The atmosphere is pure ‘amped’ at Gay Ski Week, where people from all over the world are having a blast. And Queenstown has sure come to the party with incredible weather and rainbows EVERYWHERE. Just LOOK at the conditions up at Cardrona: Around town, it's pretty impossible to miss the fact Gay Ski Week is on: And shop windows done up to celebrate, our favourite being Shaun the Sheep in drag at a souvenir store! Businesses had makeovers for the Gay on the Bay competition, which has been won by this fun entry from a local massage company. Last night was karaoke at SkyCity Casino, which attracted a mixed crowd, gay and straight, some of the latter left in delighted, shocked giggles at the naughty MC antics of Miss Ribena, who was setting so many people up it turned into something of karaoke speed dating. Oh and there were some TOUGH judges … Extra points seemed to be awarded for these types of hijinks (loved these guys, the two on the left "we met on Grindr and we're still togther after a year!"): Organiser Sally Whitewoods’ voice is near gone, but she seems to be finding boundless happy, welcoming, energy somewhere. Her wife and co-organiser Mandy says the pair, who have a young son, are looking forward to a sleep in on Sunday! They should be utterly proud – every single comment we’ve heard about Gay Ski Week has been glowing and Queenstown is buzzing. It’s fun, welcoming and friendly, and there is SO much to do. Just check out the official visitor website here: www.queenstownnz.co.nz (On a side note, reports of a recent attempted theft of condoms and lube from a convenience is not believed to be Gay Ski Week related - Akira from Love Your Condom is here with so many condoms, packs of lube and other sundry items nobody needs to steal the stuff!) There is still space for more! There are two major Gay Ski Week events left – the crew from Auckland’s Family Bar tonight hosts a ‘B Word’ party at The Rydges Hotel (with everything from BBQs to bums apparently). Tomorrow a massive circus-themed closing party will be held – tickets are still available, so what are you waiting for? You’re missing out! Get down here! There is also FREE intermediate and advanced mountain hosting at Cardrona for Gay Ski Week Queenstown guests today and tomorrow at 1.30PM. Meet by the Rainbow flags by the ski schools. All event info here: www.gayskiweekqt.com And welcoming, smiling people are at the Novotel from 5PM-6.30PM today with any info you might need. Jacqui Stanford - 5th September 2014