into action to get next year’s event under way. Over the last few years the Gay Ski Week NZ has evolved from a week-long event into a 10-day extravaganza. We’ll be designing our calendar accordingly and encouraging people to stay longer next year.