Western Cup Ski Races 2026
Join us at the Canmore Nordic Centre on Saturday, April 4, 2026 for the Gay Pride of ski racing in Canada. This event is part of westerncup.com , a multisport event that includes over 1000 LGBTQ athletes from across Canada.
Events
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10k Classic race
- This is our premier event and to gay it up racers wearing a crop top shirt and short shorts will earn a time deduction off of their race time.
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7.5k Skiathlon
- a Skiathlon includes a classic technique leg and a skate technique leg. this is a ski event that often only happens at the world championships and olympics. This is the only skiathlon event on the provincial race calendar in Alberta - and to gay it up, a time deduction will be offered to all racers wearing Viking drag.
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5k Skate race
- Shirtless Saturday - here is the chance you have been waiting for - a spring series race where there is a time deduction for being shirtless- the sexiest ski race of the whole year! (women wear a sports bra). New this year, this will be a wave start race with skiers participating in their very first ski race starting in the first wave; skiers racing intheir 2nd to 4th ski race starting in the second wave; skiers racing in their 5th to 10th ski race in their lifetime starting in the third wave; and skiers who have raced in more than 10 ski races in their life will start in the 4th wave.
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2k Drag Race
- a race intended for novice/beginner skiers - this is the RuPaul Drag Race of ski races - time deduction for skiing in your sexiest drag
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Relay
- 3x2.5k - teams created based on finish results from morning events
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End of the Rainbow event
- Calgary Gay Ski and Social is collaborating with the End of the Rainbow Foundation to offer a Western Cup ski experience for LGBTQ refugees that End of the Rainbow Foundation have helped to bring to Calgary.
Awards
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awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each event
Transportation - NEW THIS YEAR!
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We will be offering bus transportation from Calgary to Canmore return. Bus departs Sunalta Station at 8am and leaves the Canmore Nordic Centre at 230pm returning to Calgary.
