Showing posts with label Gay Ski Weeks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gay Ski Weeks. Show all posts

Friday, March 2, 2012

OutBoard 2012: Worlds Largest Gay and Lesbian Snowboarding Event Returns to Steamboat Springs!

Grab your snowboard (or skis) and get ready for OutBoard 2012, as the event returns to Steamboat Springs, CO, March 27-April 1, 2012. Recently named the "Most Laid Back" and "Most Affordable Gay & Lesbian Ski Week" by TripOutGayTravel. OutBoard focuses on fun, well organized events, both on and off the hill as well as creating a great environment to meet like-minded, fun-loving snowboarders and skiers.

“The difference between OutBoard and other ski weeks is that our events center around making sure everyone is fresh to ride the best terrain the next day. We take snowboarding seriously and it’s always our focus” said Ryan Miller, Director of Events and Operations. “We have a blast socializing and hanging out, but save something for the freshies the next day.”

OutBoard was founded in 1995 as a learn-to-snowboard event. Over the years it has grown to be the largest gay and lesbian snowboarding event in the world and is inclusive of skiers. But it is more than just an event, the companion web site at www.outboard.org with over 3,000 members, is designed as an online community for the GLBT snowboarding community to find friends to ride with in their own area and post stories and pictures about their adventures.

For all the event descriptions, details, access to exclusive Outboard 2012 discounted rates, and to register, visit www.outboard.org.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

OutBoard 2012: A conversation with Ryan Miller

Ryan Miller
By Drew Wilson

OutBoard 2012 is coming up March 27-April 1. I had a chance to speak with Director of Events and Operations and former professional snowboarder Ryan Miller about what to expect and why experienced snowboarders and noobies alike should check it out.

Drew: Hey Ryan, how would you describe OutBoard in a nutshell?
Ryan: OutBoard started in Denver 17 years ago as a way for our founder Tim, to meet other gay snowboarders. Over the years, OutBoard.org grew to be the largest gay and lesbian snowboard organization in the world, currently over 14,000 members world wide.

However, despite being a global organization, we're still based here in Denver and all of our events are hosted locally in Denver and at resorts in Colorado.



What sets OutBoard apart from all the other gay ski/snowboard events?
I think TripOutGayTravel got it right in 2010 when they named us the 'Most Laid Back' ski week. OutBoard's events are about the people and getting on the mountain first and foremost. That's not to say that we don't have a good time off the mountain with apres events, private dinners, and parties, but we always make sure that our events wrap early enough that our attendees are fresh and ready for first chair in the morning. That same year we were also named the 'Most Affordable' ski week which is something we also take pride in. We work hard to partner with venues that allow us to be able to produce a quality ski week with support events at an affordable price. This year we're offering our Rough Rider Package which includes five breakfasts, our Just Relax dinner on Wednesday night, The Strawberry Park Hot Springs Adventure, the Western Hoedown Dinner, and the Closing Party with open bar all for under $300.

Who goes to OutBoard?
OutBoard's events are attended by almost everyone. It doesn't matter if you've never been on snow or are a pro. We have attendees from Colorado as well as across the US, Canada, and the EU. The best part is, that after nine years of running the organization and events, there's always a large number of people I know who keep coming back year after year and it's like seeing family each time.


OutBoard Virgin Day 2012 from Ryan Miller on Vimeo.

What if I've never snowboarded before - am I still welcome?
Of course! OutBoard started as a learn-to-snowboard day so we love first timers. We host a 'Virgin Day' each year in January which caters to first timers, but we also work with the resorts, in this case Steamboat to offer first time lessons. This year Steamboat is offering three day learn-to-snowboard-or ski-package just for those who've never been on snow before. Where else would be better to learn than surrounded by friends!

Are you still a professional snowboarder?

I don't compete any more. I retired about five or six years ago due to some knee issues but I still get on snow every chance I can.

What were your best/worst experiences being one of the first elite athletes to be openly gay?
I think the best experience was really getting to represent and break through the barriers. When I was competing no one else was out so it was totally new ground which of course had a lot of baggage and stress associated with it in terms of dealing with competitors, coaches, and sponsors. Getting to travel the US and Canada to talk about gays in sports to youth organizations, communitiy organizations, and professional medical organizations was highly rewarding as I felt like I was giving back.

What equipment or gear do you recommend?
I ride Never Summer boards. Specifically the F1 Premier. Never Summer has been a long time sponsor of OutBoard and its events and make a great product so it's great to work with a company who's products I can personally speak for.

Where can we find out more about OutBoard?
The best place to find out about OutBoard is at our website, www.outboard.org.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

OutBoard 2012 returns to Steamboat Springs


Grab your snowboard (or skis) and get ready for OutBoard 2012, as the event returns to Steamboat Springs, CO, March 27-April 1, 2012.
 
Recently named the "Most Laid Back" and "Most Affordable Gay & Lesbian Ski Week" by TripOutGayTravel.  OutBoard focuses on fun, well organized events, both on and off the hill as well as creating a great environment to meet like-minded, fun-loving snowboarders and skiers.  “The difference between OutBoard and other ski weeks is that our events center around making sure everyone is fresh to ride the best terrain the next day. We take snowboarding seriously and it’s always our focus” said Ryan Miller, Director of Events and Operations.  “We have a blast socializing and hanging out, but save something for the freshies the next day.”
 
This year’s event schedule is still being finalized, however OutBoard 2012 attendees can look forward 5 days of incredible snowboarding the original “Champagne Powder” on one of North America’s largest resorts boasting nearly 3000 acres of terrain over 6 peaks. as well as daily “Kickstart” breakfasts, group lunches at the Thunderhead Lodge, Après events at the Steamboat Grand’s giant hot tubs, private dinners in town and on the mountain, and of course the OutBoard closing party with a guest DJ.  OutBoard 2012’s host lodging property will once again be the Steamboat Grand just steps from the gondola and featuring slope side equipment check, in house dining, and some of the largest hot tubs you’ll ever see.
 

Monday, December 12, 2011

Gay Ski Weeks around the world

Winter is almost officially upon us, so it's time to make the most of the season and plan your ski trip! Here are some of the best LGBT Ski Weeks at unforgettable destinations from around the world - including our very own Aspen Gay Ski Week - courtesy of Passport Magazine.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Passport's 2011 International Gay Ski Weeks Calendar

Passport's annual Gay Ski Calendar brings you all the cool details about what's hot on the slopes: après ski parties, film festivals, fashion shows, costumed galas, and lots, lots more.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Travelocity Never Roam Alone Ski/Snowboard Guides: WinterPride 2011

Travelocity Never Roam Alone Ski Guides at WinterPRIDE Whistler
It's that time of year when WinterPride starts to plan and recruit for their 2011 Winter program and they are looking for gay guys that have a passion for Whistler Blackcomb and want to share the magic of this beautiful destination with others.   
 
 

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Matthew Shepard Foundation Gay Ski Week 2011: Shoot the Butte

The producers of Matthew Shepard Foundation Gay Ski Week have announced the kick-off of “Shoot the Butte.” To celebrate the inaugural year of the ski week located in Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado, a series of “Shoot the Butte” launch parties are being planned in select cities, including New York City, Dallas, West Hollywood and right here in Denver. Each event will be held at popular venues and include celebrity guests, drink specials, giveaways and a grand door prize of a trip to the upcoming ski week.

The Matthew Shepard Foundation Gay Ski Week will be held at Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) from March 19 – 26, 2011 with additional activities in the towns of Mt. Crested Butte, CO and Crested Butte, CO. The week will boast a full schedule of events in addition to Crested Butte’s renowned skiing.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Matthew Shepard Gay Ski Week announced for 2011 in Crested Butte

StraightOut Media & Marketing, the Matthew Shepard Foundation and Crested Butte Mountain Resort have announced the launch of “Butte 11: Matthew Shepard Foundation Gay Ski Week.” The event will take place at Crested Butte Mountain Resort (“CBMR”) from March 19 – 26, 2010 with additional activities in the towns of Mt. Crested Butte and Crested Butte, Colo.

“This new event provides the perfect vehicle for communicating the education, advocacy and awareness work of the Foundation,” said Jason Marsden, executive director of the Mathew Shepard Foundation. “This was a large scale opportunity to bring attention to our mission.”

“We look forward to creating a signature event for the Matthew Shepard Foundation that raises not only awareness but also contributions to the organization,” said Scott Barretto, co-founder of SOMM. “Crested Butte is known for its superb spring skiing so the sun and the snow will make for a unique gay ski week experience like no other”.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

WinterPRIDE tops Gay Ski Week lists


WinterPRIDE Gay Ski Week takes place March 1-8 in Whistler. WinterPRIDE has been named as the Number #1 Gay Ski Event in the World by Gay.com and PlanetOut.com and was recently named 'Best in the World' by the UK's Guardian newspaper.