You already decked the halls and rang in the New Year. Think it’s time to hibernate until Eurovision and Pride season kicks off? Think again, doll. The best gay travel period of the year is among us - ski season, and you need a gay ski week.
Why trust KAYAK to plan your gay ski holiday?
I’ve amassed extensive gay travel knowledge by attending LGBTQ+ events around the world and visiting over 45 countries. Growing up in the American Northeast, skiing has always been a part of my winters - so baby, I was born this way.
Whether you’re a snow bunny, snow bear, or prefer a little après-ski, I designed this guide to help you plan a gay ski holiday to remember. Of course, travel isn’t as effortless as they make it look on Instagram.
That’s why I’ve curated the ultimate gay ski week planning guide. It’s full of insider tips and custom recommendations. With it, you can book a black diamond ski holiday with bunny slope effort.
What is a gay ski week like?
Gay ski weeks are held to keep the winter months full of pride. The concept is simple: gay people from around the world gathering around their common interest of skiing and snowboarding. It’s a chance to travel and make new friends from across the globe.
No gay ski week is the same. Some are combined with Winter Pride parties. Some are more intimate affairs and well-suited for couples. Others are ideal for gay singles holidays.
From fierce parties to fresh powder, there is something for everyone and for every level of skiing ability.
Still need some convincing?
Travel planning, skiing, and gay parties can be intimidating for many. To help ease your mind, let’s start with some planning tips and answer the most frequently asked questions.
How do I plan my first gay ski week?
Whether you’re new to skiing or new to attending LGBTQ+ pride events, it’s natural to have some nervous energy.
Many new skiers are intimidated by their first attempt, but you shouldn’t worry. Once you take that first tumble and brush off the snow, the worst is over. This is not a promise that you’ll be gliding down the expert slopes on your first day, but everyone has to start somewhere.
Even on world-class ski slopes, you can learn how to get down the mountain with no experience. Most resorts and events offer lessons for beginners and it’s a great way to meet other newbies in the same position.
One of the best reasons to attend a gay ski week event is the full programme of activities. All of the listed events include social gatherings to keep attendees booked and busy, both on and off the slopes. Hiking, sledding, or spa treatments can fill your time if you want to mix in some skiing alternatives.
Even if skiing doesn’t intimidate you, the idea of a global gay soiree might. Many LGBTQ+ travellers avoid events like gay ski week if they don’t look like the models in the promo photos. Why are those boys skiing shirtless anyway?
These feelings are natural, and event organisers appear to be getting the message. In recent years attention has been paid to create spaces for every letter of the alphabet, our sober siblings, and diversity across age and physical ability.
How much is a week ski trip?
You might be wondering, 'Can I make a gay ski week affordable?’ Budget is among the most important factors to consider for any travel planning. While a ski holiday has some unavoidable costs, savvy travellers can find ways to spend their funds wisely.
As you compare gay ski weeks, you’ll see pricing included in the practical information. Unless noted, packages are based on a six-day stay.
Gay ski week organisers do their best to provide attendees with money-saving packages. Combining lodging, lift tickets, and party entry is a way to streamline planning and your budget.
Booking early allows you to lock in optimal pricing for these packages. The same logic applies to your flights and renting a car.
Using KAYAK’s Flexible Price Alert, you can save at every step of the travel planning process. Just enter the destination and date range for your gay ski week of choice. Then input the frequency that you’d like to receive price alerts and KAYAK will monitor and update you accordingly.
Consider hiring your ski equipment, especially if you are new to the ski world or don’t plan on hitting the slopes each day of the trip. New ski gear is a financial investment and flying with it adds to your travel budget. Hiring equipment at the resort can offer savings and convenience.
What to wear during a gay ski week holiday
We all have our own style, but there are some practical looks you need to have ready for your ski week.
You’re spending your day on the slopes. This means you need outerwear, a base layer, and some mid-layer staples in case it’s extra cold.
Outerwear meant for skiing should consist of a waterproof ski or snowboarding jacket. You need to pair the jacket with a waterproof pair of snow pants or ski pants. The key is to stay dry, insulated, and warm.
Layering is essential, so beneath the jacket and snow pants wear a moisture-wicking or thermal layer of tops and bottoms. If it’s especially cold, you’ll want a mid-layer, like a fleece jacket under your waterproof ski jacket.
Accessories are just as important in skiing as they are at the club. In this case you need waterproof or moisture-wicking socks, gloves or mittens, and a hat or beanie. Around your neck wear a neck gaiter or scarf to protect you from the wind. For safety, you need to wear a helmet and goggles with UV protection.
Category is, Aprés Runway. Your post-ski look should include waterproof boots for getting around in the snow. As for the rest of your outfit, different resorts have different vibes. You’ll find a range of attire from laid back to ultra posh.
It’s common to stay in your skiwear for a period and then change into a fresh ensemble for the evening. Many gay ski week events host theme parties, so plan your looks accordingly. Pack a bathing suit for the inevitable hot tub dip, and you’ll have every occasion covered.
Many of these items are bulky. As a travel packing tip, reuse wardrobe items if possible and wear your outerwear on the plane.
Gay ski weeks in Europe
Winter in Europe conjures images of an alpine ski resort, a cosy fireplace, and a warm drink. You can make this daydream a reality in any number of fabulous skiing events across the European continent. Here are the gay ski holidays in Europe that you should manifest this winter. We’ve listed them in chronological order so you can find the annual event that fits with your ski schedule.
Arosa Gay Ski Week
With over 140 miles of ski trails, Arosa offers premier Alpine skiing in Switzerland. Beyond the downhill activities, Arosa Gay Ski Week packs in parties and a social programme that’s top-notch.
You won’t want to miss the thoughtful themed meals, or friendship dinners. They’re perfect for breaking bread and getting to know your fellow ski enthusiasts. Friendship dinners even include drag shows and traditional Swiss fondue.
The evening entertainment schedule is just as packed with more drag performers, DJs, and a pool party. If you’re going to take over a luxury Swiss ski resort with 600 new friends, you won’t want to do it anywhere but Arosa.
Swiss Gay Ski Week
Lenzerheide is one of the most picturesque and serene areas of the Swiss Alps. Matching the serenity of the location, Swiss Gay Ski Week is a more subdued affair. It’s popular with couples and friend groups of all ages.
Although there is a social programme with disco night, a spa night, and wine tastings, the focus of the week is skiing. If you’re a foodie, you’ll also enjoy the group dinners and fine dining.
Founded in 1992, it’s one of the longest-running events of its kind and the organisers have carefully maintained its spirit. For a more relaxing gay ski holiday, Swiss Gay Ski Week can’t be missed.
European Gay Ski Week
Nestled in the French Alps, Val Thorens hosts Europe Gay Ski Week and 2,000 of your closest ski friends. This week brings together an international crowd from 50+ nations for a week of skiing and partying at one of the largest ski resorts in the world.
Lodging ranges from budget to luxury in the five villages making up Les Trois Vallées ski area. While you enjoy the parties at night, your day can include lessons at Europe’s only gay ski school. Meet a class of new friends with expert instructors and take their lessons to the mountain.
Winter Pride
Cosy, intimate, and colourful are just a few words used to describe Winter Pride. It’s the gay ski week in March that marks Winter Pride in Sölden, Austria. You’ll discover a smaller crowd compared to other European gay ski weeks, but no shortage of fun.
Known as ‘the peak of diversity’, Gay Snow Happening is ideal for LGBTQ+ travellers of all identities. The program of events heavily features skiing, but leaves plenty of time for non-ski activities. Treasure hunts, disco night, and spa days are all waiting for you in the Austrian Tyrol at Gay Snow Happening.
European Snow Pride
Tignes is an acclaimed Alpine resort and famous for top-quality skiing and snowboarding. European Snow Pride week dominates the area with a full-fledged rainbow takeover. The vibe is the same as a summer pride event in any major city, but high in an Alpine village.
For those who choose to focus on winter sports, you can join one of the ski and snowboard guided groups. There you’ll meet new friends who share your passion for fresh powder and show off your skills on the ski slopes.
You need some ski experience to take part in the guided groups, but everyone is encouraged to ski. If you’re a beginner or novice, ‘ski school’ is a way to learn or advance your skills. It’s also a great way to meet new friends at the same level as you.
If the party and social aspect is a bigger draw, there’s plenty of that available. The social programming for European Snow Pride is extensive. Activities range from traditional raclette and fondue dinners to international DJs and theme parties that last until the early morning.
Gay Ski Weeks in North America
Why not embark on a gay ski holiday that features the snow-capped peaks of North America? From coast to coast, Winter Pride ski weeks abound in Canada and the United States. Grab your passport and consider one of these perfect North American gay ski weeks.
Aspen Gay Ski Week
LGBTQ+ travellers love Aspen Gay Ski Week for the enhanced social nature of the event. One favourite feature is a closed social network to connect those on a gay singles holiday. For guests who identify as female, designated ladies dinners add another layer of special attention and inclusion.
Elevation Utah
Elevation Utah, in luxurious Park City, is the younger sister of Elevation Mammoth. This gay ski weekend has equally rambunxious parties and occupies one of America’s most pristine Mountain Towns.
Elevation Mammoth
In Eastern California, you’ll be amazed at the grounds of Mammoth ski resort in the Sierra Nevadas. The social schedule will also keep you in awe as you enjoy après-ski into themed dance parties. Over the week you can enjoy 12 fabulous parties with over 2,500 new friends.
Jasper Pride and Ski Festival
Enjoy the only gay ski week in the Canadian Rockies at Jasper Pride and Ski Festival. You can count on non-stop entertainment over ten days of Winter Pride events including drag shows, dance parties, and snowshoeing. Find out why winter in Canada is such a remarkable travel experience.
More global gay ski weekends
If you fancy a more exotic gay ski holiday, you can find even more events around the world. Here are some additional destinations to consider outside of our European and North American mainstays.
Rainbow Ski Weekend
Taking place in a luxury ski resort, this two-day gay ski weekend is a perfect getaway. You can expect to be busy with skiing by day and enjoy evening entertainment with GoGo boys, drag queens, and DJ parties. If that’s not enough, you can relax at the resort’s two indoor pools or sample Urabandai's thriving restaurant scene and delicious Japanese food.
Winter Pride in New Zealand
Head to Queenstown this August for the largest Winter Pride event in the Southern Hemisphere. The programme is full of activities both on and off the mountain with a focus on inclusion.
Winter Pride Maspalomas
If you haven’t been convinced to plan a gay ski holiday and Winter Pride event, you can try Winter Pride in Gran Canaria. For some of the best winter sun, head to Maspalomas and enjoy the tenth anniversary of their Winter Pride event.
Stay busy with epic pool parties around the city and DJ events in Yumbo Centre. Plan some time on the beaches and in the spirit of a gay ski weekend, hire a jet ski.
Final gay ski week tips
- The financial impact of booking your lodging early bears repeating. Some resorts have limited space and may even hold events that are not open to outside guests.
- Review your travel insurance. A ski and winter sport supplement to your travel insurance is a wise investment. You should also check to ensure your skis and gear are covered for the trip.
- Take care of your health, prepare your body and hydrate. Skiing is a physical activity and will stress muscle groups you don’t use every day. You should also prepare for the altitude and be wary that it impacts everyone differently.
- Stay vigilant and prioritise your own safety as an LGBTQ+ traveller. Sadly, this is still something to consider while exploring destinations where awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community is limited. This can still be the case in regions of countries that grant you equal rights and legal protections.
- Communicate before the trip. Talk to your friends, partners, and travel crew about their expectations for the trip. Aligning on issues like budget and social behaviour are especially important.
