The beauty of the outdoors is that everyone is welcome, regardless of age, background or sexuality. Having access to an inclusive environment means the freedom to express yourself without judgment and create a community of like minded people who support and inspire one another! A beautiful way in which many people enjoy a sense of inclusion is through travel. For two members of the LGBTQ+ community, exploring the world not only brought them together, it inspired them to share their adventures through their blog, 27 Travels.

Gabi and Shanna, the creators of 27 travels, are a lesbian couple who connected over their combined love for traveling. Inspired by growing, learning, and becoming more open minded through the exploration of various destinations and cultures, the couple turned their passion into a creative outlet. What started as a private Instagram account used to share travel memories through photos and videos quickly turned into an inspirational and informative blog for LGBTQ+ travelers around the world. Gabi and Shanna’s hope behind 27 Travels is to inspire others to explore the world and spread the message that travel is inclusive to everyone.

From Greece to South Africa, Gabi and Shanna have experienced the world through a wide range of destinations. On their most recent trip, the bloggers had the pleasure of traveling to Snowmass, Colorado on their very first ski trip. As first timers in a popular ski town, they were eager to experience a winter wonderland as LGBTQ+ travelers. Their three day trip was packed full of skiing, après, and dining; not to mention the most welcoming atmosphere. Gabi and Shanna’s experience spoke loudly to the inclusivity and friendliness that the Snowmass community extends to travelers.

After learning about Gabi and Shanna’s exceptional trip to Snowmass as LQBTQ+ travelers, we felt inspired to share with you the ultimate guide to the top five best LQBTQ+ Ski Weeks around the country. With so many incredible destinations to choose from, we are excited to highlight the top places to go for a fun-filled week packed with skiing, pride, and celebration.

Top 5 LGBTQ+ Ski Week Spots

1. Snowmass, Colorado

@snowmass

Considered one of the top ski destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers, Aspen Snowmass puts on a week-long festival each year that is the longest running gay ski week in America. This impressive, on-snow pride week, which occurs the third week of January, offers daily après gatherings, friendship dinners, group ski meetups, and drag bingo (to name a few). For Gabi and Shanna, what stood out the most at Snowmass were the people. Out of all of the destinations around the United States, they felt the most welcome here. The level of friendliness, between small talk on the chairlift and meeting strangers at a local restaurant, really spoke to the welcoming community of people at Snowmass. Based on their trip, here are a few suggestions for the best restaurants and après spots!

1. Fuel Cafe: For the perfect meal to start your day on the slopes, swing by Fuel Cafe for a local breakfast experience. Great place to grab a bagel and coffee!

2. Base Camp: Experience the ultimate local après atmosphere and grab a post-ski drink at Base Camp.

3. Kenichi: A popular dinner restaurant, Kenichi offers exceptional Japanese cuisine and a fun atmosphere, and is located at the base of the mountain!

2. Mammoth Lakes, California

@elevationgayski

Hosting one of the Elevation Gay Ski Weeks, the largest series of gay weeks in the world, Mammoth Lakes, California is a favorite destination for LGBTQ+ skiers and snowboarders. Celebrating 20 years of meeting new people from around the world, Elevation’s core mission is “2,500 riders. 12 major parties. 0 attitude”. Due to the major success of the Annual Mammoth Gay Ski Week, Tom Whitman, the founder of Elevation, expanded the festival to include two other destinations around the country. A fun alternative to the gay bar scene, Elevation Mammoth offers world-class skiing, lively après gatherings, and tasteful accommodations. Held in mid-March, this LGBTQ+ ski week combines California sun with skiing, partying, and more. Be sure to experience the full week of activities, but definitely don’t miss these celebratory events:

1. VIP wine and spirits tasting: An exclusive meet up for VIP pass holders.

2. Throwback Thursday Dance Party: Drink, dance and bowl to the sounds of the 80s, 90s,  00s, and today!

3. Costume ski race and lunch: Dress in your best costume and race against fellow riders,  with prizes and lunch to follow!

3. Park City, Utah

@elevationgayski

During the last week of February, part of the trio of Elevation Gay Ski Weeks takes place in Park City, Utah. Celebrating their 12th anniversary, Elevation Utah brings together people from around the world to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and the LGBTQ+ community. This event stands out not only for its schedule of events, but for its mission to expand the community and introduce LGBTQ+ members to one another so that they may create long lasting friendships. Located within the Wasatch mountain range, the skiing and riding is among the best, making it a top destination for snow sport enthusiasts, as well as LGBTQ+ travelers. Don’t miss these stand-out events:

1. Dog Tag Après Ski: Find your new crush by identifying color-coded tags for a fun and exciting meet and greet.

2. Glo Ho: A glow in the dark dance party with neon clothes and face paint!

3. Drag Brunch: Brunch on the final day with a bonus drag show.

4. Stowe, Vermont

@stowemt

The LGBTQ+ Winter Pride Festival in Stowe, Vermont is one you won’t want to miss. Celebrating 40 years, this five day extravaganza occurs in mid-January and offers a full party pass which includes all events, as well as discounts on lift tickets, gear rentals, and special hotel rates. The celebrations range from VIP cocktail parties to drag bingo and everything in between. Join hundreds of LGBTQ+ enthusiasts at one of the East Coast’s finest ski resorts! Be sure to check out these popular events:

1. Live performance: By legendary drag artist Dina Martina

2. Giant indoor pool party: At Trapp Family Lodge with DJ Keith James

3. Drag Bingo: Hosted by Vermont’s own House of LeMay  

5. Whistler, Canada

@whistlerblackcomb

The final stop on our list of best places to experience LGBTQ+ Ski Week is Whistler, Canada. Hosting Canada’s largest pride festival of its kind, all genders and gender expressions are welcomed. From Whistler’s finest skiing to queer-focused cultural and celebratory events featuring incredible talent, you won’t want to miss this one. Known for the lively nightlife, Whistler’s après scene comes to life once the lifts close so you’ll be celebrating from bell to bell. Below are a few events to pencil into your calendar:

1. Whistler Pride Ski Parade: Flag-bearing skiers and snowboarders dressed in colorful and creative outfits gather to race down the mountain.

2. Charity Ski Race: Friendly race that raises funds for W.A.G (Whistler’s not-for-profit no-kill animal shelter and rehabilitation center).  

3. A Night at Vallea Lumina: A night with a magical walk in the woods.