A new event, Snowbows, will be held on the weekend of September 10-12.

Organiser Steffi Richter was inspired to get the weekend together by her love of skiing and desire to meet gay people who enjoy hitting the powder as much as she does.

“Back in Europe, I was skiing regularly, but my friends here in New Zealandare not that enthusiastic about it. Probably because there is not too much snow in Auckland,” she says.

“That was the reason whythe idea was born,to organise a weekend for likeminded people to come together and enjoy the slopes.”

She feels Snowbows has a place alongside Gay Ski Week, saying it will be easier for North Islanders to get to.

“Snowbows is a weekend event. If you live in the North Island you don't even need to take leave.”

Richter says people can expect a great weekend away, fun on the slopes, and time to hang out and make new friends.

“It is the chance for them to meet. And if people are interested, Snowbows can evenbecome a regular event where they can come together a few times each winter,” she says.

“You don't have to be a ski or snowboard expert to be on board. Even if you have never been in the snow, just try it or book an hour with the ski school.”

A package which includes transport, accommodation and some meals has been put together, check outthe Snowbows website for more details.