Are you in pursuit of a winter trip that's not just LGBTQ-welcoming, but LGBTQ-beckoning? A gay ski week vacation is a great choice for skiers looking for a gay getaway that's not just about top-notch skiing, but also about meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones, taking full advantage of the aprés-ski scene, and attending a variety of queer-centric events.
Because booking a gay ski week vacation usually requires purchasing hotel reservations, event passes and lift tickets, it's important you get the most bang for your buck.
While there are quite a few gay ski weeks out there, a good way to start narrowing down your selection is to look for a getaway based in a ski town known for its skiing, but also known for its resort culture and aprés-ski scene. Towns that draw tourists tend to be quite popular among the gay crowd, too. Here's a selection of the best gay ski weeks for 2013.
Top 5 Gay Ski Weeks 2013: European Snow Pride
European Snow Pride 2013: March 23-30
Europeans are known to party hard into the wee hours of the morning, and European Snow Pride is certainly no exception. This gay ski week truly does offer the best of both worlds: miles upon miles of unbelievable skiing, beautiful views, a multitude of different events, and lively partying. From the Wilderness Night in a winter yurt, to club music parties hosted by some of Europe's most famous DJs, there are simply too many different events to name.
This Year: The festival is hosted in Tignes, which recently hosted the European X Games.
The town is a skiing-and-partying hotspot known for its vibrant freestyle skiing community. What better place to enjoy what will surely be one of the week's highlights: a giant pool party in Tignes' 'lagoon' pool, open to all attendees?
Read More:Skiing L'Espace Killy
Top 5 Gay Ski Weeks 2013: Aspen Gay Ski Week
Aspen Gay Ski Week 2013: January 13-20
Aspen Gay Ski Week has 36 years of experience to brag about, and the event's top-notch entertainment and on-par planning attests to that. Highlights include everyday aprés-ski hot tub parties, an LGBTQ film gala, spa days, friendship dinners, and the iconic 'White Party' - not to mention daily skiing, of course. The week requires an event pass, ranging from $115 to $750.
This Year: Download the Aspen Gay Ski Week iPhone app to keep track of all the festivities, and be sure to attend the Drew Carey comedy show.
Read More:Skiing Aspen/Snowmass
Top 5 Gay Ski Weeks 2013: WinterPRIDE at Whistler Blackcomb
WinterPRIDE 2013 at Whistler Blackcomb: February 3-10
Whistler's iconic LGBTQ festival includes daily mountain tours to help you make the most of your skiing so you truly deserve the after party. Aprés-ski favorites this year include the Dine OUT party, featuring a four-course tasting menu and wine pairing, the Cowboy/Cowgirl Party, the Mad Hatter Party, and many more.
This Year: Whistler's Dyke March society has teamed up with WinterPride to make the event more lesbian-friendly.
Read More:Whistler Blackcomb: A Mountain Tour
Telluride Gay Ski Week 2013: February 22-March 3
Telluride is going big this year for it's ten year anniversary, celebrating with a ten-day gay ski week that's the longest in the industry. Think you might tire of the merrymaking? Fortunately, Telluride has insured against that, hosting a slew of events to keep skiers entertained all week long. Events to look out for include the Annual White Night Party, the Oscar Watch Bar Party, the Telluride AIDS Benefit, and the Get Wasted Party (You might want to consider an afternoon half-day for your following day of skiing!).
This Year: Don't miss Miss Coco Peru's one-night-only performance commemorating the week's ten year anniversary, and keep an eye out for Levi Crocker, of LOGO TV fame.
- Telluride Gay Ski Week Reservations
- Telluride Gay Ski Week Tickets
- Telluride Gay Ski Week Calendar of Events
Read More:Telluride Ski Resort
Elevation Utah 2013: February 21-24
Utah may be known for its more conservative slant, but its annual gay ski week sure makes a mockery of that reputation. Located in Park City, home of the Sundance Film Festival, Elevation Utah offers a week of top-notch entertainment, culminating with a legendary Cherry Pop party on Saturday, February 23.
This Year: Mark your calendar for the Saturday Aprés Ski 'Boys, Boarders & A Beach' party, which insists skiers come straight off the mountain and into the bar.
The event benefits the Human Rights Campaign.
Read More:Ski Park City, Utah