are you ready to carve your way down snowy mountains while surrounded by a vibrant lgbtq+ community? gay ski weeks offer the perfect blend of thrilling winter sports, lively social events, and a supportive environment where you can be your authentic self.
from the european alps to the north american slopes, this comprehensive guide will take you through the best gay ski weeks, helping you plan an unforgettable winter getaway.
european gay ski week france: a winter wonderland
european gay ski week, located in the les arcs resort in france, is a true escape.
nestled within five picturesque villages, this ski week promises a complete immersion in the stunning alpine scenery. with a vast network of pistes covering kilometers, les arcs offers an incredible skiing experience for all skill levels.
whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, there's something for everyone.
the resort is home to europe's only gay ski school, where you can take classes in skiing and snowboarding, taught by experienced instructors. everything is conveniently located within walking distance, making it easy to transition from the slopes to the après-ski scene.
accommodation options range from shared spaces to luxurious five-star hotels.
the social hub of the resort is the perfect place to enjoy drinks, music, and mingle. evening entertainment includes fantastic cabaret performances, gourmet dinners, and, of course, pool parties. don't forget your dancing shoes and swimwear!
gay ski week lenzerheide: swiss charm and relaxation
gay ski week lenzerheide, set in the stunning swiss mountains, offers a more relaxed atmosphere.
this event attracts a mix of couples and singles of all ages, with a focus on socializing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. while there are parties, the emphasis is on creating a welcoming space for everyone.
classes are held almost every day, providing opportunities to improve your skills and explore different aspects of the swiss mountain range.
experienced skiers can also take advantage of the slopes outside of lessons. the week also caters to foodies, with delicious group meals, including a fondue evening and decadent dinners.
evening entertainment includes a disco night and a pool party. for those seeking relaxation, yoga classes, movie nights, and massages at the hotel schweizerhof's sauna are available.
the accommodations offer a blend of scandinavian minimalism and modern comforts, with the option to splurge on a nostalchic apartment for a truly memorable stay.
north american adventures: aspen, stowes, and beyond
north america boasts a range of fantastic gay ski weeks, with events in both the united states and canada.
aspen, colorado, is a long-standing destination, hosting aspen gay ski week every january. it's the longest-running and largest gay ski event in north america.
prepare to conquer aspen highlands, a mountain with stunning views and incredible terrain. there are also opportunities to experience the thrilling highland bowl, an off-piste adventure for experienced skiers.
don't miss the downhill costume competition, a highlight of the event.
outside of skiing, yoga, spa treatments, and a diverse range of evening events are available. the parties are legendary, with dance parties, white parties, 90s parties, and pool parties. aspen gay ski week ensures inclusivity, with special events for women.
winter rendezvous gay ski week: stowes, vermont
winter rendezvous gay ski week in stowes, vermont, is another fantastic option.
this week-long event encourages participation in all things snowy. while the event pass is affordable, accommodation, travel, and ski passes are organized separately.
the resort offers spectacular skiing on two mountains, spruce peak and mount mansfield.
with an average annual snowfall, there are plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice-skating, and dog-sledding.
the week also includes parties, a pool party, karaoke, and comedy nights. a bonfire cocktail event and drag bingo night adds unique flair.
whistler pride: canadian snowsports
whistler pride in british columbia, canada, has grown into one of the largest queer-focused ski festivals globally.
gay snow sports enthusiasts travel from around the world to participate. if you book at the aava whistler hotel, the hotel and festival pass are bundled together.
lift passes and travel arrangements are separate. guided snowboarding groups are available.
the w. whistler animals galore society charity ski race provides a chance to give back to the community. the pride ski parade, with colorful costumes and rainbow flags, is a highlight.
quieter evenings offer game nights, film screenings, spa evenings, and comedy nights.
elevation park city, utah, is another notable event, the third-longest-running and third-largest gay ski week in north america, with thousands of attendees each year.
with excellent packages for accommodation, discounts on travel and ski passes, and a relatively short duration, this event is also budget-friendly.
the weekend kicks off with a welcome party, and the schedule is packed with après-ski and party nights. telluride gay ski week, nestled in the colorado mountains, promises breathtaking scenery and heaps of fun.
discounts on accommodation, lift passes, ski gear, and transportation are available.
the resort hosts a themed night during the oscars ceremony and a britney-themed night. the aids benefit gala fashion show includes a live auction. elevation gay ski week returns to mammoth lakes, california, for its eighteenth year. with around two thousand guests attending, this event prides itself on offering an alternative to the party scene, with a focus on outdoor exploration.
evening entertainment includes a ten-pin bowling night and comedy with fabulous drag queens.
the rainbow run, where skiers dress in rainbow attire and parade down the mountain, is a highlight. jasper pride festival in alberta, canada, offers a long weekend of pride events. the food festival runs during the whole event.
other activities include a group pride tour of marmot basin's mountain, a casual coffee meetup, pride breakfast, and the pride ride, where everyone hits the slopes in colorful attire.
pride pass holders can take advantage of discounts on glacier adventures and accommodations.
mont-tremblant: canadian charm and thrills
mont-tremblant, quebec, offers another great option, with a winter wonderland atmosphere. outside of skiing and snowboarding, explore the town, go snowmobiling, zip-lining, snowshoeing, ice-climbing, and sledding with huskies.
elevation tremblant is more focused on the snow fun than partying, although there are opportunities to dance the night away with fun themes like neon and onesie.
in the southern hemisphere, falls creek and mount hotham in the victorian alps host gay ski week australia. this is an intimate and fun event.
more international adventures: sölden, france, and beyond
european snow pride in sölden, austria, features a fun-filled program of activities and adventures, with an all-star dj lineup.
espace killy, france, covers more than kilometers of pisted runs and is considered one of the most beautiful ski areas in the world.
the annual european gay ski week, or egsw, is held in france. activities include mountain-biking on snow, night sledding, skydiving, paragliding, and dog sledding.
avioraz has a water park with a large pool and a hot spa.
planning your gay ski week adventure: tips and considerations
planning your gay ski week can be a fun and rewarding experience. here's what you need to consider:
- choose your destination: consider your budget, skill level, and desired atmosphere when selecting a location.
do you prefer the european alps, the north american slopes, or a more intimate setting?
- book in advance: popular events sell out quickly, so book your accommodation, flights, and event passes well in advance.
- consider your travel insurance: ensure you have appropriate travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, lost luggage, and trip cancellations.
- pack appropriately: pack warm clothing, including layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, hats, and scarves.
don't forget your skis or snowboard, or plan to rent them at the resort.
- know your skill level: choose runs that match your skiing or snowboarding experience. take lessons if you're a beginner to improve your skills.
- embrace the community: gay ski weeks are all about creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
be open to meeting new people, participating in social events, and embracing the vibrant community.
- research events and activities: familiarize yourself with the schedule of events, parties, and activities.
- Best gay bars in cdmx
- stay safe: be aware of the weather conditions and follow safety guidelines on the slopes.
- be prepared for altitude sickness: if you're traveling to a high-altitude resort, take precautions to prevent altitude sickness, such as acclimatizing gradually and staying hydrated.
plan which ones you want to attend.
key takeaway: gay ski weeks offer a unique and memorable way to experience the winter wonderland while embracing the lgbtq+ community.
with careful planning and preparation, you can create an unforgettable winter getaway.
conclusion: your perfect winter escape
gay ski weeks provide a fantastic opportunity to combine thrilling winter sports with vibrant social events and a welcoming community.
whether you're a seasoned skier or a beginner, a party animal or a relaxation seeker, there's a gay ski week that's perfect for you. so, pack your bags, grab your skis, and prepare to hit the slopes with pride!