Europe’s largest gay ski week returns to Val Thorens, France, in March next year. Located in the French Alps, Val Thorens is part of the renowned Three Valleys ski area, offering exceptional snowboarding and skiing opportunities. With its lofty 3,000-metre peaks, the resort is famous for being the highest in Europe, boasting one of the longest ski seasons on the continent, from late November to early May.
The event attracts participants from over 50 countries and offers a wide array of activities designed to appeal to a diverse group of people within the LGBTQ+ community. Special provisions are made for under-24s, solo travellers, and women, ensuring a welcoming environment for all attendees.
Amid the high-energy festivities, the event served as a crucial social gathering, especially for those like “William” from Saudi Arabia, who joined the group last year and expressed the importance of being able to freely connect with “people like me” in a place where LGBTQ+ communities are visible and celebrated. He highlighted the contrast to life in Saudi Arabia, where such communities are largely hidden and primarily centred around a younger, more overtly feminine demographic.
Throughout the week, attendees could engage in numerous events ranging from lively après-ski parties to cabaret shows. One popular event, the Erotica party, showcased the creative and vibrant spirit of the attendees, who meticulously planned their outfits, contributing to a unique and dazzling atmosphere.
Despite the seemingly endless revelry, not everyone succumbed to the party scene. Marcus, a software engineer from Washington DC, found balance by adhering to a regimen of 70 percent skiing and 30 percent partying, ensuring he remained energetic amidst the week’s gatherings.
An iconic highlight of the week was the invitation-only Pool Party, an event often described as the Gay Ski Week’s equivalent to the Met Ball. This gathering featured about 250 attendees clad in swimwear, enjoying rosé by a mood-lit pool, indicative of the fine line between indulgence and fantasy that characterises many of the week’s events.
The laughter and camaraderie of the festival were encapsulated in moments like chatting with a Belgian drag queen, LaDiva Live, who entertained the crowd with a rendition of Beverly Craven’s ’90s ballad, Promise Me, amidst the backdrop of stunning alpine beauty. Such interactions underscore the blend of lighthearted enjoyment and deep personal connection that makes Europe’s biggest gay ski week a memorable and impactful event for the LGBTQ+ community.
Val Thorens itself contributed to the event’s success with its convenient ski-in, ski-out accommodations and affordable pricing compared to US ski resorts. Raf, an attendee from New York, noted the stark difference in cost, highlighting the European après-ski culture as both engaging and distinctly playful.
Overall, Europe’s largest gay ski week in Val Thorens proved to be an essential gathering, not only for its thrilling recreational offerings but also for providing a crucial space for open expression and community bonding among LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide.
europeangayskiweek.com
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.europeangayskiweek.com – This link corroborates the information about European Gay Ski Week being Europe’s largest LGBTQI+ Winter Sports and Music Festival, held in Val Thorens, and the various activities and events it offers.
- https://www.europeangayskiweek.com – This link supports the claim that the event attracts participants from over 50 countries and offers a wide array of activities.
- https://www.seevalthorens.com/events/european-gay-ski-week-706577 – This link confirms the diverse range of events, including après-ski parties, cabaret shows, and other activities designed for the LGBTQ+ community.
- https://www.valthorens.com/en/temps-fort/european-gay-ski-week/ – This link verifies that Val Thorens is part of the renowned Three Valleys ski area and is the highest resort in Europe, offering a long ski season.
- https://www.europeangayskiweek.com/the-resort-val-thorens/ – This link details the resort’s features, including its altitude, ski-in, ski-out accommodations, and the extended ski season from November to May.
- https://www.europeangayskiweek.com/the-resort-val-thorens/ – This link explains the convenience and amenities of Val Thorens, such as its pedestrian-friendly design and various shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- https://www.europeangayskiweek.com – This link supports the information about the event’s social gatherings and the importance of the event for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect freely.
- https://www.valthorens.com/en/temps-fort/european-gay-ski-week/ – This link confirms the event’s commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusiveness, providing a safe and accepting space for all attendees.
- https://www.europeangayskiweek.com – This link details the various accommodation options and pricing, including the affordability compared to US ski resorts.
- https://www.europeangayskiweek.com/the-resort-val-thorens/ – This link describes the iconic Pool Party and other unique events that highlight the blend of indulgence and fantasy during the week.
- https://www.sunweb.co.uk/ski/european-gay-ski-week – This link corroborates the partnership with Sunweb and the availability of booking options for accommodation, ski passes, and flights, enhancing the guest experience.
