European Gay Ski Week is Loud, Proud and Fabulous!
Europe’s biggest LGBTQIA+ Winter sports and music festival is back with all the thrills of Val Thorens.
Save the date: March 21– 28 2026 is the 18th edition of Europe’s biggest LGBTQIA+ Winter Sports and Music Festival. Returning to the resort of Val Thorens, the highest village in Les Trois Vallées ski area, European Gay Ski Week is all about the skiing…and a good party as well! Prepare for 1,000 of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies to descend on Val Thorens in a truly international event—last year, 6 of the 7 world continents were represented by 49 nationalities.
All genders are welcome at European Gay Ski Week, as the event is committed to inclusivity and welcomes everyone from the LGBTQI+ community and their friends and family. The event aims to be a safe and accepting space for people of all backgrounds, including queer women, trans, and non-binary participants, and is open to everyone.
The Parties
Over seven days you can expect 70 hours of music, 20 musicians and performers, 15 DJs playing, 16 club nights and parties, and 6 nights of Cabaret. Unique to European Gay Ski Week is the sheer scale of the Après ski, which is held in the centre of the resort on the roof of Le Board, featuring giant video screens, musicians, performers, dancers and some great DJs.
A foodie’s delight, choose from 12 Michelin starred restaurants in Les Trois Vallées ski domain, for example, La Bouitte, a Michelin-starred restaurant part of the La Bouitte Hotel & Spa in Saint Marcel, offering a top-tier fine dining experience.
The Skiing
Val Thorens is at the top of the Vallee de Belville and gives unparalleled access to Les Trois Vallées. With 600km of pistes within 35,000 hectares this is the world’s largest ski area with snow guaranteed.
Skiing for all abilities is offered, with 50% greens and blues, the remainder reds and blacks.
The resort embraces inclusivity, making it a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ visitors alongside its reputation as a high-altitude ski resort with slopes for all skill levels.
The Lodgings
Val Thorens offers ‘ski in/ski out’ accommodation throughout. Prices start from 609€ inclusive of accommodation, lift pass and event pass.
There are hotels, studios and apartments for all budgets ranging from standard to super deluxe.
The Accolades
Val Thorens is a 10 times winner of best ski resort in France and an 8 times winner of World’s Best Ski Resort.
“Not knowing quite what to expect I was a little nervous as a solo traveler…I had the time of my life…never before had so much to do and such fun.” —EGSW Guest
“In a nutshell…They are the best for a fun filled, activity packed, exceptionally entertaining, full-on hi energy holiday and at a surprisingly inexpensive price”. —EGSW Guest
Getting There
You cannot fly directly to Val Thorens; you must fly to a nearby airport and take a ground transfer, with Geneva (GVA) and Chambéry (CMF) being the closest options. Geneva is often recommended for its frequent flights, while Chambéry is closer but has fewer flight options. Other options include Lyon (LYS), Grenoble (GNB), or Turin (TRN), but these can have more complicated transfers. Shop flights here.
