Altitude week arrives

Pump the iron, hit the tanning studio and book in for that back, crack and sack wax. Altitude Eleven, Whistler's annual gay ski and snowboard week is here.

Three thousand international gay guys, plus a growing group of snow bunny lesbians, are ready for a full week of parties, movies, comedy, and even some skiing and boarding.

The theme this year is a global adventure, with many different parties taking on the persona of different countries. Altitude Eleven producer, Brent Benaschak, explained: "Renowned for its international guests and artists, Altitude Eleven will transform Whistler venues into world-wide destinations. Events throughout the week find inspiration in the heat of Morocco, the wit of Australia, the wild west of America, the risqué romance of France, and the natural beauty of Canada."

Here’s the lowdown on the best homosexual hoe-downs.

The Westin’s Ballroom is the site of the opening party. Plan the week with old and new friends.

Buffalo Bill’s wants you to pack your boots and cowboy hat, learn to line dance, lasso a bull or perhaps a heifer.

Rubber ducks, inner tubes, whirl pools, the grandest array of bathing suits, glam hosts and colourful cocktails, hosted by DJ Quest at the Meadow Park Sports Centre pool.

The lovely hostess Symone hosts this special evening with Altitude favourite, Kim Kuzma. Sometime a little bluesy, sometimes a little jazzy and always full of soul, Kim Kuzma brings her terrific energy and voice to the MY Place stage.

Celebrating life through laughter. This event incorporates the spirit of community, joy and giving with great auction items. Featuring the airline hostess with the mostess, Pam Ann re-routing her 747 to the ballroom of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Taking you to the top of Whistler, the gondola ride gets everyone in the right mood. Get off at the top where Kimberly S will be pouring it out.

Meltdown moves out of the village and into a new space at Myrtle Philip school. The adventure continues with David Jimenez, featured DJ from London’s Salvation.

A new event this year, a more intimate party for those wanting to stay in the village. Lift off atop the gondola base at the Garibaldi Lift Co. Featuring DJ Chaba Khan.

GLO (formerly Tickled) the suspense is over! Kimberly S will be serving it up to all the international women of Altitude Eleven in the Westin Ballroom.

Snow Ball and Bump hit the scene as one all-night party this year promising you huge sound, an explosion of light and heart-pounding entertainment. Your global adventure will be led by top international DJ's Manny Lehman, Stephan Grondin & Quest, at Myrtle Philip.

After a full week of Altitude Eleven parties, this soul-cleansing brunch at Wildflower, featuring the gospel sounds of Janice Robinson, is exactly what you need!

Altitude Eleven Hospitality Desk in the Summit Lodge

Sunday, Feb. 9 from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 10 — Saturday, Feb. 15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.