Queenstown.com - Gay Ski Week to paint QUEENStown pink

The Southern Hemisphere's biggest gay and lesbian alpine party is set to be a doozy this year with a great lineup of entertainment and events on offer.

Hundreds of gay men and women are set to converge on Queenstown to celebrate Gay Ski Week, starting 1 September.

The week features on and off mountain activities from downhill ski races for the adrenalin junkies to highly social nightly apr�s ski catch ups and group dinners.

The celebrations kick off in style on 1 September at Bezu restaurant and bar with a round of 42Below Vodka, courtesy of its sponsor, at the 5th Birthday Welcome Party.

New to the programme this year are:

"QUEENStown's got Talent" karaoke night, featuring Auckland's drag Diva, the outrageous MISS RIBENA, from K'road's Family Bar in Auckland. Competitors will battle it out for glory on 5th September at the SKYCITY Queenstown Casino.
"Downhill Dash for Cash", a no holds barred dash for cash! This free for all is bound to leave some people a little bruised and worn. Run, board or ski ... the winner takes all!
A saucy set of Gaylick Games at Pog Mahones Irish Pub.
A retro dress up bowls evening.
A Central Otago wine tour.

Back by popular demand are:

Queenstown's biggest gay and lesbian gig, the White Out Dance Party which is rapidly making its name on the New Zealand circuit party calendar
4 ski days around the Queenstown region (including a Picnic on the Peak at Coronet Peak with pink bubbly)
Several apr�s ski parties at various salubrious venues

Crowne Plaza Queenstown is this year's official event home. The hotel will host lively apr�s ski parties and sumptuous breakfasts in its stunning threesixty bar and restaurant, with fantastic lake views.

Each ski day, the Pink Bus will transport skiers and snowboarder to and from Crowne Plaza Queenstown to the skifield of the day.

Mike Sanford, the brains behind the festival, says they are looking forward to welcoming back the many people who come year after year.

"It's fantastic that we've got such a loyal following now. We work hard to put on a great show every year that builds on the success of the year before. I'm excited about our new events this year � I think they really add a new dimension to the programme.

"We definitely couldn't do it without the support of Queenstown � the businesses, residents and family of sponsors. The vodka's fabulous, Queenstowners are always up for a party and Queenstown is the perfect location is with its great ski areas and apr�s ski venues."

Picture caption: David and Miss Ribena from Family Bar, Auckland