Hottest Gay Ski Weeks of 2014

It doesn’t matter if you’re a ski week virgin or a seasoned snow bunny.

These gay and lesbian ski weeks are the best ways to make the most of winter wonderlands around the world.

Held in the best snow resorts known for their altitude, snowfall and welcoming attitudes toward LGBT travellers, these ski weeks are designed for singles, couples and groups to make new friends and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime activities.

How many times have you jumped on a horse-drawn sled, or seen drag queens race down a mountain?

Many of the organizers point out to Gay Star Travel their resorts and communities are not just gay-friendly, they look forward to the gay ski weeks as a local event to put in their calendar.

So looks like these ski weeks are as much fun for LGBT travellers as they are for the straight locals.

Gay Star Travel breaks down the perks and slopes of the best lesbian and gay ski weeks for 2014.

Arosa Gay Ski Week in Arosa, Swiss Alps

When: 12-19 January 2014
Perfect for: lesbians and gays eager to kick off the year with a bang

In its 10th year, Arosa Gay Ski Week brings some of the most attractive ski crew to guide you through the parties, dinners and Drag Queen Fun Race with super prizes (we love the visual of 250 gays riding down the sledge). Additional features include a fondue under the stars and some of the best performers and DJs from Zurich, London, Madrid, Berlin and Paris. Organizer Alex Herkommer told Gay Star Travel: ‘It’s not just a gay event, it’s more of a local event.’

Price: Seven nights in a single or double room including breakfast starts at 490 Swiss Francs (€370, $511).

Aspen Gay Ski Week in Aspen, Colorado, US

When: 12- 19 January 2014
Perfect for: upscale atmosphere and fun-packed schedule

In it’s 37th year, Aspen Gay Ski week is one of the longest-running gay snow events. It’s also a fundraising event for The Roaring Fork Gay And Lesbian Community Fund. So classy Ralph Lauren designed the ski-patrol uniforms. Schedule includes après-ski parties, comedy nights, art walks and yoga.

Price: General admission passes start at $375 (€271).

WinterPRIDE in British Columbia, Canada

When: 26 January – 2 February 2014
Perfect for: friendly skiiers looking to mix and mingle

Whistler, one of North America’s top ski resorts, welcomes gay and lesbian skiers with wine tasting, burlesque for girls, pool parties for boys and a cowboy/girl ho down for everyone. The more romantic-minded are welcome to book a log cabin, or even get married since British Columbia legalized same-sex marriage in 2003.

Price: full week pass for men starts at $249 (€180), $169 (€122) for women.

‘Swing’ Gay Swiss Ski Week in Graubunden, Swiss Alps

When: 2-9 March 2014
Perfect for: sporty luxury in the Alps

The group-oriented Swing events include night trails, winter hiking, cross-country skiing and more. For those who prefer watching over skiing, a spa, hammam and sauna is also available. Four-star accommodations bring a taste of luxury to this event launched in 1993.

Price: Prices vary per package, visit the Swing website

European Snow Pride in Tignes, French Alps

When: 22-29 March 2014
Perfect for: convivial snow sports and parties with a bang

Tignes is so gay friendly, the region has openly supported gay marriage in France and signed a charter against homophobia in sport. There’s a giant ES Collection (the incredibly hot Spanish clothing line) pool party that takes place in a blue lagoon. There’s also a wilderness camp evening, carnival, gym, spa and the parties with DJs so popular and exclusive they have yet to be announced. Don’t forget about the Cowboy-themed evening party, dog-sleds and bear-themed Timber party.

Price: Accommodation and lift pass start at €339 ($467)

European Gay Ski Week in Alpe d’Huez, Central Alps

When: 22-29 March 2014
Perfect for: hearty hedonism for men and women

Located in the mountain pasture of Alpe d’Huez in the Central Alps, European Gay Ski Week has a slew of highlights for men and women. Fetish-themed Hustlaball and Bearpit parties cater for the boys, while cabaret acts and ladies’ nights DJs are just some of the women highlights. There’s also indoor swimming and the usual après-ski activites.

Price: early-bird discounts start at €150 ($207).