From Canada to Vermont, gay ski weeks continue to prosper
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| snowmosexualS: Gay ski-week snowmobiling in Telluride. ARNOLD WAYNE JONES/Dallas Voice |
From Vermont to California, Colorado to British Columbia gay ski weeks are thriving, with something for everyone.
Utah Gay & Lesbian Ski Week, Park City, Utah. Jan. 7–11.The first major event of the season takes place in the Sundance Film Festival’s backyard, but don’t expect to see celebs on the slopes — Sundance doesn’t start until the following week. Of course, you could hang around and do both! Gayskiing.org.
Aspen Gay & Lesbian Ski Week, Aspen, Colo. Jan. 11–18. The granddaddy of gay ski weeks. The week-long bacchanal includes Purple Reign, an ’80s-style costume party, the Snow Ball dance party, the Fire & Ice pool party and even a gay-vs.-straight hockey match. GaySkiWeek.com.
Winter Rendezvous XXV, Stowe, Vt. Jan. 28–Feb. 1. Celebrating a quarter-century of "winter bliss," the is the East Coast’s premier gay winter party, this year with the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, Michael Swenson’s comedy hypnosis and several DJs. Winterrendezvous.com.
WinterPride, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. Feb. 1–8. The largest gay ski event in Canada celebrates its 17th year with "Around the World in 8 Days," the International Mr. Gay Competition with 24 delegates from all over the globe and a host of DJs. Activities include women and bear events, the Snow Ball dance and the Mountain TOP Party. GayWhistler.com.
Telluride Gay Ski Week, Telluride, Colo. Feb. 21–28. Named the U.S.A.’s top gay ski week by Gay.com, this late-season party (in TomKat and Suri’s resort of choice) always falls during the Academy Awards, which is celebrated with a closing-night party. TellurideGaySkiWeek.com.
Winter Explosion, Kerhonkson, N.Y. Feb. 13–16. The 15th annual party in Upstate New York takes place over Presidents’ Day weekend and is geared toward gay African-American skiers. "American Idol" winner Fantasia headlines. WinterExplosion.com.
Lake Tahoe WinterFest Gay & Lesbian Ski Week, Lake Tahoe, Nev. March 1–8. The 14th annual event will be highlighted by the OutLaugh Comedy Festival, featuring top gay and lesbian comics. LakeTahoeWinterfest.com.
Mammoth Gay Ski Week, Mammoth Lakes, Calif. March 18–22. Called Elevation 2009, California’s biggest gay ski festival includes the Party @ 10,000 Feet and the Cliffhanger blowout. MammothGaySki.com.
OutBoard, Crested Butte, Colo. March 25–29. Moving from its prior home in Steamboat Springs, this event is targeted to gay snowboarders. OutBoard.org.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition December 5, 2008.
