Only in Canada would Pride be celebrated in the snow. Lucky for us Albertans, these celebrations will be right in our own backyard. The months of January and February promise to be chalk-full of fun Winter events.

First up is the fifth annual Snowballs Gay and Lesbian Ski/Snowboard Trip to Banff from Friday, January 27 to Sunday the 29th. Touted as a "low-cost getaway over a weekend right here in Alberta," this trip is worth it simply for the round-trip party bus (with a liquor license) to get there! The bus leaves on Friday evening, with a stop in Calgary and then returns on Sunday evening.

Banff is a selling factor on its own, but coupling that with some gay, good times? Priceless. There will be two mountains that downhill skiers can enjoy: Lake Louise Mountain Resort and Sunshine Village. Lake Louise has beginner, intermediate, and expert runs from every chair while Sunshine Village contains 3300 acres of terrain on three mountains, fabulous for snowboarding at every level.

To top off the event, Saturday night is reserved for the White Out Party at the Dancing Sasquatch Party Palace.

Regardless of whether or not you are a skier, a weekend in the beauty of Banff with likeminded gays could be just what the doctor ordered after a hectic holiday season.

The next item on our list of gay festivities is west of the Alberta border in a small town you may have heard about during the 2010 Olympics; Whistler Village. This is a week-long event that promises to keep you busy. Dean Nelson, CEO and Executive Producer took some time to talk to GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine about this year’s events.

"The premise of Winter Pride, as it is now, was conceived back in 1992 when Colorado, one of the world’s most renowned ski locales, became politically entangled in a conservative backlash, hence reinforcing the anti-gay sentiment of the times. Some queer individuals that frequented the hills in Colorado decided to make the much more liberal Whistler their newest winter destination."

"The first gay ski weekend there were about 300 attendees and last year we counted about 2500 guests," adds Nelson.

"So, this year we are celebrating our 20th Anniversary, and commemorating this with a celebration with the old alumni. This is also the first year that the resort is officially proclaiming the dates of our event Pride week. This is a first in any mountain city."

Well, this proclamation is definitely deserved. The amount of activities throughout the span of the week-long celebrations could attract anyone to this Olympic destination. There are events for men and women alike, and the nightly entertainment is sure to keep guests smiling.

I asked Nelson about what he felt is the best part of Winter Pride. "It is really interesting to find out why people come to our event specifically. People tell us that Whistler is the friendliest of the whole bunch! Many people have met their partners at the ski week. Our atmosphere is friendly, non-threatening, and can really create a relationship amongst like-minded people."

"People come year after year. In fact, 4 couples got married here last year as they originally met at one of our events. Gina Daggett, one half of the Lipstick and Dipstick column at Curve magazine met her life partner at our event! Her recent novel has a bit of us included in it."

"Our straight allies, the Rotary Club, donate their time with us and actively engage with our guests. They find themselves so moved by these guests. One guest told one of our volunteers that he comes to our event every year because it is the one week of the year that allows him to have the strength to live throughout the rest of the year."

Nelson makes sure to include the newest Pride event. "You must try the new skeleton experience! The same one as in the Olympics. There is nothing better than queens ripping down the track at 125 kilometres an hour. It is so much fun!"

If nothing else, you must go for that.

The final event in our queer winter gauntlet is Jasper Pride. I had the privilege of attending this event last year and it was by far one of my favourite Prides, ever! The mix of people was incredible, the hospitality was overwhelming, and the scenery was breathtaking.

This year, the third annual celebration runs from Friday, February 10th to Sunday the 12th, and is hosted by OUT Jasper, Jasper’s GLBTQA non-profit community organization. It is held for two main reasons: to celebrate pride in Jasper and to raise money for the much needed OUT Jasper program.

Similar to last year, the events are laid back, fun, and community based. The weekend kicks off with the Welcome Mixer hosted by Mountain Park Lodges (the fabulous hotel where I stayed last year). There are drinks, appetizers, and a very nice silent auction to partake in, that evening.

After a good night’s rest, Saturday is reserved to enjoy the slopes (or the bar). Warm yourself up again at the Après Ski event held at the Whistler’s Inn Hotel. Once you have mingled to your heart’s content you can keep the party going at the Official Jasper Pride Weekend Party: Mardi-Gras at the Jasper Activity Centre Saturday evening. Calgary’s own Terri Stevens and Justine Time will be hosting the event and demonstrating their numerous talents onstage (if you were there last year you know what I mean).

So, when your friends from warmer climates make fun of you because you are stuck in -30° weather with nothing to do, laugh in their face. As far as I know, warmer climates don’t get fun Pride celebrations in the snow. Chalk up a point for the Great White North!