First Published: December 2005
This is an OutUK Archive Item and so some of the links and information may be out of date.
Think chilly willies: it’s all downhill for OutUK's Adrian Gillan in the 1st
part of our seasonal gay ski round-up.
USA :: ASPEN GAY SKI WEEK 15-22 January 2006 | |
| For almost three decades - as the world’s first official gay snow fest - Aspen Gay Ski Week has built up a strong reputation for hosting some of the most exclusive and explosive winter fun. Top DJ's, indoor & outdoor pool parties and other debauchery will take you nightly through into the wee small hours, just in time to hit those virgin slopes! |
|
Depending on whether you fly direct to Denver from London Heathrow or indirect
from London Gatwick - and which hotel you stay at - core flights-plus-6-nights-accommodation-plus-drive-hire
packages start at about £829 per person sharing. A 6-day four-mountain ski pass costs
another £195. Naturally any ski lessons and equipment hire needed would cost extra.
SWITZERLAND :: ENGELBERG GAY SKI WEEK 15-22 January 2006100% snow-secure with its Titlis glacier 10,000 feet-up, Engelberg is located in the giddy heart of Switzerland - a mere 90 minutes’ dramatic train ride from Zurich airport. This year you can polish your skills at a complimentary ski school before tackling those slopes down to the picturesque village itself. Also: experience Nordic Walking, the newest outdoor trend; and make a Snow Shoe tour in the glittering wilderness around Engelberg. | |
| After a big Welcome Party at the Spindle Nightclub this well-organised week-long package includes: 6 nights accommodation including breakfast buffet; a welcome drink; a 5-day ski pass (Monday to Friday); daily Ski School lessons (or Guided Skiing for more advanced skiers); Nordic Walking (equipment included); and a nocturnal torch-lit Snow Shoe hike (equipment included) culminating in a cosy hut evening. Special ski rental rates are also on offer. You will also get the chance to visit the nearby lake-side town of Lucerne, with its shops, gay bars and steaming saunas. Prices start from just Euro 640 (approx £425) per person sharing in a double room. Flights extra. |
|
CANADA :: ALTITUDE 4-13 February 2006Up famous Mount Whistler in British Columbia, Altitude is Canada’s premier queer wintry party on the white stuff! Expect over 4,000 gays, world-class skiing and snowboarding on perfect powder snow, luxurious hotel accommodation and a week tightly ice-packed with over 24 events, parties and other fun activities. Details and prices are still being finalized.ITALY :: SKI 2006 12-19 March 2006 | |
| Due to the small matter of a diary clash with the Winter Olympics near Turin next year, Alternative Holidays are not hosting their famed European Gay Ski Week in 2006. However, they are offering a “ski reunion” mid-March at Marilleva in the mighty Italian Dolomites. It’s not an exclusive Alternative event but - as they’ve had so many requests for people wishing to hook up from last year – it will doubtless provide a fab opportunity for the odd re-enactment plus some amazing skiing. Prices start from £588 per person sharing a double room. This includes all meals (with wine) plus ski passes for the seven days. Flights are not included, but low-cost carriers serve Milan and other nearby airports in northern Italy. |
|
FRANCE :: HAPPYGAYSKIWEEK 18-25 March 2006After a successful debut at La Plagne last year, HappyGaySkiWeek will encore at Les Arcs. An unforgettable extravaganza of queer skiing, surfing and meeting people is promised in one of the biggest skiable resorts on earth – boasting well over 200km of slopes at a dizzy altitude of 1200m-3326m. All accommodation is close to lifts and slopes and lots of exclusive and “unavoidable” après-ski activities will be laid on. Ski and snowboard groups are organised according to levels of competence, with beginners able to attend lessons with the Ecole de Ski des Arcs. The week-long package includes a 6-day ski pass; welcome champagne cocktail; and access to après-ski and special event soirées. The package does not include flights and transfers; skiing lessons; ski equipment hire; meals or insurance. Prices start from Euro 520 (approx £345) per person.AUSTRIA: GAY SNOW HAPPENING 1-8 April 2006Sölden 7th gay ski week is your chance to bid farewell to winter and romp about in the Austrian snow amidst splendid April-sun and top-notch entertainment. At well over a whopping 3000m, great skiing is guaranteed on “The Big Three” – Gaislachkogl (3058 m), Tiefenbachkogl (3309 m) and Schwarze Schneid (3340 m). Each offers three unique panoramic views and the chance to forget the cares and woes of everyday life, down below and far away. 7 nights’ accommodation per person sharing starts at just Euro 248 (approx £165). An additional Gay Snow Happening Party Pass costs Euro 210 (approx £140) per person, including a 6 day ski pass, all event entrance fees, free-Schnapps-coupons for lunch and après-ski, plus other goodies. Flights, any lessons and equipment hire are extra.www.soelden.at/gaysnowhappening Check out cheap flights to your favourite winter sports destinations at ebookers.com |