Oct 16
LGBTQ+ Winter Sports Events Set to Draw Thousands Across Globe in 2026
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
LGBTQ+ winter sports enthusiasts will have unprecedented options in 2026, with a diverse array of ski weeks and pride festivals scheduled across four continents. These events range from established European gatherings to emerging celebrations in North America and the Southern Hemisphere, each offering unique opportunities to combine athletic pursuits with community connection.
European Destinations Lead Programming
The Arosa Gay Ski Week in Switzerland returns for its 22nd year from January 17-24, 2026, expecting over 600 participants from more than 30 countries. The event utilizes the 220-kilometer Arosa-Lenzerheide ski area and includes après-ski events, drag shows, and community gatherings that have made it one of Europe's most recognized LGBTQ+ winter events .
European Snow Pride, scheduled for March 21-28, 2026, in Tignes and Val d'Isère, France, has grown into one of Europe's largest pride-on-snow events. The festival transforms the Val Claret village into an LGBTQ+ zone and features 300 kilometers of slopes alongside international DJ performances, themed après-ski events, and pool parties. The event partners with the dating app Scruff and includes daily ski and snowboard groups, nightly parties, and after-hours programming .
North American Events Expand Offerings
Telluride Gay Ski Week takes place February 28 through March 7, 2026, in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Under new ownership since 2023, the event maintains traditional programming while adding fresh activities. Scheduled events include a horse-drawn sleigh ride and dinner, the Alpine Rendezvous outdoor dance party, mid-mountain meetups at the Gay Chalet, a Glitter Ball, and Hoedown afterparty .
The second annual Adirondack Winter Pride weekend is set for February 27 through March 2, 2026, in Lake Placid, New York. The three-day celebration features skiing at Whiteface Mountain, an Après Ski Party, cross-country skiing, and ice skating on the original Olympic Oval. The event represents a collaboration between the Lake Placid Region, Whiteface Mountain, the Olympic Regional Development Authority, ROOST, I Love NY, and the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance .
Park City, Utah, will host Utah Gay Ski Week in 2026, with specific dates to be announced. Part of the Elevation ski weeks series, the event spans Wednesday through Sunday and includes a welcome gathering, the Werq dance party, daily mountain recommendations for skiers and snowboarders, lunch meetups, and themed evening parties including Glo-Ho, Après Ski, Frat Boy, and GEAR parties .
Winter PrideFest is scheduled for March 5-8, 2026, in Central Oregon .
Southern Hemisphere Programming
Winter Pride Queenstown, scheduled for August 15-24, 2025 , represents the Southern Hemisphere's largest LGBTQ+ winter festival. The New Zealand event typically includes over 24 parties, eight on-mountain days, quiz night, cabaret wars, ladies' night, and a boat party. The festival attracts participants from across Australasia and benefits from local business and resident participation .
Australia hosts two major events during its winter season. Falls Creek's Gay Ski Week, scheduled for late August or early September 2026, offers ski-in, ski-out convenience with ski groups, après-ski, drag shows, and parties in a village atmosphere designed to facilitate community connection .
Rainbow Mountain in Thredbo, Australia, set for August 2026, collaborates with Australian LGBTQ+ nightlife brands including Heaps Gay and Poof Doof. The festival combines skiing with drag shows, DJ sets, and a Pride ride on the slopes in the Snowy Mountains .
Cultural Significance and Representation
These events serve purposes beyond recreation, creating visible LGBTQ+ presence in mountain communities where queer travelers have not always felt welcome or safe. The festivals combine traditional winter sports with pride celebrations, featuring rainbow flags on slopes and drag performances in mountain venues.
The events also highlight LGBTQ+ representation in winter sports, a field where visibility has historically been limited. By creating dedicated spaces for community gathering, these festivals normalize queer presence in winter sports and contribute to broader acceptance of LGBTQ+ athletes and travelers in mountain destinations.
Winter ski weeks attract international participants who seek both athletic challenge and community connection. The events create networking opportunities across national boundaries while supporting local economies in host communities. Many festivals offer package deals including accommodation, ski passes, and event access to facilitate participation.
The programming varies by location but typically includes organized ski and snowboard groups for different ability levels, themed parties, drag performances, and cultural events. Some festivals incorporate educational components or partnerships with local LGBTQ+ organizations, strengthening connections between visiting participants and resident communities.
As the 2026 season approaches, organizers continue finalizing schedules and registration processes. Prospective participants can find additional information through event-specific websites and LGBTQ+ travel resources.
