Gale-force winds closed the skifields around Queenstown yesterday, including Coronet Peak where a large group from the gay event had arranged their first ski day.
Organiser and creative director Craig Lawson said they were given the opportunity to move the booked lift passes to tomorrow, so they could still visit Coronet Peak during their week-long programme.
"Everyone was keen to get out to the skifields, but despite a bit of disappointment people just adapt and turn their attention to other attractions. Our people are in town to have a good time, and there is so much else to see and do in Queenstown," Mr Lawson said.
"We had a fantastic welcome party the night before, so some were happy to have a little bit of a rest Sunday morning."
Alternative tours were arranged.
Among the hundreds attending Gay Ski Week were Sydney friends Tim Vial and Ryan Wright.
Mr Vial is on his fourth Gay Ski Week visit to Queenstown and said the event was something he had come to look forward to every year.
"I have met a lot of friends at these Ski Weeks, whom I have kept in touch with.
"It is great to come back to meet many of the same people here, and make new friends in a relaxed, fun atmosphere," Mr Vial said.
Mr Wright was relishing his second year at the Gay Ski Week, and said he enjoyed being back in Queenstown.
"It is a fantastic place to visit, and everyone we have met here has been friendly and accommodating," he said.
The two friends had this year decided to arrive early to take a trip from Christchurch via Franz Josef on the West Coast, through Queenstown down to Doubtful Sound in Fiordland.
They are among the many who had bought the full event package of ski days and social evenings.
Gay Ski Week continues until Sunday, with a performance by New Zealand entertainers the Topp Twins on Thursday.
