Annual Event to Attract Nearly 4,000 January 11-18

ASPEN, CO (January 3, 2009)—Aspen Gay Ski Week, the nation’s largest and oldest gay ski event, will celebrate its 32nd anniversary January 11-18, 2009.

“We have pulled out all the stops for this year’s gay ski week, themed ‘Fire & Ice,’ featuring après ski events, comedy night, and the popular downhill costume competition,” remarked Bryan Gonzales, co-producer of Aspen Gay Ski Week and Executive Director of Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund.

The week’s events also include a Prince cover band, “Purple Reign,” a SnowBall, and the infamous pool party on Saturday night. Comedy Night at the Wheeler Opera House showcases top comics Mark Alan Smith, Erin Foley, Scott Kennedy, and Paul Williams—the producer of the show and hilarious emcee of the downhill costume contest.

“Opening in November 2008, the new Limelight Lodge will be the host hotel for Aspen Gay Ski Week,” said Gonzales. “The 20 person hot tubs at the Limelight will be the perfect spot for après ski sightings.”

Event passes and lodging are still available. For the entire schedule and to purchase event passes, lodging, and ski lift tickets, visit www.gayskiweek.com.

Aspen Gay Ski Week is a fundraiser for Roaring Fork Gay & Lesbian Community Fund. This year, a portion of the proceeds from Gay Ski Week activities, pass sales, and lift ticket purchases will directly benefit the Western Colorado AIDS Project, as well as local schools.

Founded over a decade ago to provide services for the Roaring Fork Valley community, the Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund (RFGLCF) hosts parties, educational forums, and special events, such as Aspen Gay Ski Week. The efforts of this volunteer group of men and women have allowed RFGLCF to become a philanthropic gay and lesbian community. The organization has provided tens of thousands of dollars to schools and various charities of gay and lesbian interest and elevates Aspen’s reputation as a prominent gay and lesbian travel destination. For more information, visit www.gayskiweek.com.

Some photos of Aspen Gay Ski Week 2009 (Photo credit to Dick Mitchell):

You have seen the historic photos of President-Elect Barack Obama delivering his victory speech on Election Night from Grant Park. Now, you want to visit Obama’s hometown.

Well, we have discovered a terrific guidebook that will help you get around Chicago easily. A Field Guide to Gay and Lesbian Chicago highlights the places to see and be seen as a gay man or lesbian visiting this wonderful city.

The authors, Kathie Bergquist and Robert McDonald, have done a splendid job detailing every possible fun thing to do and see. No time is wasted on the mundane tourist info you can find in an ordinary guidebook. Rather, their focus is on all things GLBT-related, from sports and shopping, to gay-friendly accommodations, dining, nightlife and everything in between.

We think you’ll find this guidebook an informative, funny, essential gay read.

By May 15, 2008, AirTran Airways, American Airlines, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and US Airways will be charging extra fees to check your second piece of luggage.

Therefore, we must learn to pack more efficiently. Seasoned traveler, Doug Dyment, has come up with “bundle wrapping” to ensure that you get everything you need into one suitcase. You can read more about “bundle wrapping” for efficient one suitcase packing at http://www.onebag.com/pack.html.

Diane Roberts wrote a terrific article for the Washington Post that appeared in yesterday’s (10/21/2007) paper. The article is entitled “In the off-season, it’s even more laid back”. Roberts explains that without the tourist crowds you can really see much more of the island, enjoy a relaxing meal, and get acquainted with what really makes Key West unique including the Hemingway six-toed cats.

Read more about the lure of Key West and plan your next vacation to Key West. PinkPavilions.com has listings in the Florida Keys that will enable you to enjoy your Key West visit.

• Key West vacation rentals
• Marathon vacation rentals

View all of PinkPavilions.com Florida vacation rentals

For all you Leaf Peepers, September is here and the fall foliage reports are being updated. Below is a list of those websites that predict the weeks of the various autumn color stages –

• Maine Foliage Report
• New Hampshire Foliage Report for 2007
• Vermont Fall Foliage Report
• Massachusetts Fall Foliage Report begins September 14, 2007
• Connecticut Fall Foliage Report begins September 17, 2007
• Rhode Island Fall Foliage Report
• New York Fall Foliage Report begins September 12, 2007 – (leaf guide)
• Pennsylvania Weekly Fall Foliage Leaf Report
• Virginia Fall Foliage Report begins October 1, 2007
• Northern California Fall Foliage Report begin September 21, 2007
• USDA Fall Foliage Report