A potential Queenstown clash of cleats and heels has been averted, with Gay Ski Week moving from its usual September slot to July. Gay Ski Week is usually held in the adventure capital in September, but a massive influx of tourists is expected in September 2011 due to the Rugby World Cup. Organiser Mike Sanford said the rugby teams probably asked for the September date so they could join in the fun. "Accommodation in Queenstown during September 2011 will be full of rugby crowds wanting to watch men toss their balls around," he said. Gay Ski Week NZ has launched new dates for the event, as for the event to grow the accommodation must be available. The dates for Gay Ski Week NZ 2011 are 23 -31 July. This is the first time Gay Ski Week NZ has moved from its September spot and it has already proven successful. "We had to make a quick decision on the dates as the host hotel was full this year and we've had a mad rush of people wanting to book for 2011. "Also bringing the date forward means we only have only eight months till kick off," Sanford says. The date change has been a hit with the experienced skiers as July has peak winter conditions. Creative Director Craig Lawson said the demand is already massive for 2011 and he is finalising the entertainment for the schedule. "It's exciting as the event has grown we can expand our global search for top talent," he says. Lawson says there is only one downside to moving the event away from the Rugby World Cup. "It would've been interesting to see if any of the rugby players turned up to the DNA Magazine Pool Party - yummy!" Early Bird Packages are now on sale here
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 12th November 2010 - 7:06pm