Hit the slopes and party
Tim Brewster looks at what to expect at some of the best Southern Snow celebrations this winter.
Who goes on a ski holiday to get bored? When the snow falls it’s party time in most resorts around the world and New Zealand is no different.
Keen for a Dog Derby in the mountains? How about a suitcase race down the slopes or watching bird people leap into Lake Wakatipu? That would be the Queenstown Winter Festival.
Want to get up close and personal to Olympic and X Games champions at world class halfpipe and alpine racing events? Head to the Winter Games. If a socially inclusive Diversity Day Drag Race or onesie day on the snow followed by club nights with international DJs sound more like you, book your tickets for Queenstown’s Gay Ski Week.
Like a snowflake, each festival has its own unique design and attractions, and in the Southern Lakes we’ve got three of the best this winter.
Queenstown Winter Festival, June 22-25
One of the most acclaimed ‘‘welcome to winter’’ parties in the southern hemisphere, this Queenstown classic has been lighting up the resort since 1975.
Old festival favourites such as the Dog Derby on Coronet Peak and the subsequent dog barking competition on Earnslaw Park are combined with other kidfriendly events such as treasure hunts, Songs for Bubbas with Anika Moa and the muchanticipated fireworks display on Friday night.
The ‘‘day on the bay’’ on Saturday features a homemade raft race, the iconic Birdman event, a Jetsprint competition and the hotly contested ‘‘Undy 500’’. Yes. Underwear, outside in Queenstown, in June. Pop-up chef night, a rib-eating competition, a winemakers dinner and whiskey masterclass should please those interested in gourmet occasions with gala events like the comedy debate and Shanghai Nightsthemed SkyCity Ball all combining to ensure no one misses out.
More information winterfestival.co.nz
Winter Games, August 25 to September 10
Winter Olympics, Paralympics, freestyle skiing and snowboarding X Games stars are all making their way to the Southern Lakes for this pre-Olympic event – and it’s free to watch.
Spread across the Southern Lakes’ four alpine resorts, the Snowfarm cross-country area, and the Naseby curling arena in the Maniototo, the biennial Winter Games is the largest of international winter athletes in the Southern Hemisphere.
The event also features a lineup of musicians, DJs, and adventure films throughout the competition. A highlight is the opening ceremony with a dual slalom at Coronet Peak followed by music. More information: wintergamesnz.kiwi
Gay Ski Week QT, September 2-9
Gay Ski Week QT is in its sixth year and continues to thrive. With an extensive evening programme, one long lunch and two themed on-snow days, participants are in for a lively week on and off the slopes.
‘‘It encourages people from all walks of life to take pride in themselves and others. Gay Ski Week QT is fully inclusive and welcomes everyone to the events,’’ says Sally Whitewood, the organiser. ’’It is such a fun week of entertainment on and off the snow, and is now a ‘must do’ event on the LGBTQI calendar.’’
Starting with the opening party at the World Bar on Saturday, there is cabaret, a Queer Quiz night, a Rocky Horror movie showing, karaoke and a Leather and Lace late-night affair.
Keen skiers and snowboarders can take part in a Drag Race and Onesie Day as well as night skiing at Coronet Peak on Friday.
The week of festivities finishes off with a late night at the Propaganda Gold dance party at the Memorial Hall.
More information: gayskiweekqt.com