This year Jasper Pride celebrates a milestone anniversary, as the only gay ski week in the Canadian Rockies turns 15.

As the flag raises on April 12 at the Jasper Junior/Senior High School, the 10 day festival will commence. Day one activities will be plentiful with a Pride Burlesque Show, Comedy Night featuring Gabby Rose & Spencer Streichert, the return of the special brew created by Jasper Brewing Company and an all ages Family Pride Night Party at Jasper’s Activity Centre.

The following day will also see an array of unique and even educational events like an intimate fireside chat with Matricia of Warrior Women where you’ll be invited to engage in conversation about Indigenous culture with stories, drumming, and songs. During this spiritual adventure you will also learn the art of song and words taught in the Cree language.

Also included in the first weekend will be a Family Pride Party celebrating diversity and inclusion and the Pride Awards Brunch, which will honour Person of the Year, Youth of the Year, Proud Business of the Year and Proud Community Organization of the Year.

Continuing through the week, Jasper Pride Festival Society will tempt your appetite during their ‘Fork & Spoon’ mini food festival as well as host a number of game-focused events like a teen pizza party with the GSA at Jasper Pizza Place, and a 55+ Seniors Drag Bingo being held at the Alpine Summit Seniors Lodge, complete with a fancy hat theme and live drag performances.

Tourism Jasper | Jasper Pride and Ski Festival

Then – as the second weekend flies in like Lagaja Estranja from the ceiling – the festival reaches a fever pitch!

On Friday you’ll choose (or party hop) between two different must attend events: Fruit Loop’s Mountain Party with a night of dancing and stellar pop-up performances, and/or Drag-a-licious, hosted by Jasper's very own Toni Lester Van Blam, who will guide you through an evening of dancing with Drag performances from Ginger Schnapps, Twiggy & Pepper.

But don’t stay out too late because at noon on the final Saturday a one-of-kind “Pride Parade” will make its way from atop Marmot Basin, Canada’s highest base elevation ski resort. Dress up in your best and brightest costumes as you parade down the mountain; be sure to bring Pride flags! This event is for YOU, so go all out and don’t hold back.

Then after an eventful day and Aprés on the slopes, Jasper Pride’s largest and most colourful party – Studio 24 – will commence. "It will be a night of excess, a kaleidoscope of glitz and glam, inclusivity, and dazzling self-expression, where every corner holds a new fantasy waiting to be discovered. With electrifying performances, top DJs, and fabulous prizes. This is one party you won't want to miss! Dress Code: Sequins, satins, feathers, and leather. Dress up to get down!"

Tourism Jasper | Jasper Pride and Ski Festival

Finally, as visitors pack to leave, there will be one final adventure before they make their way home: A sinfully sassy Drag brunch with fabulous entertainment, eggs-traordinary brunch offerings and good times in one of Jasper’s favourite breakfast hubs, Papa George’s Restaurant.

With so many activities, events, and parties, now is the time to gather your gaggle and plan out your fun filled Jasper Pride and Ski Festival itinerary.

Visit jasperpride.ca for more additional event information and tickets.

Ryan Massel