A buff-man party, pink
buses and gay cowboys come to Queenstown this weekend with
one intention - to hit the slopes.
This year Gay Ski week has been brought forward from its
usual September spot to give way to the Rugby World Cup 2011.
Accommodation in Queenstown during September 2011 would be
full of Rugby World Cup visitors Gay Ski Week organiser Mike
Sanford said, when he released the new dates.
Gay Ski week is in its ninth year and last year brought $1.2
million into the resort's economy.
Traditionally, the week brings added colour and excitement to
the resort, but this year the RWC, volcanic ash cloud and a
lack of snow have made organising the event much more
challenging and Mr Sanford is wavering over the decision to
continue running it to the decade mark.
At this year's Gay Ski Week, participants can hand over their
tickets to get on the pink bus and be taken up to three ski
fields - Coronet, The Remarkables and Cardrona.
Gay Ski Week evening events start with the traditional
welcome party, and include a cowboy dinner, retro bowling
night, pool party, Buff Manhunt party and the White Out
closing party.
Novotel Queenstown will host the event for the third
consecutive year.
Gay Week events:
SATURDAY, JULY 23
• 6pm: Welcome Party, Prime Bar and Restaurant.
SUNDAY, JULY 24
• Group Ski at Coronet Peak, followed by Cowboy Dinner
(guests are encouraged to bring a "weapon of choice").
MONDAY, JULY 25
• Group Ski at Cardrona Ski, followed by an evening of pizza
and retro bowling.
TUESDAY, JULY 26
• Adventure Day.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27
• Skiing at Cardrona, The Remarkables and Coronet Peak.
THURSDAY, JULY 28
• Pool Party.
• Queenstown's Got Talent at SkyCity Casino.
FRIDAY, JULY 29
• Group skiing.
• The Buff Manhunt.
SATURDAY, JULY 30
• White Out closing party.
- Olivia Caldwell
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