Going to gay ski week? Add a ‘side quest’ to your trip to make the experience next-level

Gay ski weeks are more than parties in the snow. They’re perfect anchors for bigger winter adventures, especially when taking a detour before or after the big event, and adding on a little “side quest” to your itinerary. Whether you’re heading to the Alps, the Rockies, or Japan’s powder paradise, each destination is surrounded by cities and regions worth exploring before or after the festivities.

Here are some great ideas for extending your trip at most popular gay ski weeks of the season:

Arosa Gay Ski Week, Arosa, Switzerland
Side Trip: Lausanne, Switzerland

Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure

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• Multiple universities in Lausanne create a younger, lively community, where locals are friendlier and more outgoing than typical Swiss folks
• The medieval city center is gorgeous
• There are wonderful restaurants and fun bars, and be sure to check out Gameboy at MAD Club on some Sundays (their largest gay event is Bordello, but that is only once a month)
• Lausanne is only around 2 hours away from Zurich by train, or less than an hour from Geneva, the usual airline hubs for Switzerland

Aspen Gay Ski Week, Aspen, CO
Side Trip: Come to Aspen early or stay an extra few days

• Aspen is the premier destination in the central Colorado Rockies, and there is lots to enjoy away from the ski week shenanigans
• The Little Nell is a 5-Star resort with a fabulous spa
• Ride the Silver Queen Gondola for sightseeing up Aspen Mountain
• Take a snowmobile tour, super fun
• Indulge in dinner at Bosq, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the Colorado Rockies
• Purchase a one-week temporary membership to Caribou Club for access to the restaurant and nightclub, for a mere $500-1,500

Related

How to enjoy Arosa Gay Ski Week without hitting the slopes
Spas, restaurants, and those famous parties, there’s more to Arosa Gay Ski Week than skiing.

Whistler Pride, Whistler, BC Canada
Side Trip: Vancouver

• If you are going to Whistler, a few days in Vancouver is a must, it is less than 2 hours away by car
• The weather in January may be cold and rainy, but snow is not common
• Low-season hotel rates in Vancouver are lower in January
• Ferries run year-round, and they are a great way to see the coast and islands
• Whale watching tours are available year-round

Hakuba LGBTQ+ Ski Week, Habuka, Japan
Side Trip: Nagano

• Hakuba’s location in the Japanese Alps is near the culture capital of Nagano, known for its historic Zenko-ji Temple, religious shrines, and traditional bathhouses
• “Onsen” are hot springs bathhouses and sento are heated tap water; most of the highly-rated onsen are outside of the city, an hour north or south
• Watch the famous snow monkeys at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
• Japanese spas usually do not allow tattooed visitors to enter, but check the Tattoo Friendly Onsen Guide for welcoming establishments

European Snow Pride Tignes, Tignes, France
Side Trip: Annecy

• Annecy is known as “The Venice of The Alps” due to its network of canals
• Rejuvenate after the week of skiing and partying, at spa resorts like Les Trésoms Lake and Spa Resort and Imperial Palace
• The Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, located near Lake Annecy, supposedly inspired the castle in the Disney animated classic “Sleeping Beauty”
• Dine at Michelin starred restaurant Le Clos des Sens, or for a more budget-friendly option, the burgers at Chalet La Pricaz are delicious and the view is amazing
• Geneva’s airport is 45 minutes away

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