"It's going to be a fantastic week. There is so much planned this year and that has been reflected in the high number of bookings we have received for the various visitor packages on offer," says Gay Ski Week organiser Mike Sanford. For the seventh year running, Mike will welcome hundreds of gay tourists ready to tackle Queenstown's slopes and experience all the city has to offer. Beginning tonight with a huge welcome party at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel, 2009's Gay Ski Week will include a night skiing adventure at Coronet Peak and a cowboy themed night at Lone Star, as well as retaining some of the old favourites such as retro bowling and karaoke at the Sky City Queenstown Casino. A growing number of non-skiers are attending and as a result more non-skiing activities are being added each year. "Queenstown is well placed to do this with its spas, golf courses, designer boutiques and fine bars and restaurants," Mike says. The event, which is expected to attract about 700 visitors across the week, has attracted many Aussies and UK visitors, a few from the States, and since the final highlight 'White Out' party is planned for the last Saturday this time around, Sanford says there are plenty of Aucklanders and Wellingtonians who will fly down especially for it. "A lot of the guys are coming back for their fourth and fifth gay ski week, and spending up to eight nights," Mike adds. "They just love Queenstown and having a week means they can spend the time to have a great time – which they do." New Zealand's Minister of Tourism - who also happens to be the Prime Minister - John Key has sent Mike a letter endorsing Gay Ski Week and wishing the crew well. Nice one! THE SCHEDULE Here's how 2009's Gay Ski Week will unfold: gay Ski Weekers at Cardrona Saturday 29 August - Welcome party at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside 6pm 'til late. Let's get Ski Week started! Sunday 30 August - Snow fun at Coronet Peak - A dress-up Cowboy Dinner at the Lone Star Restaurant followed by mayhem at the Rattlesnake Bar. Monday 31 August - Snow fun at The Remarkables - Fag Tag drinks at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside - Retro Bowling at SkyCity Queenstown Tuesday 1 September - Play Day with skydiving, bungy jumping, sailing and jet boating. - Spectacular Spectacular on top of Queenstown - Skyline gondola - a very funny dinner theatre show with the Fawlty Towers crew! Wednesday 2 September - Snow fun at Coronet Peak followed by the BUSTED! après ski party - bring your handcuffs! Thursday 3 September - Big Gay Out - adventure activities and lunch as Gay Ski Weekers check out the local region - Queenstown's Got Talent Karaoke at Skycity Queenstown Casino. Kitty Glitter (left) returns for next Saturday's White Out party Friday 4 September - Coronet Peak day and night skiing. Night skiing is a special feature on this year's programme - it's set to be a magical night. Saturday 5 September - Play Day with skydiving, bungy jumping, sailing and jet boating - White Out 2009 - the party of the year, featuring Sydney's DJ Kitty Glitter Sunday 6 September - Bon Voyage Day with farewell brunch. See you next year! GayNZ.com has spies down in Queentown for Gay Ski Week and will bring you news, gossip and photos. In the meantime, there's more info about the week's activities on Gay Ski Week's official website. Matt Akersten - 29th August 2009