The Whistler Pride and Ski Festival is a LGBTQ-themed skiing and snowboarding festival in January. It offers a range of both indoor and outdoor activities.
Whistler’s Pride Festival in 2025
Running from January 19th to 26th in 2025, the Whistler Pride Festival is a winter tradition at BC’s largest ski resort. Each year people of all sexual orientations and genders descend on Whistler-Blackcomb for a week of fun and celebration of all things LGBTQ+.
The host hotel partnered with the festival is Aava Whistler Hotel. Many of the events take place in or around the hotel. There is a free shuttle service from the building to other hosting venues. You don’t have to stay at the hotel if you attend the festival, but it’s a good option.
The festival’s most popular activities are the daily skiing and snowboarding runs, but there are plenty of other things to do as well. This includes shows and parties put on by the festival, and also all the regular non-Pride activities that Whistler has to offer.
In 2022 Jimbo the Drag Clown was the headlining performer at the festival. Below is a photo of Jimbo in a white ski suit and the larger than life chest.
Jimbo the Drag Clown at Whistler
Festival Tickets and Pricing
Tickets are on sale for individual events and multiple events. In 2025 the Three-Day Pass includes express entry to all events from January 23rd to 25th for a total of about $350 to $510, depending on how early you buy. Meanwhile, for those interested in attending all 2025 events, the Seven-Day Pass costs between $600 and $840.
One thing that has to be purchased separately by all guests who want to hit the slopes is lift tickets up the mountain. Once you get to the ski hill, there are free guided ski and snowboard groups for all different skill levels that festival-goers can take part in. There are also plenty of non-mountainous events as well.
Whistler Pride Schedule
The ski and snowboard sessions mentioned above take place almost every morning during the festival. The guides for each group are very experienced and lead participants through various areas on both the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Afterwards, there are après sessions that are like relaxed meet and greet-type socials.
In addition to the above activities, below is a schedule of the main events in 2025. (Note: The schedule is subject to change.)
January 19th, 2025
- Whistler Pride Welcome Party – this event takes place from 6:00 to 10:00 pm on the opening day of the festival. It’s a chance to meet other guests as well as staff with food, drinks and some entertainment to go with it. The location is the Audain Art Museum, located at 4350 Blackcomb Way.
January 20th, 2025
- Drag Bingo – this isn’t your regular bingo night. There’s lip-syncing, bonus interactive activities and plenty of other fun. The bingo goes from 7:00 to 11:00 pm at the Longhorn Saloon at 4280 Mountain Square. There are prizes to be won and the event also raises money for local charities.
January 21st, 2025
- Sip n’ Dip At the Scandinave Spa – a special event at the popular Whistler spa. The building is meant to be a silent experience during regular hours, but the venue hosts a pool party on this night from 9:30 to 11:30 pm. Enjoy the hot tubs while socializing with live entertainment. See our article about Scandinave Spa to learn more about the venue.
January 22nd, 2025
- Whistler Pride Comedy Night – a night of laughter at the Whistler Conference Centre, located at 4010 Whistler Way. The show starts at 8:00 pm and features talented comedians.
Whistler Pride Parade
January 23rd, 2025
- Thursday T-Dance and Throwback Thursday – there’s two separate dance parties taking place at the Whistler Convention Centre. First is T-Dance from 5:00 to 8:00 pm which includes cocktails and après. After a bit of a break Throwback Thursday runs into the late hours of the night from 10:00 pm to 1:30 am.
- SPLASH! Pool Party – this popular event isn’t included in either of the multi-day event passes. It runs from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am at the Meadow Park Sports Centre, located at 8625 Highway 99. There are drinks, live music and plenty of fun in the water.
January 24th, 2024
- Pride Ski Parade – the Whistler Pride Parade incorporates skiing and snowboarding as it begins at Mid-Station at around 2:30 pm. From there, participants glide down the mountain and then transition to a standard marching parade through to the Whistler Olympic Plaza. There are celebrations afterwards at the Whistler Conference Centre that run until 8:00 pm. (Above is a photo of the front of the 2022 parade. Well over 100 people joined the procession. It’s a fun and colourful event!)
- Furrocious – a more risqué party at the Whistler Conference Centre where people dress up in leather, sports gear or whatever else tickles their fancy. The late-night fun runs from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am.
January 25th, 2024
- Saturday T-Dance – another dance party at the Whistler Conference Centre from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.
- Snowball – held at the Whistler Conference Centre, this is the usual closing night party. From 10:00 pm to 4:00 am enjoy a fun night of DJ music and dancing with special lights and lasers.
On top of the above events, there are numerous other activities you can enjoy at Whistler. From exploring the Village itself to taking part in gondola rides, snowmobile tours and more. The area has a lot to offer! For things to do during the time of the festival, check out our article about Whistler Winter Activities.
Whistler Pride Parade Video
To give you an idea of what to expect at the Whistler Pride and Ski Festival check out the video below. It’s of the Pride Parade in 2022. The video begins with the procession of skiers arriving at the bottom of the hill. After a short break, the participants then continue on foot through the streets of Whistler Village. The procession goes from the plaza by the gondolas at the bottom of the ski hill, along Village Stroll, to the Olympic rings by the Olympic Plaza in Whistler’s North Village.
Other Information
For more information about the festival click Whistler Pride & Ski Festival.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
To learn about one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in North America, click Vancouver Pride Festival.