The holidays may have ended but the spirit of the season hasn’t. Thousands will flock to the mountains this winter to take in the mountain air and fresh snowfall – a perfect combination for a ski vacation.

Across the country, the GLBT community has a multitude of opportunities to enjoy the snow amongst friends at unique ski week vacations. Ranging from Lake Tahoe to Telluride, these gay ski weeks are the hottest events in the coldest parts of the United States and Canada.

Starting the new year off with a bang, the Utah Gay & Lesbian Ski Week is sure to be a hit. Located in beautiful Park City, Utah, the annual Utah Gay & Lesbian Ski Week has been gaining popularity since the early 1990s. According to the Utah Travel Association, “Utah has the greatest snow on earth,” blanketing the mountains like soft goose down – perfect for skiing, snowboarding or sledding. Guests stay at luxury Park City condominiums, just three miles from the luxurious resorts and slopes.

Only 30 miles from Salt Lake International Airport, Park City is a quiet, intimate town featuring amazing history, lush resorts and excellent amenities. Long before Park City became a world-class mountain resort and venue for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, it was famous as a silver-mining town and boasts a lively and colorful past. Founded by prospectors in the late 1860s, Park City continued to mine silver until the early 1970s. The mining company, Park City Consolidated Mines, started the ski business in 1963 when they built the first lifts on what was then called Treasure Mountain. The Park City area now has three world-class resorts: Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort and the Canyons Resort.

Utah Gay & Lesbian Ski Week takes place Jan. 3-7. Quite affordable, a group of four could expect to pay $450 plus airfare each for four nights in a condo in Park City, three days of lift tickets, two dinners and parties. Restaurants include the Watsatch Brewery Pub and Claim Jumper. For reservations, guests are urged to call (800) 558-3337 to book the condo and mail in the registration form to receive discounted lift tickets. Download the registration form by visiting www.gayskiing.org.

Whether you come for the skiing, the parties or both, make sure you book your package soon for Aspen Gay Ski Week. Located in the skiing mecca of Colorado, the gay ski week runs Jan. 14-21. Aspen offers an interesting history, challenging outdoor recreation opportunities, abundant cultural activities, a pleasant climate and beautiful natural scenery. Aspen is world renowned for its downhill skiing, with the Aspen Mountain rising imposingly from town.

Aspen Gay Ski Week is a full week of skiing and snowboarding on four of Colorado’s superb mountains. In addition, guests are treated to all the events such as daily ski parties, fabulous nighttime events with world-class DJs, a comedy night, downhill costume party and more.

This year is Aspen Gay Ski Week’s 30th anniversary and all the stops are being pulled out. Parties planned for the week are named after the seven deadly sins, if that gives you any idea about how wild it may get.

The ski week is a seven-night escape to one of the greatest ski resorts in the United States. Guests stay at the Fashinghouse condos in the center of the Aspen community, just two blocks from the slopes and close to restaurants, shopping and official Aspen Gay Ski Week parties. Guests will also receive a five-day lift ticket, valid for four mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk. The package price is $1,040, with an upgraded six-day lift ticket for only $40 more. Reservations are by phone only by calling (877) 429-6368. For more information, visit their Web site at www.communityvisions.org.

GayWhistler Ski Week in Whistler, British Columbia, launches its inaugural WinterPRIDE celebration Feb. 4-11. Going just beyond the evolution of skiing and snowboarding, WinterPRIDE offers a wide range of activities, entertainment and parties, in addition to fund-raisers for charities including AIDS Vancouver. A natural extension of summer Pride events held across North America, WinterPRIDE is one of the most popular destinations this winter for the GLBT community.

“Could there be a more beautiful place to celebrate our Pride? Snow, parties, sports, shopping, snuggling by the fire, and the warmest hearts and hottest men and women in the world,” says Charlie David, TV star of “Dante’s Cove” and the celebrity MC for WinterPRIDE’s Fashion Experience event. “I can’t wait to come home for the first GayWhistler WinterPRIDE.”

WinterPRIDE’s lineup includes options to take culinary classes with celebrity chefs, taste fabulous food and wine, attend health and wellness workshops to enhance your lifestyle, participate in health education programs and even indulge in luxurious spa treatments for ultimate pampering.

“There is so much more than just skiing and riding,” said Dean Nelson, creative director of Alpenglow Production Corporation, a parent company of GayWhistler. “2007 marks the 15th anniversary of Gay Ski Week in Whistler and the inauguration of WinterPRIDE. We have many wonderful surprises that we can hardly wait to share with our guests. We are introducing several new elements to WinterPRIDE, including interactive hands-on culinary demonstrations like ‘Singles & Sex Foods,’ Cat Smiley’s Boot Camp ‘Fit For Love,’ Daily Après Ski Parties, a comedy show and our ‘Dance Until Dawn Snowball Party.’”

“WinterPRIDE fits in with our vision of opening up Gay Ski Week to more than just skiers and snowboarders. This is the next evolution in gay ski weeks, and we look forward to expanding WinterPRIDE across North America,” said Sean Kearns, president of Alpenglow Production Company. “The 2007 Gay Ski Week and WinterPRIDE event are open to everyone of all ages.”

Seven-day WinterPRIDE passes give access to more than 17 different social events happening weeklong, priced at $430. Mid-week passes give access to more than nine different social events happening weeklong, priced at only $145. Finally, extended weekend passes include the biggest and greatest of GayWhistler’s parties and events, Thursday through Sunday, priced at only $295. For more information, please visit http://gaywhistler.com or call (866) 612-6150.

Located at one of the best-known ski resorts in North America, Vail Gay & Lesbian Ski Week from February 6-11 caters to the most dedicated queer snow bunnies. Vail boasts a huge ski area including Beaver Creek and the nearby resorts of Keystone, Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin, which are all covered on the same lift pass. While the skiing largely caters to intermediates, there is an excellent ski school and dedicated areas for boarders as well. Those who can manage some off-piste skiing can hit the Back Bowls area, which is left ungroomed.

Tuesday through Sunday is packed with exclusive trips to the mountains, group lunches, social time and lots of networking. Several mountains are singled out each day of the week, offering fun social events in the evenings. All types of condos are available, from budget prices to very luxurious slope-side condos. For more information, call (970) 476-3800 and mention you are with Gay Ski Week. Visit www.communityvisions.org for further information.

Now 12 years old, Winter Explosion 2007 at the Hudson Valley Resort and Spa in Upstate New York is targeted for queer African-Americans Feb. 16-19. The highlight of the ski week is a performance by legendary Chaka Khan on Sunday night. And nearly 1,000 are expected to gather this President’s Day Weekend.

“The entertainment and social activities really bring men and women together,” said Gary Coates, event planner for Winter Explosion 2007. “The whole event makes you want to come back. It’s like family.”

A Winter Explosion Getaway includes more than just prime skiing. Guests get roundtrip escorted transportation on lush coaches from one of five departure locations: N.Y.C., downtown Newark, Newark International Airport, downtown Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Accommodations are at the remote, plush four-star Hudson Valley Resort. From the moment guests check in, they experience the sheer beauty, warmth and hospitality of the magnificent resort. Winter Explosion has the entire resort to itself, featuring tastefully-appointed guestrooms, refreshments upon arrival, buffet breakfasts and fantastic “all you can eat” smorgasbord dinners on Saturday and Sunday evening. Guests also enjoy private Winter Explosion parties featuring known East Coast DJs on two dance floors and a premium open bar every night from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Winter Explosion 2007 isn’t just for skiers. There are endless activities for non-skiers, including the onsite European Health Spa complete with steam rooms, Jacuzzi, massage rooms, gym and saunas. One can sign up for activities like horseback riding, bowling, a trip to the outlet mall at Woodbury Commons, roller skating and a trip to the casino.

Excellent group rates on rental ski equipment are available if you don’t have or want to bring your own equipment.

“We really try to unify and come together,” said Angello Sneed, organizer for WinterExplosion 2007. “We all have a great time.”

For information on the Hudson Valley Resort Spa, call (888) 9HUDSON or visit http://winterexplosion.com.

Telluride Gay Ski Week from Feb. 24 to March 4 is a hot spot for longtime skiers. Surprisingly, the resort has largely been ignored by many large tour operators, so Telluride has retained much of its authentic Wild West charm. Located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, it maintains a superb snow record and leans more toward advanced skiers. However, the party isn’t just about skiing but the fun and events that go along with the breathtaking scenery. Taking place during the weekend of the Oscars, Telluride Gay Ski Week is known for its annual Oscar Party, in addition to many other events for guests.

Telluride Gay Ski Week is a unique event designed to create a warm, intimate experience for guests rather than a circuit party. “Telluride Gay Ski Week is really a laid back and unpretentious affair absent the usual circuit party feel of other gay ski weeks,” said John McGill, publicist for Telluride Gay Ski Week. “That’s not a criticism of other gay ski weeks; rather, from the very beginning, we made a conscious decision to be different. We created Telluride Gay Ski Week to have an atmosphere that allowed guests to set their own pace by combining a mix of structured and unstructured events with some of the best skiing in the United States.”

“Telluride was more like a bunch of great friends who met on the mountain,” said Dean Carter, San Diego resident. “In fact, I met a bunch of new friends and still keep in contact with them. The town also seemed genuinely excited to have us there. The lifts weren’t packed, the ski conditions were great and the crowd was fun – but more couples-based.”

Guests will experience a combination of the charming but upscale Telluride and the hip and urban European-style town of Mountain Village.

“The towns of Telluride and Mountain Village are really welcoming communities,” said McGill. “People make long-term friends here. I know we continue to hear from people yearlong with stories of how they are coming back with other people they meet at Gay Ski Week.”

The two towns are connected via a free gondola, the most innovative transportation system found in North America. In town everything is within walking distance, so there is no need to rent a car.

The Mountain Lodge at Telluride hosts this year’s Telluride Gay Ski Week. The Lodge features three log-and-stone buildings and a main lodge, whose tremendous lobby is warmed by an immense river-rock fireplace. Gleaming with rich leather and rustic Western elegance, the lobby also features the Tavern Bar, perfect for quiet afternoon and evening gatherings.

The first big event is Sunday night, Feb. 25, for the Oscar Watching Party. “We all know that the Academy Awards telecast is the Gay Super Bowl, and we put together a big watching event with big screens and a red carpet arrival,” said McGill. “This is the first big night to meet new friends and start off the week in a celebrating mood.” Other events include the Blue Ball Party (where a large pool is tented at the host hotel) and the Calvin Klein Underwear White Party (including a DJ and photo shoot with models wearing nothing but Calvin Klein underwear).

“We met some great folks and we have plenty of friends already,” said Carter. “So to meet people that we continue to hang out with is a big deal.”

For more information or to make reservations, visit www.telluridegayskiweek.com or call the Mountain Lodge at (866) 368-6867.

Hot and talented twins Jacob and Joshua of Logo Network’s Nemesis Rising will headline the Lake Tahoe WinterFest Rock Star Party at the Hard Rock Café on March 10. Known for its atmosphere of camaraderie among skiers and non-skiers alike, Lake Tahoe WinterFest features world-class skiing and nightly entertainment March 4-11.

Host resort for WinterFest 2007 is Lakeland Village, offering luxurious guestrooms that include a kitchen, beautiful fireplace and balcony overlooking the breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe. Lakeland Village guests enjoy the heated pool, Jacuzzi, onsite gym and a deluxe continental breakfast in the lodge each morning. Reduced rates are available by mentioning “WinterFest” when calling the resort at (800) 822-5969.

WinterFest Comedy Night proudly features the hilarious comedy of Dana Goldberg. This annual PFLAG/WinterFest event raises money to support the Northern Nevada PFLAG chapter. Her quick wit led Curve magazine to name her as one of the hottest up-and-coming comics in the nation. When she is not performing on the stage, Dana is captivating and enlightening readers of Pride & Equality magazine with her hilarious, smart and sometimes politically incorrect column, “The Final Word.” Dana’s routine captures audiences, gay and straight alike, and keeps them coming back for more.

Also on the itinerary is the Private Dance Cruize Party on Lake Tahoe aboard the M.S. Dixie featuring DJ Jerry Griffith. In addition to coming into his third year as Lake Tahoe WinterFest resident DJ, he has enjoyed much international success playing to the masses at Amsterdam’s Pride and White Parties in 2002 and 2004. Jerry comes to WinterFest 2007 armed with blaring diva vocals, tribal blasts and a unique blend of progressive and electro music that leaves the dancers in Lake Tahoe breathless and begging for more.

WinterFest VIP Ski and Party Packages are available for full week, midweek or weekend arrivals and guarantee admittance to all events. Guests may also customize their trips based on individual schedules and preferences on event and ski tickets.

For reservations, call (877) 777-4950 or visit http://laketahoewinterfest.com.

The fourth annual Mammoth Gay Ski Week: Elevation 2007 is certainly gaining popularity on the West Coast, bringing in thousands for the snow and fun March 14-18. Since their first year, Elevation has been one of the fastest growing gay and lesbian events in the country.

Mammoth Gay Ski Week offers an alternative to the gay party scene. While there are still hot parties with some of the biggest DJs on the circuit, the event is more than just parties. Located in one of the most beautiful places in the country, Mammoth is known for some of the best spring skiing in the world, at a resort with one of the highest average snowfalls in the country.

While people travel from all over the country to attend Elevation, there is certainly still a casual core of West Coast that creates a warm, unpretentious atmosphere.

Vacationer Charlie Pomykal said: “It’s amazing how much Mammoth has grown over the past four years alone. Now it’s a hot spot where we can gather and know there will be something for everyone.”

“Elevation is now one of the largest gay ski weeks in the country, but it keeps its laid back, friendly vibe,” said Tom Whitman, publicist for Elevation 2007. “It is a fun, friendly group of guys and girls that are there to snowboard, ski and make new friends. There is none of the ‘stand and model’ or the VIP ‘us and them’ feeling at this ski week. It is not about wearing Prada pants and Gucci goggles. Everyone at the parties is so friendly and open to meeting people. That’s what keeps people coming back, I think.”

The options extend beyond big dance parties. The signature Elevation après-ski events are more social, “bar-oriented” events, where guests can meet and greet all the friendly guys and gals from all over the country.

“Honestly, I love the après-ski events,” said Whitman. “Everyone is fresh off the mountain, drinking margaritas and telling stories – and flirting, of course.”

One of the highlights of this year’s Elevation is The Party at 10,000 Feet, with internationally-known rising star DJ Kimberly S. Guests can take a nighttime gondola ride up the dark mountainside to Elevation’s second annual moutaintop tea dance – the entire mountain is theirs. “It’s always an extremely unique party and lots of fun,” Whitman said.

For more information, visit www.mammothgayski.com.

Whether staying in California or venturing out of state, gay ski weeks are a great way to spend a vacation with old friends, new friends or that special someone. The towering peaks of North America’s greatest mountain ranges are home to nestling ski resorts, fun parties, fantastic entertainment and mile after mile of fresh snow. San Diegans, grab your snow boots and shades and sashay down the slopes safe in the knowledge that you won’t be the only one checking out more than your sexy ski instructor’s technique!