6 Gay Ski Weeks You Can’t Miss

When the weather outside is frightful, embrace the chill, suit up, and hit the slopes. From the powder of Park City to the cliffs of Aspen, we lined up the world's best ski weeks. Prepare to cruise the bumps and carve the champagne powder with your fellow gay rippers and shredders.

Above photo courtesy: European Gay Ski Week

Aspen Gay Ski Week, January 11–18, 2015

Aspen Gay Ski Week is seven days of winter fun and excitement. Located in the heart of the Rockies, Aspen is home to some of the best skiing resorts in Colorado, and the world. But, if you’re not into the cold, don’t worry; there’s plenty to do; whether you prefer to spend your day shopping or relaxing at a spa, Aspen Gay Ski Week offers something for everyone.

Cool fact: Did you know that Aspen Gay Ski Week is actually a fundraising event? The money raised benefits the Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund.

Photo courtesy: Aspen Gay Ski Week

Whistler Pride and Ski Festival, January 24–31, 2015

Whistler Pride and Ski Festival is an award-winning LGBT event hosted at Whistler Blackcomb, north of Vancouver (host of the 2010 Olympics). With its fabulous powder, hot pool parties, and fun Pride festivities, you’ll have the time of your life. And, if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, you can explore Whistler via zipline, snowmobile, or bobsled. Did we mention Margaret Cho is making an appearance this year?

Cool fact: More than 3,000 people from 26 nations attend Whistler Pride and Ski Festival annually. That’s a lot of gays cruising the bunny hills.

Photo courtesy: gaywhistler.com

Elevation Mammoth, March 18-22, 2015

Thirteen years ago, Mammoth hosted the first-ever gay ski week and it was a huge success. If you love to dance, party, board or ski, you definitely can’t afford to miss Mammoth Lake’s gay ski week. From the bunny hills to the drink specials, everyone is bound to have a gay ol' time at California’s biggest gay ski gathering. People travel from around the world to attend this event. 

Cool fact: Mammoth Gay Ski Week is just 231 miles from West Hollywood. Road trip, anyone?

Photo courtesy: Mammoth Gay Ski Week

Telluride Gay Ski Week, February 22–March 1, 2015

From the Après Ski parties to the annual White Night Party, Telluride Gay Ski Week is quickly becoming one of the most popular gay events in the world. Huddled in a valley bordered by the regal peaks of Colorado's San Juan Mountains, Telluride Gay Ski Week unites the magic of Telluride with the European-style town of Mountain Village.

Cool fact: Telluride and Mountain Village are connected by a free, and very romantic, gondola.

Photo courtesy: Telluride Gay Ski Week

European Gay Ski Week, March 21–28, 2015

While you might have to hop across the pond to hit these slopes, European Gay Ski Week is spectacular. This year, the Avoriaz resort in the French Alps, perched on a stony peninsula overlooking an impressive cliff, will host the event. Whether you’re an avid boarder or skier, or your just looking for a fun time, Europe has many great activities for all types of people. From helicopter rides and dogsledding to cocktail parties and horse-drawn carriages, there’s plenty to do at European Gay Ski Week.

Cool fact: Cars are not permitted at Avoriaz. Instead, horse-drawn carriages double as taxi cabs. Romantic, right? 

Elevation Utah, February 19-22, 2014

Besides being the home of the Sundance Film Festival, Utah's Park City is a ski paradise, and the perfect venue for the Elevation Gay Ski Week in Utah. From its massive dance parties to some of the best skiing and boarding in the nation, Park City's ski week is a must stop for beginners and avid shredders alike. Whether you fancy guys or gals, surround yourself with friends and hit the slopes for one of Utah’s gayest events of the year.

Cool fact: Park City Gay Ski Week is the third largest gay ski week in North America; more than 2,500 people attend.
Photo source: Facebook

LEVI CHAMBERS is the editor in chief of Gay.com. Follow him on Twitter!