The 5 Best LGBTQ-Inclusive Ski Resorts in North America

1. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Considered by some to be the "mecca" of North American skiing and snowboarding, Aspen's reputation for lavish accommodations, stunning views, pristine slopes, and fine dining is founded in truth.

Today, Aspen has another acclaim—the longest running and original Gay Ski Week. According to a historical account on Aspen Snowmass' website, Aspen's first Gay Ski Week was held in 1976 amongst members of various ski clubs that were visiting town. These events were low key, and were centered around somewhat discreet condo parties due to the climate of the time.

Decades later, Aspen's Gay Ski Week is one of the biggest, loudest, and fun parties of the season. Aspen Snowmass invites participants to explore all four mountains with guides and groups. There are daily après ski events at local bars and late-night gatherings such as the White Party, an event that sells out every year.

If you can't make Gay Ski Week, don't sweat it. Members of the LGBTQ community will feel welcomed in Aspen. Pride flags hang from local businesses, and the inclusive mountain town vibe is palpable.

2. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

Whistler Blackcomb has hosted a Pride and Ski Festival for more than 30 years, and the event has kept pace with Whistler's explosion in popularity over the last two decades.

Typically held in mid-to-late January each season, the festival features eight days of 2SLGBTQIA+ events, parties, social gatherings, ski sessions, and more. The pinnacle event, which is lauded as one of the biggest parties of the season, is the Snowball. "The Whistler Pride and Ski Festival's massive main event and grand finale! A spectacular one-of-a-kind experience in the Sea to Sky Ballroom," writes Tourism Whistler. "Drink and dance until 4 AM with dazzling lights, lasers, and tech."

Whistler reaffirms their inclusivity with a firm stance posted to their website:

"In our world-renowned mountain village, great care is taken to ensure safe and welcoming social spaces for all people, with bars and vibrant nightlife that cater to everyone. Whistler takes great pride in our zero tolerance for discrimination and anti-social behaviour, leaving you free to be yourself and revel in your self-expression. With a diverse, cosmopolitan vibe that’s the envy of resorts around the world, Whistler Blackcomb is certain to become your favourite year-round destination."

3. Park City, Utah

Park City feels different from other areas of Utah. If you walk down the town's famous Main Street, you'll be greeted by pride flags hanging in windows, art galleries with eclectic tastes, and a welcoming atmosphere for all walks of life.

The town of Park City even established an LGBTQ+ Task Force in 2021 to evaluate and address the needs of local residents. Today, this task force is known as Summit Pride, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that continues to support members of the LGBTQ+ community in Park City and the greater Wasatch Back area.

Elevation Utah is the town and ski resort's annual Gay Ski Week. Entering its 15th year, the week-long celebration attracts members of the LGBTQ+ community from far and wide.

4. Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado

Telluride is often considered to be one of top travel destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. So much so, that the ski resort has a section of its website dedicated to information about inclusion, and its legendary Gay Ski Week.

"Our town is committed to preserving our historically significant architecture, open space, traditional design elements but, most of all, Telluride’s small-town mountain lifestyle that welcomes all, especially the minority communities that are underrepresented in mountain culture," writes Telluride.

Telluride's Gay Ski Week has been taking place for over 20 years and was recently acquired by SBG Productions, the company behind the Telluride Jazz Festival and the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. Gay Ski Week typically takes place in late October and features a week's worth of events, including "drag brunches, group ski days, daily après-ski gatherings, pool parties, comedy shows, dance parties, a costume and drag ski race down the slopes, and so much more."

5. Mammoth Mountain, California

Mammoth Mountain and Mammoth Lakes, California, have welcomed members of the LGBTQ+ community for decades. The resort's Gay Ski Week has been running for more than 20 years and features themed parties, après ski outings, live shows, and more.

The highlight of the week, for some, is the 'Rainbow Run.' Mammoth invites the entire mountain's worth of skiers and riders to don their best rainbow garb and take a lap together. It makes for a great photo-op and is a testament to the inclusivity and welcoming culture of Mammoth.

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