Snow Queens Ascend: The Electrifying Revival of Gay Ski Weeks

It’s official: the snow queens are out, the slopes are sparkling, and LGBTQ+ ski weeks are back with the kind of fabulous energy not seen since pre-pandemic days. After years of longing for the thrill of a powdery run followed by a dancefloor avalanche, queer travelers are once again flocking to winter havens like Stowe, Vermont for Winter Rendezvous, and the legendary Aspen and Telluride Gay Ski Weeks, proving—once and for all—that queer joy refuses to stay in the lodge.

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, winter used to be about survival—bundling up, hunkering down, and waiting for spring’s promise. But just as queer culture has always found ways to turn adversity into art (and a killer party), the revival of gay ski weeks transforms January’s chill into a hotbed of unity, visibility, and unbridled fun . Stowe’s Winter Rendezvous, now in its 42nd year, is no exception: it’s five days of non-stop revelry, from high-speed runs down Mount Mansfield to après-ski pool parties, bonfires, and drag performances that leave even the coldest hearts thawed .

“There’s nothing like seeing a rainbow flag waving over fresh powder,” said one attendee at last year’s festival, her cheeks flushed from both the cold and the camaraderie . “It’s a reminder that we belong in every space—including the mountaintops.”

But these weeks aren’t just about carving turns and catching big air. For many, queer ski events are a rare chance to be themselves—loudly, joyfully, and without compromise. The lineup of activities at Stowe’s Winter Rendezvous is a case in point: skiing and snowboarding on Vermont’s highest peaks, cross-country adventures at the Trapp Family Lodge, ice skating, dog sledding, and even horse-drawn sleigh rides . For those less athletically inclined, the event’s social calendar is just as packed: think pool parties, spa days, wine tastings, and a legendary ice sculpture competition .

The true magic, though, is in the connections forged between strangers who become chosen family. “There’s a sense of safety and shared purpose here,” said a longtime Winter Rendezvous participant. “You’re not just another face in the crowd—you’re part of a community that celebrates you, exactly as you are” .

In a world where anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric still cast long shadows, the visibility and affirmation offered by events like Winter Rendezvous matter more than ever. The festival has grown into a beacon, drawing hundreds of attendees from across the country and beyond—and, thanks to robust sponsorships and media coverage, its reach extends even further . Brands eager to connect with vibrant, diverse audiences are lining up to sponsor, recognizing the economic and cultural power of LGBTQ+ travelers.

But it’s not just about dollars and demographics. The festival’s organizers, attendees, and allies are clear: this is about making queer joy unavoidable, even in the most traditional spaces. “We’re not just carving out a place for ourselves—we’re making the whole mountain more fabulous,” one drag performer quipped as she zipped up her sequined snowsuit .

Today’s queer ski weeks are more inclusive and intersectional than ever. Stowe’s Winter Rendezvous, for example, proudly welcomes not just gay men but the full LGBTQIA+ spectrum, including transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming skiers, snowboarders, and allies .

Organizers have worked to ensure events are accessible and welcoming, offering activities for all ability levels and plenty of opportunities to connect off the slopes. The sense of safety—often rare in rural or sports-centric settings—is palpable. “The mountain is a metaphor,” mused a first-time attendee. “We climb together, we fall together, and at the end of the day, we share the view.”

As bookings surge for upcoming festivals, it’s clear that the appetite for queer winter adventure is stronger than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned snow queen or a first-timer strapping on rental boots, the message is clear: these are spaces where LGBTQ+ folks can own their stories, celebrate their resilience, and find warmth in even the iciest settings .

So grab your rainbow mittens, your most extra goggles, and maybe even a tiara—because on these mountains, every day is a pride parade, and every run is a victory lap.