From January 21st to 23rd 2005, the beautiful Chateau Lake Louise will be taken over by hundreds of Gay and Lesbian outdoor enthusiasts for the first annual "Powder & Pride" event. Geared towards uniting members of the gay and lesbian communities from across North America, the captivating weekend promises new friendships and fantastic skiing and snowboarding at the Lake Louise ski area. UB Productions launched this year with the goal of providing high quality events to Alberta’s Gay & Lesbian community. Owners Nicole Buday and Dawn Tournier are excited about the weekend and shared more details with us.

"The package includes two nights accommodation at the Chateau Lake Louise, two days of lift tickets and admission to the dance, which will offer a cash bar. The Chateau also provides a shuttle to the ski hill," said Buday. "That is part of why we chose this location – because people will have everything convenient and safe."

UB is offering an early bird special until November 30th of $399 per person (plus tax), based on double occupancy. It’s important to book early, as this is a more than 25% discount! After that, the package is back to $539 per person – still substantially cheaper than planning your own ski weekend.

"We are getting a very good deal on both the rooms and the skiing. On January 1st a lift ticket in Lake Louise is increasing to $72 a day. Rooms regularly cost at least $299 a night, so it ends up being an excellent deal. Even if you aren’t a skier, but want to take part in the weekend for the socialization and ball, we have a package for that as well."

With the recent turn in the weather, winter has definitely arrived, and people’s minds are switching gears toward planning winter activities. However, Powder and Pride’s plans kicked off as far back as last January, according to Tournier.

"It was hard at the beginning. We had a couple of hotels interested, but things didn’t really seem possible. We were on the verge of giving up and accepting that it wasn’t going to happen when the Fairmont stepped up and said they wanted to do it in a partnership."

"There is a huge amount of support behind us from our sponsors," added Buday. "Without Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, The Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, Interactive Male, GayCalgary.com and Xtra West as well as Candy Apple Designs and Purple Wanda Designs this wouldn’t be happening."

The idea came about when Tournier was sharing stories about her experience during gay ski week in Whistler, BC. The two felt it was time that Alberta had a similar event of its own. There is certainly a market for it – Whistler’s event is in its 12th year while the world famous Gay Ski Week in Aspen, Colorado will celebrate it’s 28th year in 2005. UB Productions is hoping for similar success, and in the future would like to make it a weeklong event attracting visitors from around the world.

"The Rockies are an amazing thing, and if people don’t experience it, they miss out," said Buday. "We think it is about time that Alberta has the same kind of quality events in the Rockies that the rest of the world does so we are complementing those events with an Alberta twist. Hopefully it will draw people from elsewhere, who will realize how much Alberta has to offer and will come back."

The feedback for the weekend has been very positive as the company promotes the event. Visit their website to see where they will be promoting and find out how you can win a free trip. They have garnered interest from throughout Western Canada, making the event a great chance to meet new friends. The skiing aspect is just a small part of the festivities. Lake Louise offers hiking and dog sledding, and you can meet new friends at the outdoor ice bar, view the world renowned Ice Sculptures, and soak your tired muscles in the hot tub. The "Winter Wonderland Ball" occurring in the new wing of the Chateau on January 22nd will be the highlight of the event, It features DJ RMG and DJ Jared K, as well as lots of door prizes and giveaways.

"One of our grand prizes at the Ball, for those who attend it, will be a ‘Pamper & Pride Day’ that will include massage, personal training and nutrition [consultation] to encourage a healthy lifestyle, and be proud of who you are," said Buday.

The company wants to promote healthy living and an active lifestyle in their events. With the philosophy that events must be "win-win," UB Productions is donating 10% of the proceeds to AIDS Calgary and The Breast Cancer Foundation.

The company was originally named "Unity Bliss Productions". Tournier said "when we shortened it to UB, it clicked that it was perfect. ‘You Be You’, and celebrate who you are at these events."

In the future, they plan to expand on the concept to make it a weeklong event. However there are other plans in the works for great events in Alberta.

"We are starting to plan summer events. Partnering with the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies allows us to have different venues all over Alberta. We are thinking of events in Fernie, and adventure excursions like Mountain Biking, White Water Rafting, Golf and much more. The opportunities are endless," Buday concluded.

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Lake Louise |

Topic Ski and Snowboard |