OUT Central Oregon recently announced that Mt. Bachelor is expanding its support of the event now known as Winter PrideFest presented by Mt. Bachelor. Set for its fifth year, March 1-5, Winter PrideFest is OUT Central Oregon’s annual celebration of winter sports and outdoor inclusivity among the LGBTQ+ community, historically marginalized individuals, and their allies.
In addition to being a key host of many of the events, Mt. Bachelor, which is a founding partner of the event, has agreed to be the presenting sponsor of Winter PrideFest presented by Mt. Bachelor. The resort’s presenting sponsorship also includes 10 “Ski or Ride in Five” scholarships for low income or marginalized community members, plus other contributions and on-mountain activations over the four days of the event.
“Without the wide-ranging support of partners such as Mt. Bachelor, Winter PrideFest would have never grown so rapidly into a marquee winter event for the LGBTQ+ community,” says Jamie Nesbitt, president of OUT Central Oregon. “The expansion of Mt. Bachelor’s support not only keeps the premier winter sports destination in the Pacific Northwest as a host, it shows the growing importance of the event and Mt. Bachelor’s commitment to making winter sports accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable to all. We couldn’t ask for a better partner.”
“Mt Bachelor is making this very deliberate move to leave no doubt that we are supportive and welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community,” says Johnny Sereni, Director of Marketing and Communications for Mt. Bachelor. “We and all of our staff are very happy to be a major part of this event. It also happens to be about the most fun 4 days you can have!”
Featuring four days of on- and off-mountain sports and social activities, Winter PrideFest has grown from 150 participants in its inaugural year, to more than 1,200 people in 2022.
The growth has been fueled in part by significant support from local businesses, including Mt. Bachelor and Gear Fix in Bend. Winter PrideFest is also made possible in part by a grant from the Visit Bend Cultural Tourism Fund, which has supported the event since 2019.
For more information, a schedule of events, or to register for Winter PrideFest, visit outcentraloregon.com/winter-pridefest/ or the Winter PrideFest Facebook Event page.
About Winter PrideFest:
Now in its fifth year, Winter PrideFest is a multi-event weekend celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community and allies through various winter activities, social gatherings, and inspiring events. From a grassroots inaugural event that drew 150 attendees, Winter PrideFest is expected to attract more than 1,200 attendees to Bend, Ore., and Mt. Bachelor, March 1-5, for four days of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, OUT IN FOCUS FilmFest, and evening social functions. For information or to register for Winter PrideFest, visit outcentraloregon.com/winter-pridefest/ or the Winter PrideFest Facebook Event page.
About OUT Central Oregon:
OUT Central Oregon, a 501(c)3 public charitable organization, promotes inclusivity and visibility for LGBTQ+ people by enabling and fostering community engagement. Working within the social, cultural, and economic landscape of Central Oregon, OUT Central Oregon develops and builds partnerships with businesses, government, and other organizations to promote and support the LGBTQ+ community. OUT Central Oregon educates the LGBTQ+ community and the public by providing public discussions, lectures, documentary screenings, social gatherings, and outdoor activities. For more information, visit www.outcentraloregon.com or email info@outcentraloregon.com.
