Top 21 Gay Ski Weeks 2026: Complete List of LGBTQ+ Winter Festivals Worldwide
Karl Krause WORLDWIDE: Gay-friendly snow fun in the Alps, Rocky Mountains, Pyrenees, and Norway together with other LGBTQ+ Winter Sports fans. The post Top 21 Gay Ski Weeks 2026: Complete List of LGBTQ+ Winter Festivals Worldwide appeared first on Gay Travel Blog - Couple of Men.
Mark
It doesn’t matter if you plan to hit the Alps, the Rocky Mountains, or the Southern Hemisphere. For us, Gay Ski Weeks are about more than skiing – they’re about community, Pride, and being visible together on the slopes. With the 2026 season on the horizon, we collected the top 21 gay and LGBTQ+ ski weeks worldwide. From established giants like Aspen and Whistler to newer festivals like Maricongelado in Spain, Rainbow Mountain in Australia, or Rainbow Ski Weekend Urabandai in Japan, these events offer a mix of sports, drag shows, après-ski, and queer celebration. Karl grew up in East Germany as a snowboarder, and over the years, we’ve joined Jasper Pride in the Rockies and Whistler Pride in Canada. Those trips showed us how much fun it is to combine winter sports with LGBTQ+ Pride. So here’s our updated global Couple of Men list for 2026 – grouped by Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
Why We Love Gay Ski Weeks
Gay Ski Weeks are not just about skiing. They are about creating safe, visible, and inclusive spaces high up in the mountains where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel celebrated. For us, joining a Gay Ski Week means skiing with rainbow flags, sharing après-ski with friends, and dancing in ski boots until late at night. It’s also about representation. When we met Gus Kenworthy, the first openly gay US Olympic medalist, at Vienna’s last Life Ball, we were reminded how visibility in sports matters. Gay Ski Weeks are part of that same movement – they mix sport with Pride, and they open the slopes to everyone in our community.
Quick Facts About Gay Ski Weeks
- First Gay Ski Week: Aspen, Colorado, in 1977
- Typical duration: Long weekend up to 7 days
- Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, après-ski, drag shows, DJs, cultural events
- Audience: LGBTQ+ travelers and allies from around the world
- Destinations: Alps, Rockies, Pyrenees, Japan, New Zealand, Australia
Gay Ski Weeks in Europe 2026
Europe is home to some of the world’s most established and exciting Gay Ski Weeks. From the Swiss Alps to the French mountains and the Pyrenees, these events combine breathtaking alpine scenery with inclusive parties, drag shows, and après-ski culture. They attract thousands of LGBTQ+ travelers every year, building an international community on the slopes. For 2026, there are seven confirmed and scheduled Gay Ski Weeks across Europe, each with its own character. Whether you prefer a large-scale Pride festival with international DJs or a more intimate community event in a small alpine village, you will find something here. And honestly, there’s nothing like skiing down the mountain with a rainbow flag in your backpack, knowing you are surrounded by community and friends.
#1 Arosa Gay Ski Week | Switzerland
The Gay Ski Week Arosa is one of the most famous LGBTQ+ winter events in Europe. Since 2005, rainbow flags have decorated this Swiss resort, and the program has grown into a full week of skiing, après-ski, drag shows, and community. Over 600 LGBTQ+ winter sports fans from more than 30 countries gather here each January. The 220 km of slopes in the Arosa-Lenzerheide ski area offer variety for beginners and pros alike.
- Dates: January 17–24, 2026
- Trip planning: Best Hotel Deals Arosa | Best Flight Deals Switzerland
#2 European Snow Pride | Tignes & Val d’Isère, France
European Snow Pride has become one of the largest Pride-on-snow events in Europe. Hosted in Tignes and Val d’Isère, it combines 300 km of slopes with a massive entertainment program: international DJs, themed après-ski events, drag performances, and pool parties. The event is fully LGBTQ+ inclusive, attracting a diverse crowd from around the globe. We love how the high-altitude ski area guarantees snow well into spring, making it a perfect March getaway. It’s also one of the best-organized weeks, with packages that cover accommodation, ski passes, and parties.
- Dates: March 21–28, 2026
- Trip planning: Best Hotel Deals L’Espace Killy | Best Flight Deals France
#3 European Gay Ski Week | Val Thorens, France
Since 2009, the European Gay Ski Week has drawn thousands of LGBTQ+ skiers to the French Alps. Set in Val Thorens, the highest resort in Europe, it offers a week packed with sports and nightlife. The festival is famous for its après-ski scene, cabaret nights, live concerts, and drag shows featuring international queens. Skiers enjoy access to Les Trois Vallées, one of the largest ski areas in the world. We see this event as the flagship Gay Ski Week in Europe – busy, international, and unapologetically queer.
- Dates: March 21–28, 2026
- Trip planning: Best Hotel Deals Les Arcs | Best Flight Deals France
#4 SWING Gay Ski Week | Lenzerheide, Switzerland
SWING Gay Ski Week in Lenzerheide feels more intimate and community-driven compared to the bigger festivals. With 225 km of slopes in the Arosa-Lenzerheide ski area, skiing is guaranteed. The event combines daily ski groups with evening entertainment such as themed parties and dinners. What makes SWING stand out is its personal touch – you quickly get to know other participants, and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. For LGBTQ+ travelers who prefer a smaller but still vibrant ski Pride, this gay ski week in Switzerland is a great choice.
- Dates: March 8–15, 2026
- Trip planning: Best Hotel Deals Lenzerheide | Best Flight Deals Switzerland
#5 Maricongelado | Spain/Andorra
Maricongelado is a newer addition to the European gay ski calendar, bringing Spanish and Andorran flair to the Pyrenees. It’s a weekend event, but it packs a punch: DJ nights, drag hosts, spa parties, and cultural activities. The location near Andorra makes it easy to combine with a city trip to Barcelona. We like how this event adds a Southern European touch to the mostly Alpine scene. While smaller in scale, this gay ski week in Spain is lively and fun – perfect for those looking for a short but intense winter Pride escape.
- Dates: February 2026 (TBD)
#6 Italy Gay Ski Week | Cortina, Italy
The Dolomites are among the most stunning mountains in Europe, and Italy Gay Ski Week makes the most of them. Hosted in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Dolomites Italy Gay Ski Week combines Italian style with inclusive Pride energy. The program includes ski guiding, après-ski, and glamorous evening events. It attracts an international mix of LGBTQ+ travelers, many of them returning year after year. What we love about Cortina is the mix of high-end skiing and warm Italian hospitality. It’s a place where sport and style meet Pride.
- Dates: March 21–28, 2026
#7 Sölden Winter Pride | Austria
Formerly known as the Gay Snow Happening, Sölden Winter Pride is one of the oldest queer ski events in Europe. Since the late 1990s, LGBTQ+ skiers and snowboarders have celebrated in this famous Austrian resort with 145 km of slopes and two glaciers. The event in Austria combines reliable snow conditions with legendary après-ski. Expect drag shows, live DJs, and late-night parties in true Austrian style. We appreciate how Sölden strikes a balance between being a serious ski destination and a nonstop Pride festival.
- Dates: March 21–28, 2026
- Trip planning: Best Hotel Deals Sölden | Best Flight Deals Austria
Gay Travel Index 2025
The Berlin-based Spartacus informs LGBTQ+ and queer travelers about how gay-friendly a holiday destination is according to several ranking factors and criteria.
Which country ranks first? Where is it safe to travel to as a gay and LGBTQ+ traveler?
You can use the GTI to prepare for your gaycation and as a guide when choosing a holiday destination.
Gay Ski Weeks in North America 2026
North America is the birthplace of the Gay Ski Week movement. Aspen started it all in 1977, and today the continent is home to some of the largest and most diverse LGBTQ+ winter festivals in the world. From the Rockies to the East Coast and the Canadian mountains, these events offer big ski areas, inclusive nightlife, and unforgettable Pride energy. Whether you’re looking for a high-end celebration like Aspen, the massive parties at Whistler, or a community-driven event like Jasper, there is something for everyone. Here are the top North American Gay Ski Weeks for 2026.
#8 Aspen Gay Ski Week | Colorado, USA
Aspen is where it all began back in 1977, and it remains one of the most prestigious Gay Ski Weeks worldwide. The town offers four ski areas with over 480 km of terrain, alongside drag brunches, fundraising galas, and après-ski fun. It’s also one of the most philanthropic events, raising money for LGBTQ+ causes. We love Aspen Gay Ski Week for its mix of world-class skiing and inclusive atmosphere. Walking down Main Street with rainbow flags flying in the snow feels historic and empowering.
- Dates: January 11–18, 2026
- Trip planning: Best Hotel Deals Aspen | Best Flight Deals USA
#9 Whistler Pride & Ski Festival | Canada
Whistler has grown into one of the largest LGBTQ+ ski festivals in the world. More than 8,000 visitors join each year to ski and celebrate across 250 km of slopes. The program includes a Pride ski parade, drag shows, pool parties, and world-class DJs. We attended the 30th edition of the Whistler Pride & Ski Festival in 2018 and still remember the rainbow parade down the mountain – a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Whistler combines big mountain skiing with an epic Pride vibe, making it a bucket-list destination for queer travelers.
- Dates: January 25 – February 1, 2026
- 2018: Read more about Whistler Pride Festival 2018>
2019: Highlights of Whistler Pride Gay Ski Week 2019 > - Trip planning: Best Hotel Deals Whistler > | Best Flight Deals Canada >
#10 Winter Rendezvous | Stowe, Vermont, USA
Winter Rendezvous in Stowe is a five-day Pride event on the East Coast. It combines skiing and snowboarding with social events like wine and cheese tastings, drag bingo, and cabaret shows. The atmosphere is intimate compared to Aspen or Whistler, but just as welcoming. Stowe’s charming New England vibe adds a different flavor to the Gay Ski Week calendar. For LGBTQ+ travelers in the US northeast, the Winter Rendezvous is a must-attend winter festival.
- Dates: January 21–25, 2026
#11 Telluride Gay Ski Week | Colorado, USA
Telluride’s Gay Ski Week is set in one of Colorado’s most picturesque mountain towns. Known for its boutique feel, the event offers guided ski groups, themed parties, and community dinners. The small size makes it easy to connect with other participants. Telluride also has a reputation for being very LGBTQ+ friendly year-round, so the Pride energy fits right in. For those looking for a mix of great skiing and a cozy atmosphere, Telluride is a perfect choice.
- Dates: February 28 – March 7, 2026
#12 Elevation Utah | Park City, USA
Elevation Utah brings the Elevation brand to Park City, Utah. The event offers three ski resorts with varied terrain, plus parties hosted by top DJs. While Utah is not always known for LGBTQ+ friendliness, Park City has become a safe and open space for the community. The weekend mixes great snow with vibrant nightlife, making it a highlight of the US calendar.
- Dates: TBC 2026
- Trip planning: Best Hotel Deals Park City Utah | Best Flight Deals to the USA
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#13 Elevation Mammoth | California, USA
Mammoth is the birthplace of the Elevation series. For more than 20 years, LGBTQ+ travelers have gathered here for skiing and nightlife in the Sierra Nevada. Elevation Mammoth combines California’s relaxed vibe with an energetic Pride party program. We like the variety – from day skiing on huge alpine slopes to night dancing in lively bars and clubs. It’s a classic of the Gay Ski Week scene.
- Dates: TBC 2026
- Trip planning: Best Hotel Deals Mammoth Lakes | Best Flight Deals USA
#14 Jasper Pride Festival | Alberta, Canada
Jasper Pride is one of our personal favorites. Located in the Canadian Rockies, it combines skiing at Marmot Basin with a rainbow Pride parade down the slopes. The Jasper Pride Festival is community-driven, with local businesses and residents fully embracing the LGBTQ+ crowd. We loved our time in Jasper National Park, where breathtaking scenery met queer inclusivity. This is an event where you feel welcomed not just as visitors, but as part of the community.
- Dates: TBC 2026
- Read here all about our Jasper Pride Festival Trip
- Trip planning: Best Hotel Deals Jasper | Best Flight Deals Canada
#15 Gay Ski Week @ Mont Tremblant | Québec, Canada
Mont Tremblant hosts Eastern Canada’s largest LGBTQ+ winter festival. It combines skiing with drag shows, après-ski, and French Canadian culture. While smaller than Whistler, it attracts a loyal community each year. The resort itself is picturesque, with colorful village buildings and easy access from Montréal. Mont Tremblant shows that Canada’s Pride scene is strong coast to coast, and this event is the highlight for the country’s eastern LGBTQ+ travelers.
- Dates: TBC 2026
#16 Winter PrideFest | Bend, Oregon, USA
Winter PrideFest in Bend, Oregon, is a unique combination of skiing, Pride celebration, and community activism. Hosted by Out Central Oregon, the event takes place at Mt. Bachelor and in the town of Bend. The program mixes skiing and snowboarding with film screenings, panel talks, and drag performances, making it more than just a ski week – it’s a festival of inclusivity. For those who like the idea of combining outdoor adventure with cultural events, Winter PrideFest is an excellent choice.
- Dates: March 6–9, 2026 (TBC)
- Do you want to learn more about Oregon? Check our Portland guide and Oregon guide.
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Gay Ski Weeks in Asia-Pacific 2026
Asia-Pacific may not have as many Pride-on-snow events as Europe or North America, but the region is growing fast. From Japan’s ski resorts to the Southern Hemisphere’s winter festivals in New Zealand and Australia, these events add a unique flavor to the global Gay Ski Week calendar. They combine skiing with cultural experiences like onsen visits in Japan, world-famous New Zealand hospitality, and Australian party energy. For LGBTQ+ travelers seeking to explore beyond traditional ski regions, Asia-Pacific presents exciting opportunities to celebrate Pride on the slopes.
#17 Gay Ski Week Hakuba | Japan
Hakuba brings together international guests for skiing, onsens, and themed parties. Located in the Japanese Alps, Hakuba is known for deep powder and scenic backdrops. The event combines ski guiding, après-ski, and cultural programs that highlight Japanese hospitality. It attracts visitors from Asia, Australia, and beyond. We like how Gay Ski Week Hakuba adds a cultural twist to the Gay Ski Week scene, making it more than just another Pride-on-snow event.
- Dates: March 6–15, 2026
#18 Rainbow Ski Weekend Urabandai | Japan
The Rainbow Ski Weekend in Urabandai is a unique LGBTQ+ event held at Urabandai Lake Resort in Fukushima. It offers skiing at nearby slopes, drag queen performances, go-go dancers, spa access, and traditional Japanese experiences like onsen baths. The weekend format makes it more compact but still full of energy and inclusivity. We see Urabandai as one of the most original Gay Ski Week experiences worldwide.
- Dates: Early March 2026 (TBC)
#19 Winter Pride Queenstown | New Zealand
Winter Pride Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest LGBTQ+ winter festival. Set against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand’s South Island, it combines skiing and snowboarding with Pride parades, drag shows, dance parties, and cultural events. It attracts thousands of participants from Australasia and beyond. We love how Queenstown fully embraces Pride, with local businesses and residents joining the celebration. Winter Pride Queenstown is one of the most colorful and welcoming Gay Ski Weeks you can attend.
- Dates: August 2026 (TBC)
- Trip planning: Best Hotel Deals Queenstown | Best Flight Deals New Zealand
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#20 Gay Ski Week Australia – Falls Creek | Australia
Falls Creek hosts Australia’s original Gay Ski Week, offering ski-in, ski-out convenience and a week packed with events. The program features ski groups, après-ski, drag shows, and parties that bring together a diverse LGBTQ+ crowd. The village atmosphere makes it easy to connect with others, and the Australian winter timing in August/September means you can experience Pride on snow when the northern season is long over.
- Dates: Late Aug / Early Sep 2026 (TBC)
#21 Rainbow Mountain | Thredbo, Australia
Rainbow Mountain is a newer festival in Thredbo, mixing skiing with Australian LGBTQ+ nightlife brands like Heaps Gay and Poof Doof. The event includes drag shows, DJ sets, and a Pride ride on the slopes. It’s a shorter but high-energy celebration that brings a strong party vibe to the Snowy Mountains. For travelers who want a taste of both Australian winter sports and LGBTQ+ nightlife, Rainbow Mountain is an excellent choice.
- Dates: August 2026 (TBC)
Why Gay Ski Weeks Matter
For us, Gay Ski Weeks are more than just holidays. They are about being visible in spaces where LGBTQ+ people have not always felt safe or welcome. Skiing with rainbow flags, dancing in ski boots, and joining drag shows in mountain huts turns a regular winter holiday into a Pride celebration. These events attract travelers from around the world who want to combine winter sports with a sense of community. The atmosphere is different: warmer, more open, and full of connection. Whether in the Alps, the Rockies, or Japan, these festivals create a sense of belonging we always cherish.
Reading tip: Gay Bear Events 2025–2026 Worlwide
Gay Ski Weeks also highlight representation in sports. When we met Gus Kenworthy, the first openly gay US Olympic medalist, at Vienna’s last Life Ball, it reminded us how powerful visibility can be. Events like Arosa, Aspen, or Queenstown show that skiing and Pride belong together. By joining, you support a movement that normalizes queer presence in winter sports and helps LGBTQ+ travelers feel safe, proud, and celebrated worldwide.
Gay & LGBTQ+ Ski Weeks – See the full 2026 worldwide overview
Europe
- Arosa Gay Ski Week — Switzerland — –, 2026
- European Snow Pride — France — –, 2026
- European Gay Ski Week — France — –, 2026
- SWING Gay Ski Week (Lenzerheide) — Switzerland — –, 2026
- Maricongelado — Spain/Andorra — –, 2026
- Italy Gay Ski Week (Cortina) — Italy — –, 2026
- Winter Pride Sölden — Austria — –, 2026
North America
- Aspen Gay Ski Week — USA — –, 2026
- Whistler Pride & Ski Festival — Canada — –, 2026
- Winter Rendezvous (Stowe) — USA — –, 2026
- Telluride Gay Ski Week — USA — –, 2026
- Elevation Utah (Park City) — USA — Dates TBC 2026
- Elevation Mammoth — USA — Dates TBC 2026
- Jasper Pride Festival — Canada — Dates TBC 2026
- Gay Ski Week @ Mont Tremblant — Canada — Dates TBC 2026
- Winter PrideFest Bend — USA — –, 2026
Asia-Pacific
- Gay Ski Week Hakuba — Japan — –, 2026
- Rainbow Ski Weekend Urabandai — Japan — Early March 2026 (TBC)
- Winter Pride Queenstown — New Zealand — –, 2026
- Gay Ski Week Australia — Falls Creek — Australia — Late Aug / Early Sep 2026 (TBC)
- Rainbow Mountain (Thredbo) — Australia — August 2026 (TBC)
Plan Your Next Gay Ski Weeks in 2026 with This List
With 21 Gay and LGBTQ+ Ski Weeks confirmed for 2026, the choice has never been broader. From the snowy peaks of the Alps to the vast terrain of the Rockies and the unique landscapes of Japan, New Zealand, and Australia, each event offers its own mix of skiing, après-ski, and queer celebration.
Whether you are into big international festivals like Whistler and Val Thorens, or more intimate community events like Jasper or SWING in Lenzerheide, you’ll find your place. For us, these weeks are more than trips — they are a chance to celebrate Pride on the snow together.
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Planning ahead is key: book accommodation early, pack your rainbow outfits, and choose the ski week that matches your style. Maybe you’ll join Aspen’s legendary drag brunch, dance at Whistler’s Pride parade, or relax in a Japanese onsen after a day of skiing. Wherever you go, Gay Ski Weeks 2026 promise adventures, inclusivity, and unforgettable community memories.
Do you want to know more about our gay travels around the world? Stay tuned on Facebook, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. See you again soon!
Karl & Daan.
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