Heat up your winter at one of the world’s best gay ski weeks

Considering it’s one of the most famous skiing sites in America, it’s only natural that Aspen would have the country’s most popular Gay Ski Week. In addition to being the largest and longest-running in North America, it’s also a travel-worthy festival in its own right.

Of course, this Ski Week offers the usual crop of ski lessons and guided excursions; however, it also features such unique events as the Downhill Costume Competition, where skiers get suited up in their choicest outfits and zoom through the Highlands.

That said, if athleticism is not on your vision board this year, then you can also partake in any number of yoga sessions, comedy shows, art exhibitions, dance parties, or jacuzzi parties that will be taking place throughout the week. There are even women’s only cocktail nights and dinners peppered throughout the festival so that no one feels left out.

The huge European Gay Ski Week offers all the sights, sounds, and sexiness of a week in the French Alps, but with one major kicker. As you frolic around the Les Arcs resort, you’ll be able to take a class at Europe’s only gay ski school – complete with hot instructors. Of course, you can also diversify your entertainment options by popping by one of the cocktail parties, cabaret performances, and expertly catered dinners.

You wouldn’t know it looking at it now, but Whistler Pride was once just a humble gathering among queer friends. Now, it’s grown into a highly anticipated event with over 1,000 attendees every year. And it’s no surprise, considering the weeklong festival hosts not just snowy sporting events, but pool parties, leather parties, film screenings, comedy nights, and even a charity event. Of course, the Pride Ski parade is the centerpiece of the festival, but you’ll never be at a loss for unforgettable moments. As a bonus, you can book a package through Aaya Whistler Hotel that includes both your festival pass and accommodation.

The East Coast’s biggest Gay Ski Week is also its best. That is, for the past 36 years, Winter Rendezvous has been attracting queer folks to Stowe, Vermont to participate in its stupendous skiing and wintry resort experiences. Between Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice-skating, and even dog-sledding. You’ll also have a smorgasbord of parties and shows to choose from. As a bonus, the whole affair is quite inexpensive compared to others.

Hakuba is only four years old, but it’s still the Daddy of all Asian Gay Ski Weeks. Set in the picturesque village of Hakuba, Japan, the weeklong fête offers packages for every type of traveler (from savings-minded to luxe). It also promises a romantic, unforgettable getaway filled with sing-a-longs, parties, a sushi train dinner, a drag race, a trivia night, snowmobiling, and (of course) skiing and snowboarding. Plus, if you wish, you can pop over to the nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can cuddle with Japan’s famously adorable snow monkeys. You can even visit a castle next door if you want. There’s no limit to the fun that you’ll have!

If your heart is telling you to visit the Swiss Alps this Winter, then this is for you. And while the Arosa Ski Resort flies their rainbow flag all year long, it becomes even gayer during this very special weeklong festival. Amid breathtaking views, fireside chats, fabulous parties, and gay sledding events, you’ll never want to leave this salacious snowy soirée. Just don’t miss the Drag Ski race or the White Party. (Get it … because there’s snow everywhere?)

If you have a hankering for winter sports but you also love a good Oscars party, then don’t miss the Telluride! More specifically, this weeklong affair happens to take place during the Oscars, so when you’re not enjoying the skiing events, karaoke parties, spa day, concerts, or snowboarding meetups, you can attend an extra-fabulous Oscar Party complete with a dress code and a screening of the event. And if that doesn’t whet your appetite for themed winter parties, you can also stop by the Britney-themed night and dance to all her biggest hits.