Winter’s not for everyone. One way to overcome the winter blues is to have something to look forward that’s unique to the season. For me, that’s skiing!
So, anytime is the perfect time to plan exciting gay ski weekends. Whether you’re a seasoned skier, a newbie, or just in it for the parties, these events are always a blast. Here are the best LGBTQ+ mountainside events to keep you going this winter.
These weekends mix thrilling slopes with vivacious LGBTQ+ celebrations. You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in gay ski resorts in the Alps, Rocky Mountains, or Pyrenees. All as part of the welcoming community. Even in spots where LGBTQ+ acceptance isn’t the norm, these events create a safe and fun atmosphere.
Ready to plan your next gay ski trip? Grab a lift ticket and let’s get into it:
Quick Hits
Evolution: Gay ski weekends have grown from small gatherings to major events. They’re a safe space for LGBTQ+ folks to enjoy winter sports and celebrate their identities.
Top Events: Check out Aspen Gay Ski Week, Whistler Pride & Ski Festival, and Arosa Gay Ski Week. They feature skiing, snowboarding, themed parties, and après-ski fun.
Money Savers: Snag early bird discounts, use promo codes, and opt for rental gear to save money.
A Brief History of Gay Ski Weekends
Back in the mid-90s, a few friends started small ski trips. They’ve now morphed into big, international festivals. These gay ski weeks are all about visibility and inclusivity in what’s considered the macho world of winter sports. LGBTQ+ folks can be themselves, enjoy winter sports, and celebrate without fear.
Thousands of people from around the world join in to enjoy everything from:
Skiing and snowboarding
To pool parties and drag shows
Plus, these events build a strong sense of community and support. Many raise funds and awareness for LGBTQ+ causes like scholarships and mental health services.
What to Expect
Inclusive Vibe: These events are all about being yourself and having a great time. The sense of community is strong, and the parties are unforgettable.
Non-stop Fun: Even if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, there’s plenty to keep you entertained—think drag shows, pool parties, and themed events.
Supportive Environment: These weekends promote LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity. They’re a must for anyone looking to celebrate pride, party, and enjoy winter sports.
The Best Gay Ski Weekends
If you don’t want this winter to pass by without an unforgettable gay ski weekend, you’re in the right place. From the legendary Aspen Gay Ski Week to the charming Arosa Gay Ski Week, here are six of the most unique and popular gay ski weekends around the globe.
These events happen at top ski resorts and offer a perfect mix of winter sports, socializing, and entertainment. Whether you’re itching to hit the slopes, dive into a pool party, or just soak in the stunning views, there’s a gay ski weekend made just for you.
Gay Ski Weeks in the Northeast of North America
Stowe Vermont Winter Rendezvous | Stowe, Vermont, USA
The Stowe Vermont Winter Rendezvous takes a winter wonderland and sprinkles a dose of fabulous. This five-day event every January at Stowe Mountain packs winter-themed fun and, of course, plenty of skiing and snowboarding.
The “Ski Capital of the East,” Stowe ski resort offers amazing slopes, but you can get those any old winter week. The week it’s a gay ski resort, you’ll get access (with individual aprés ski tickets) to:
Pool parties
Dance parties
A bowling “kick off” party
A wine and cheese party
Cocktail parties
You name it! And don’t miss the drag bingo and costume competitions for some extra fun.
Stay at the aptly named Topnotch Resort. This luxurious spot has a spa, cozy rugs, crackling fireplaces, and massages to pamper you after a day on the slopes.
Rockies Gay Ski Weeks
Telluride Gay Ski Week | Telluride, Colorado, USA
This annual celebration happens in the stunning mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. Famous for its breathtaking views and top-notch slopes, it’s one of the most picturesque ski destinations in the world. And the Telluride Gay Ski Week has been a staple of the LGBTQ+ winter sports calendar for over two decades.
Skiing and Snowboarding: Telluride’s ski slopes are perfect for everyone, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. With over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and jaw-dropping views, it’s a skier’s paradise.
Themed Events: The week is packed with themed parties like the Cowboy Party, White Party, and Neon Party. The nights are all about fabulous costumes, dancing, and can’t-miss entertainment.
Performances and Entertainment: Get ready for drag shows, live music, and comedy acts throughout the week. The talent is top-notch, and the performances are always an incredible time.
Community and Inclusivity: Telluride Gay Ski Week is all about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. It’s a safe space to celebrate your identity, make lasting connections, and feel a strong sense of community.
Aspen Gay Ski Week | Aspen, Colorado, USA
The granddaddy of gay ski events, Aspen Gay Ski Week kicked off in the 1970s. It’s since become an official event every January. This festival shines a spotlight on LGBTQ+ visibility and civil rights. Even Colorado Governor Jared Polis gave it a shoutout in 2019! It’s packed with outdoor activities, social events, and nighttime parties, including:
Daily après-ski gatherings
Friendship dinners
The legendary White Party
A Vegas-style pool party
AspenOUT, the nonprofit behind the event, raises funds for LGBTQ+ causes like scholarships and mental health services. Plus, with over 480 km of ski and snowboard runs across four ski resorts:
Aspen Mountain
Aspen Highlands
Buttermilk
And Snowmass
There’s plenty of terrain to explore.
Elevation Utah Gay Ski Week | Park City, Utah, USA
Elevation Gay Ski Week in Park City, Utah, is another gem. With three ski areas:
Park City
Deer Valley
And The Canyons
Covering about 250 km of runs up to an altitude of 3,050 meters, it’s a skier’s paradise.
Now in its 10th year, events Elevation hosts include:
A packed program of events
A world-class ski resort
A long weekend of fun and community
Jasper Pride Festival | Jasper, Canada
Canada is super gay-friendly—it was the third country to legalize same-sex marriage, after all. Jasper’s Pride celebration is unique, combining Pride festivities with an LGBTQ+ ski event. The entire Canadian Rockies town comes alive with flags and banners waving proudly along Main Street.
A major draw to the annual Jasper Pride Festival is a rainbow flag skiing parade at Marmot Basin with around 100 km of ski and snowboard runs. Jasper’s diverse, open-minded community makes it a popular winter spot nestled between Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary.
The Jasper Pride Festival Society works hard to create a safe and inclusive atmosphere for everyone. You’ll feel right at home!
West Coast Gay Ski Weeks
Whistler Pride & Ski Festival
Since 1992, the Whistler Pride & Ski Festival has grown into one of the biggest gay ski events in the world. It’s hard to beat the venue, after all: a beautiful lakeside village surrounded by snowy mountains. The 2025 festival runs from January 19-26 and is packed with fun activities.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Snowmobile trips
Zipline tours
The enchanting Vallea Lumina walk
Daily volunteer-guided ski and ride groups for all levels
Followed by the legendary après-ski events! Think pool parties, dance parties, and loads of cultural activities. Whistler even hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, so the slopes are top-notch. The festival wraps up with a fabulous Pride parade, where skiers rock colorful outfits and wave rainbow flags.
Elevation Mammoth Gay Ski Weekend | Mammoth Lakes, California, USA
Elevation Mammoth Gay Ski Weekend in Mammoth Lakes, California, is another a fantastic gay ski weekend. For over 20 years, this five-day event has been a staple for the Southern California LGBTQ+ community. It’s packed with après-ski gatherings, themed parties, and on-mountain activities—perfect for both pro skiers and beginners.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is where it all began for the Elevation Ski Week brand, drawing over 2,500 participants each year. Tucked between Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest, Mammoth Lakes is home to stunning scenery and cozy accommodations in quaint condos or villas.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Snow cat sleigh rides
Gourmet meals
Night-time mountain top tea dance parties
Snug onesie discos
Gay Ski Week: Europe Edition
Arosa Gay Ski Week | Arosa, Switzerland
This intimate event attracts around 600 attendees each year from over 30 countries and offers breathtaking alpine views. It’s one of the most gay-friendly ski areas in the Swiss Alps.
Arosa is just a two-hour train ride from Zürich airport, so it’s super accessible. The resort boasts 225 km of well-groomed pistes and 50 km of freeride terrain. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and world-class entertainment on its slopes, in general. But, obviously, Arosa Gay Ski Week is a great excuse to go.
SWING Gay Ski Week | Lenzerheide, Switzerland
Meet the SWING Gay Ski Week in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. It’s like the little, older sister of gay ski weeks. Arosa and Lenzerheide together offer 225 km of ski and snowboard pistes. Their slogan, “Another Way of Skiing,” says it all.
Here’s what to expect:
A personally organized, gay-friendly ski week
Guaranteed snow in a high valley
A complete event agenda
European Snow Pride | Tignes, France
Next is Europe’s largest gay ski week, European Snow Pride, held in Tignes, France, from March 15-22. Since 2008, this event attracts over 1,000 participants each year. The resort’s friendly vibe and gay-friendly atmosphere make it unforgettable.
Here’s a sneak peek:
Legendary après-ski sessions
Evening parties
Turkish baths
Multiple swimming pools
A 3,000-capacity auditorium for parties
Tignes Val Claret turns into a lively gay village with themed parties like Brit Pop, 80’s, Deadly Sins, and Superheroes. Don’t miss the giant pool party in the resort’s vast lagoon. This high-altitude resort offers 156 slopes for both fitness and fun.
Snow Queer Festival, formerly Snow Gay Weekend | Boí Taüll, Spain
Next stop, Spain! The Snow Queer Festival in the Pyrenees is a winter wonderland waiting for you. Rainbow Barcelona Tours organizes this festival, which happens at Ski Area Boí Taüll. This ski resort boasts 47 km of ski and snowboard runs with perfect snow conditions.
Highlights include:
Sports and events
Parties hosted by Pupi Poison and La Nenuco
European Gay Ski Week | Les Arcs, France
Next up is European Gay Ski Week in Les Arcs, France. Celebrating its 14th anniversary in 2022, this is Europe’s biggest gay-friendly Winter Sports and Music Festival. Paradiski, one of the world’s largest ski areas, has hosted this event for 11 years. In March, over 1,000 people gather in Les Menuires for this fabulous event.
You’ll enjoy activities like:
Pool parties
Private mountain tours
Cabaret shows
Exclusive ski school
Guided groups
It’s perfect for gay and lesbian ski and snowboard enthusiasts. There are even designated restaurants where you can meet for lunch.
Skeive Ski – Scandinavian Ski Pride | Hemsedal, Norway
They call Hemsedal the “Scandinavian Alps”! With up to 45 km of ski runs and a super gay-friendly vibe, it’s a dream for LGBT ski and snowboard fans. And since 2011, the Norwegian LGBT community has been hosting this amazing rainbow-colored Scandinavian Ski Pride.
The official site might be in Norwegian, but don’t worry! You’ll love the welcoming atmosphere and fantastic skiing conditions. Hemsedal is a must-visit for a chance to Ski Pride in the Nordic region.
Winter Pride Sölden | Sölden, Austria
Last but not least, hit up Austria for Winter Pride Sölden, formerly known as the Sölden Gay Snow Happening. This event takes place in the Ötztaler Alps, another one of Europe’s top ski destinations. Participants enjoy 145 km of ski slopes and lively après-ski activities.
Austria has become more liberal, legalizing gay marriage in 2019 and even electing its first openly lesbian minister. And Winter Pride Sölden features:
Drag queens
Night tobogganing
Ski tours
Trips to healing thermal springs
Cabaret show with free prosecco and a three-course meal
After a day on the slopes, be sure to indulge in some delicious Austrian cuisine.
Winter Pride Queenstown
If you’re such a fan of gay ski weeks that you want to extend the season, plan an August trip to enjoy winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Stunning views at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak ski fields, and a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride that goes way beyond the slopes await you.
Winter Pride Queenstown in New Zealand hosts great skiing, as well as excellent nightlife, themed parties, and drag shows. Some key events include:
Opening Party
Leather and Lace Party
Final Blow Out Party
There are also panel discussions, workshops, and social gatherings focusing on LGBTQ+ rights and well-being.
Queenstown Winter Pride is the largest and only major gay ski event in the Southern Hemisphere. Held between August and September, it’s in one of the world’s top tourist spots. With 45% of attendees from Australia, another 45% from New Zealand, and the rest from all over, it’s an international event.
What to Pack for Gay Ski Weekends
Packing for a gay ski weekend is all about blending practical gear with fun outfits. Here’s your go-to list:
Essentials:
Goggles, jackets, gloves, neck warmers
Warm accessories like bandanas, hats, neck gaiters, headbands
Waterproof, quick-dry, and insulating layers
Waterproof boots for snowy conditions
Sunscreen and a refillable water bottle
Fun Stuff:
Themed costumes for events
Swimwear for pool parties
A bathrobe and extra insulating layers for warmth
If you have your own ski or snowboard gear, bring it! If not, you can rent most equipment at the resort. Check the event schedule for any special outfit needs like disco or all-white parties. Or make do with what you brought!
Budget Tips for Gay Ski Weekends
You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a gay ski weekend. Gay ski weeks do get pricey, after all. Here are some money-saving tips:
Lift Tickets:
Buy discounted lift tickets early. Prices go up the closer you get to the event.
Use promo codes from event organizers for discounts on lift tickets and rental packages.
Party Passes:
Get party passes that bundle several event tickets together, even if you don’t make it to all of them.
Other Tips:
Rent ski equipment at the resort instead of buying new gear.
Carpool with friends to save on transportation costs.
Use flexible price alerts to snag deals on travel expenses.
Take advantage of MVP or AAA discounts
Many events often have secured lower room rates with host hotels if you book in advance.
With a little planning, you can have an unforgettable gay ski weekend without spending a fortune. So get ready, pack smart, and prepare for an amazing time on and off the slopes!
Tl;dr
Looking for a perfect mix of winter sports, fun social events, and a strong sense of community? Gay ski weekends have you covered. From the legendary Aspen Gay Ski Week to the cozy vibes of Arosa Gay Ski Week, each event is packed with charm. These weekends are about more than just skiing and snowboarding—they’re about celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, making new friends, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you need budget tips, packing advice, or just want to know which events to check out, this guide has you covered. So, grab your snow gear, plan your trip, and get ready for the magic of a gay ski weekend. It’s more than just a getaway; it’s a celebration of community, inclusivity, and tons of fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular gay ski weekends?
Here are some top picks:
Aspen Gay Ski Weekend
Whistler Pride & Ski Festival
Elevation Mammoth Gay Ski Weekend
Arosa Gay Ski Week
European Snow Pride
Winter Pride Queenstown
These events offer a fun and inclusive environment to enjoy skiing and socializing.
What should I pack for a gay ski weekend?
Don’t forget:
Warm clothing, goggles, and sunscreen
Costumes for themed events
Swimwear for pool parties
Pack smart and have a blast!
Are there budget-friendly options for attending gay ski weekends?
Absolutely! Here’s how you can save:
Get your pre-purchased lift tickets early
Use promo codes
Carpool with friends
Get party passes for multiple events
Enjoy the slopes without breaking the bank!
What kind of après ski events can I expect at gay ski weekends?
You’ll find:
Cabaret shows
Pool parties
Drag shows
Live music
Comedy nights
It’s the perfect chance to socialize and make new friends.
How do gay ski weekends support the LGBTQ+ community?
These weekends fundraise for scholarships, mental health services, and community grants. They promote visibility and inclusivity in winter sports, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone.
