Dedicated gay ski weeks give holiday-makers the opportunity of enjoying alpine wonderlands with like-minded enthusiasts. Off the slopes, there are heaps of events organised so that you can socialise with new friends – all who have a shared love of skiing.
Here are our favourite local and international gay ski weeks.
Gay Ski Week - Aspen, Colorado, USA
The world's first gay ski week was held in Aspen Colorado in 1976. What began as an argument about men dancing together in a local Aspen bar has evolved into a major gay event on the international calendar. Taking place in mid-January, there's a variety of events organised throughout the week including a friendship dinner, film screenings and various themed parties.
Eager skiers at Frosty Fruits in beautiful Mt Hotham
SkiFree - Perisher, NSW, Australia
First held in 1995, SkiFree is Australia's first dedicated gay ski week. This is a community based not-for-profit event operated by the Sydney-based Southern Cross Outdoors Group. All participants stay in the same lodge which gives a safe, gay-friendly environment and offers a real sense of community.
European Gay Ski Week - Alpe d'Huez, France
For a European ski experience, slide into beautiful Alpe d'Huez in France near the Italian border and party it up Euro style. The nearby ski fields boast 249 kilometres of pisted runs, while the village has a quaint old-town historic feel. The slopes will appeal to all ski levels from ski newbies through to seasoned pros. Regardless of your skiing ability; everyone will appreciate the parties arranged for après ski entertainment.
Frosty Fruits Ski Trip - Mt Hotham, Victoria, Australia
With a convenient airport nearby, the Frosty Fruits Ski Trip is held in the beautiful Victoria resort of Mt Hotham. There are heaps of additional events organised including a special Sivilised Suppe fine dining event and a cabaret dinner. As a special treat, enjoy the highest drag event in Australia with a performance from European drag legend Dolly Diamond and her show, 'There's No Business Like Snow Business'.
Gay Ski Week - Queenstown, New Zealand
The always popular Queenstown gay ski week is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an alpine adventure on New Zealand's South Island. Beautifully situated on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is the archetypal alpine town that's surrounded by numerous ski fields including Cardrona, Coronet Peak and Treble Cone.
Oz Gay Ski Week - Thredbo, NSW, Australia
The newest addition to the Australian gay ski calendar is Oz Gay Ski Week - to be held in Thredbo, a fantastic ski-in-ski-out, resort. The organisers are promoting the fun element of an alpine experience and are tailoring the events to both keen skiers and those who just want to appreciate the beautiful surroundings. Check out our full range of Thredbo accommodation options.
WinterPRIDE - Whistler, BC, Canada
Synonymous with winter pursuits, Canada's Whistler Blackcomb boasts more than 8,171 acres of skiable terrain and an elevation peak of 2,284 metres. Australian skiers hanging out for an alpine fix during our summer will relish the opportunity of skiing Whistler during their designated gay ski week, which will celebrate its 21st birthday in February 2013 - the event now attracts around 2,500 enthusiasts.
For more information on gay skiing, check out the Flight Centre Gay Travel Guide.
