High in the Swiss Alps, where snowflakes twirl like confetti and mountain air feels almost electric, Arosa Gay Ski Week is getting ready to blow out 21 candles — and trust us, it won’t be a quiet party.
From 17 to 24 January 2026, this iconic queer winter festival returns for its 21st edition, transforming the peaceful resort of Arosa into a dazzling hub of LGBTQ+ joy, sport, and togetherness. What started back in 2005 as a small gathering in a stylish hotel has grown into one of Europe’s biggest queer winter celebrations, welcoming nearly a thousand participants from across the world last year.
“Twenty-one years celebrating our community in one of Switzerland’s most stunning alpine settings,” says Alex Herkommer, Director of Arosa Gay Ski Week. “It’s more than a party — it’s a week where everyone can live their passion for the mountains, without masks or compromises.”
And that’s exactly the magic of Arosa: it’s not just about skiing or snowboarding (though both are top-notch). It’s about community — a shared sense of belonging that stretches from the slopes to the dance floor. Days are filled with group ski sessions led by LGBTQ+ guides, wellness escapes at the spa, and even a Drag Race on skis that has become pure legend. Nights? Think wild après-ski, cabaret shows, and dinners where laughter echoes louder than the music.
The whole village joins in — from local shopkeepers to the tourism office — creating a rare atmosphere of genuine welcome. “Some people come alone and leave with lifelong friends,” Alex smiles. “That’s the real spirit of Arosa — community at 2,000 meters above sea level.”
For many, it’s not just a getaway but a reminder of what queer joy looks like when it’s shared and visible. And with its easy train access from Zurich (no car needed, just good vibes and warm gloves), Arosa is proof that inclusion can be as effortless as fresh powder underfoot.
So as winter draws near, Brussels’ queers might start dreaming of snow-dusted pride flags and mountain sunsets. Because at Arosa Gay Ski Week, the cold never dims the warmth — it just makes it sparkle brighter.
More info: www.ski.lgbt
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