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Attending an LGBTQ+ ski week celebration gives visitors a brief look into what a mountain town would look like if Lady Bunny were mayor and Jack Frost were her trusty advisor. During the festivities, rivers of rainbow flags parade down ski slopes, and go-go dancers dressed as yetis gyrate to bass-heavy après-ski DJ sets. Most importantly, life-long friendships are formed—something many queer skiers never believed possible in the ski community.
Pride Month and Gay Ski Week festivities happen worldwide from rural Maine to Hakuba, Japan, and there are many ways ski towns can extend their support of the LGBTQ+ community beyond gay ski weeks.
1. Fly a Pride Flag Year Round
Who does it well: Arosa, Switzerland, which hosts Arosa Gay Ski Week (Jan. 17-24, 2026)
Yup, we mean literally. Arosa is one of Europe’s most queer-friendly ski resorts and is well-known for proudly flying the rainbow flag all year long, not just during its famous week-long Gay Ski Week. The rainbow flag is a symbol of respect for the LGBTQ+ community and a small but powerful message of acceptance to queer locals and visitors.
2. Give Back to the LGBTQ+ Community Financially
Who does it well: AspenOut, which puts on Aspen Gay Ski Week (Jan. 11-18, 2026)
While some LGBTQ+ ski weeks are for-profit, the first and longest-running gay ski week, Aspen Gay Ski Week, is a massive fundraiser for the Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund—AspenOut. The long-running event draws over 5,000 participants yearly to amass funds for the nonprofit to organize year-round community events, sponsor local high school Gay-Straight Alliances, give grants and scholarships, and more. Telluride Gay Ski Week is another event that gives back with their annual AIDS Benefit Gala Fashion Show that raises money for HIV and AIDS education, care, and advocacy in Colorado and several African countries.
Later on in the season, A-Basin’s pride event, Gay Basin, donates a portion of proceeds to Mountain Pride and offers foot tickets so that non-skiers can join in on the fun.
3. Organize Diverse Programming During LGBTQ+ Ski Weeks
Who Does it Well: Queenstown, New Zealand, which hosts Queenstown Winter Pride
Many queer ski weeks are beginning to offer event programming for a more diverse set of attendees after years of events catering specifically to gay, cisgender men. Queenstown Pride, Aug.14-24, 2025, is a 10-day-long festival featuring on and off-mountain events in “the adventure capital of the world.”
Throughout the event, there are parties specifically for queer female-identifying attendees as well as free cocktail events for trans attendees and allies. On top of offering events for many within the LGBTQ+ acronym, Queenstown Pride also puts on a plethora of events that welcome families, like their pride in the park party, onesie ski day, drag bingo, and ally cocktail parties.
4. Host Pride Events Designed for Locals
Who Does it Well: Avon, Colorado, which hosts Eagle County’s Pride in the Park
Sensing a serious lack of queer representation and events in Eagle County, Britny Rose launched Eagle County Pride in the Park a couple summers ago in hopes of connecting her local LGBTQ+ community. Now in its third year, the small-town pride festival features a parade, local speakers, yoga, a drag show, and a funky dance party. It takes place this weekend on June 14, 2o25.
5. Get TAG Approved Lodging
Who Does it Well: Whistler Blackcomb, which hosts Whistler Pride and Ski Festival Jan. 25-Feb. 1, 2026
The Travel Advocacy Group (TAG) is a collection of hundreds of hotels around the world that meet strict qualifications to support queer travelers and hotel employees. Launched in 1998 by the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), TAG properties enforce non-discriminatory policies and provide diversity, equity, and inclusion training to their staff.
Whistler hosts six approved TAG properties, including Aava Whistler and Evolution Lodge. Ensuring all hotel staff receive adequate LGBTQ+ training and have anti-discrimination policies is an important step for ski towns looking to welcome LGBTQ+ guests. Resorts committed to improving their properties will employ similar DEI training, support, and education to their employees across their entire resort, from lifties to upper management.
6. Build Year-Round Programming (Not Just Parties) for Your Local Community
Who Does it Well: Lake Tahoe Pride and Northern Nevada Pride (Sept. 6, 2025)
Lake Tahoe Pride and the greater Tahoe community help organize numerous events throughout the calendar year, with the many different towns and resorts across the Lake Tahoe region. In winter, events like Homewood Mountain Resort’s Pride Ride feature on and off-slope events, including their exciting ‘Dual Slalom Drag Race’ and ski parade down Rainbow Ridge.
During the pandemic, the South Tahoe Running Team created a virtual running race called the Loop of Love to raise money for the Lake Tahoe Pride Equality Scholarship for local LGBTQ+ students. In the spring, film festivals like Reno’s OutWest Film Fest pass through town.
In late Summer, Northern Nevada Pride takes place on Sept. 6, 2o25, with a large parade and lively festival. On top of the seasonal programming in the area, Reno also has a small handful of LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs that offer weekly events, like the Drag Bingo! at The Emerson Bar.