A Downhill Dash for Cash, karaoke night, steamship dinner cruise, retro dress-up evening, and lots on for adrenalin junkies - Gay Ski Week 2007 has a variety of new events on offer, says the organiser. It's the Southern Hemisphere's biggest gay and lesbian alpine party, with hundreds of gay men and women set to converge on Queenstown for the events starting with Ski Week's 5th Birthday Welcome Party at Bezu restaurant and bar on Saturday 1st September. New to the events programme this year are 'QUEENStown's got Talent' karaoke night, featuring Auckland's outrageous drag celebrity Miss Ribena from K' Road's Family Bar. Competitors will battle it out for glory on 5th September at the SKYCITY Queenstown Casino. The 'Downhill Dash for Cash' will be a no-holds-barred speed race for money. "This free for all is bound to leave some people a little bruised and worn. Run, board or ski ... the winner takes all," says Gay Ski Week organiser Mike Sanford. Queenstown's steamship the TSS Earnslaw will get up a good head of steam for the DNA Magazine Dinner and Cruise, transporting revellers to the other side of Lake Wakatipu. Other new events include a saucy set of 'Gaylick Games' at Pog Mahones Irish Pub, a retro dress up bowls evening, and a Central Otago wine tour. Back by popular demand is the White Out Dance Party -- Queenstown's biggest gay and lesbian night. Four ski days around the Queenstown region will include a Picnic on the Peak at Coronet Peak with pink bubbly. As usual there will also be mid-week parties at various salubrious venues, says Sanford. Crowne Plaza Queenstown is this year's official event home. The hotel will host après ski parties and breakfasts in its threesixty bar and restaurant, with stunning lake views. Each ski day, the Pink Bus will transport skiers and snowboarder to and from Crowne Plaza Queenstown to the skifield of the day. Sanford says he's looking forward to welcoming back the many people who come year after year. “It's fantastic that we've got such a loyal following now. We work hard to put on a great show every year that builds on the success of the year before. I'm excited about our new events this year – I think they really add a new dimension to the programme. “We definitely couldn't do it without the support of Queenstown – the businesses, residents and family of sponsors. The vodka's fabulous, Queenstowners are always up for a party and Queenstown is the perfect location is with its great ski areas and après ski venues.” Ref: Gay Ski Week (m)