Hey there, snow bunnies! If you and your partner are ready to have some wonderful winter entertainment, read on. And if that is the case, then look no further than the wondrous world of gay ski weeks. These LGBT ski events are a mix of pride events and powder chases and have quickly become popular with the locals. This is the best time for gay couples to gather, get to know each other, and have a great time on the slope, practicing winter sports in a friendly atmosphere.
Image Source: pinktickettravel
Discover the Origins and Evolution of Gay Ski Weeks
Ski weeks for gays were first initiated in the 1970’s. LGBTQ+ skiers in their group from places like Chicago and California would visit Aspen just to mingle and ski together. In the past, what initially started as informal meetings gradually developed into more formal meetings that are now attended by hundreds, if not thousands, of people globally.
Gay ski weeks have evolved a long way from being a skiing and snowboarding event alone. Much planning goes into the various activities that include social functions, parties, shows, gourmet meals and even charity events. In other words, no matter if you are a beginner or an advanced skier interested in the queer experience, there is something for you. It’s lively but still cozy, a venue where queer folks and supporters can be free in their expression of self.
Choose Your Own Gay Ski Week Adventure
Therefore, where in the world will your rainbow ski adventure take you? What a wonderful choice it is! You could go for the original one, the Aspen Gay Ski Week in Colorado. It is one of the longest running ski races in the world and with a reputation for amazing skiing conditions as well as next level apres-ski.
If ever you had a desire for a European alpine fantasy? Choose from Arosa Gay Ski Week in Switzerland, where you have fondue dinners and snow polo games. Or pop over to European Snow Pride in the French Alps for a pride party and skiing and snowboarding boot camp. Those who want to cuddle with their better half might want to head on to the Winter Pride in Sölden, Austria which is relatively much more compact.
For those couples who like to rock and roll on the slopes, as well as on the dance floor, Elevation Mammoth in California and Elevation Utah are perfect with stunning slopes in the day time and vibrant parties at night. The Whistler Pride in Canada is a perfect place for groups of friends as rainbow flags are proudly waving there. The Jasper Pride and Ski Festival gives couples an experience of the Canadian Rockies.
Do you feel like pursuing the winter season all across the world? Head over to Hakuba, Japan, for some of the best powder and hot springs in the world. Next month, the largest gay ski event in the Southern Hemisphere, Winter Pride, comes to Queenstown, New Zealand. Who says that pride only belongs to summer?
Enjoy Winter Activities On and Off the Slopes
Apart from skiing and snowboarding, gay ski weeks offer a vast array of winter activities one can hardly list. For newcomers and those wishing to improve, it is possible to go to classes with experienced coaches, including in groups for representatives of the LGBT community. It is the best way of building confidence while on the mountain and meeting other queer people.
For those who don’t ski, there are many other things to do as well. Most ski weeks include snowshoeing tours, snowmobile tours and ice skating sessions. When it is time to relax the muscles, why not order a ski-in spa or swim in a hot tub with your loved one? Take a leisurely walk with your partner through charming resort towns, visit art galleries or sip hot tea in front of the fireplace while holding hands.
Of course, one cannot talk about skiing without mentioning the parties that go hand in hand with skiing: the après-ski. Gay ski weeks advance après-ski interaction to new elevations with an action-packed schedule of social activities. Expect drag bingo, comedy nights, culinary tours, and late-night parties with exceptional themes. Whether you are in the mood to chat or to make new friends, there is something so special that happens when queer folks meet up in the mountains.
Tips for Planning Your Gay Ski Week Getaway
Are you looking forward to the romantic ski trip of your dreams with the one you love? So, with just a little bit of planning, you two will be schussing down the slopes in no time. First, select the event that creates the atmosphere and is within the set budget. The major advice is to book the lodging and the lift tickets in advance. These are usually discounted a lot when they are packaged together with the event passes you get.
While packing your favorite glamorous puffer coats, do not neglect the necessary items. Make arrangements for renting your gear in advance, especially if it will be your first time. Check your insurance policies and see if you need to purchase additional insurance for winter sports. Get your body ready with some pre-trip workout – skiing involves those muscles that you might not have exercised since the last pride season!
Get in the Gay Ski Week Spirit
What is the must-have item? An open mind and the desire for an adventure. So do not worry if you are a first-time skier – the primary goal is to have fun and spend time with your partner excitingly. Focus on the après-ski activities that you would like to attend. Engage in conversations while strolling around the gondola, while in the hot tub, or even on the dance floor. Ski weeks gays have a certain way of making friends quickly by sharing their passion for skiing.
But wait, what if skiing is not your thing at all you can still join in the fun. Perhaps your winter activity is lounging by the fire with hot chocolate laced with brandy while your sweetie carves turns on the halfpipe. Encourage them from the bleachers, or better yet, give them a sensual massage to help ease their aches afterward. The emphasis is made on planning a meaningful and quality time together in such a beautiful location.
Slide Into Your Next Gay Ski Week Adventure
Well, there you have it, snow gays – a complete and comprehensive reference to gay ski weeks across the globe. Both regular gay ski holidays and first-timers could find something rather unique in these LGBT ski events. It is an opportunity to freely flaunt your rainbow colors on mountain air, push your limits and make some of the most memorable moments with your significant other.
So what are you waiting for? Round up your cutest cold weather gear and start planning your gay ski week getaway. From the European Alps to the Colorado Rockies, the slopes are calling your name. Strap on those skis, grab your partner’s hand and get ready to experience pride at 11,000 feet. We’ll see you on the chairlift, darlings!
