European Gay Ski Week 2026 in Val Thorens: A High-Altitude Celebration of Pride, Snow, and Music

 

From March 21 to 28, 2026, the world’s largest LGBTQIA+ winter sports festival — European Gay Ski Week (EGSW) — returns to the French Alps, transforming Val Thorens into a vibrant, snow-covered hub of music, inclusivity, and alpine adventure.

Each year, thousands of guests from across Europe and beyond converge on this iconic ski resort for a week that seamlessly blends outdoor thrills with unforgettable nightlife.

Val Thorens: The Highest and Most Iconic Alpine Playground

Set at 2,300 metres, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and part of the legendary Les 3 Vallées, the largest connected ski area in the world. Its altitude guarantees excellent snow conditions well into spring, making late-March the perfect time for a large-scale winter festival.

Beginners, casual skiers, and seasoned experts will all find terrain to enjoy: from wide, gentle blue pistes to steep, exhilarating descents. With interconnected access to Méribel and Courchevel, guests can explore hundreds of kilometres of pistes before returning to a festive après-ski atmosphere.

The Event: The Largest LGBTQIA+ Winter Festival in Europe

European Gay Ski Week is more than a holiday — it is a full cultural experience. Known as Europe’s premier LGBTQIA+ ski week, the event combines sport, nightlife, art, and community into a single immersive celebration of diversity.

The 2026 edition promises:

• Over 70 hours of live music, featuring international DJs, vocalists, and performers.

• 16 themed parties and late-night events, hosted across clubs, après-ski bars, and pop-up venues.

• Seven nights of cabaret, including drag performances, comedy, live shows, and immersive entertainment.

• A spectacular open-air après-ski every afternoon, complete with giant screens, dancers, and DJ sets on the rooftop terrace in the heart of the village.

This dynamic schedule ensures each day transitions seamlessly from mountain adventure to evening spectacle.

A Festival Built on Inclusivity and Community

A defining strength of EGSW is its atmosphere of openness and acceptance. The event attracts a diverse mix of LGBTQIA+ travelers and allies from across the world, creating an international community where everyone can feel free and celebrated.

Val Thorens fully embraces the festival, offering a warm welcome to all guests and helping ensure a safe, inclusive environment throughout the week.

Packages and Accessibility

EGSW offers flexible packages covering accommodation, lift passes, and event passes, with options suited to different budgets. Guests can choose from:

• Affordable studio apartments

• Modern residence-style accommodations

• Premium chalets and hotels for those wanting luxury touches

Packages typically begin at competitive rates, making the event accessible to a wide range of participants while still offering high-quality services.

Why Attend European Gay Ski Week 2026?

Whether you are a passionate skier, a nightlife enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a week of joyful community in a breathtaking alpine setting, EGSW offers an experience unlike any other:

• World-class skiing in a snow-sure resort

• A full week of entertainment and culture

• An inclusive atmosphere celebrating diversity

• Opportunities to meet new people from around the globe

• Unforgettable après-ski and nightlife

This is not just a festival — it’s a celebration of identity, visibility, and connection at the top of Europe’s most spectacular mountains.

A Week to Remember

European Gay Ski Week 2026 promises to be one of the standout LGBTQIA+ events of the year. With its perfect mix of adventure and celebration, hosted in the unparalleled setting of Val Thorens, it offers a high-altitude escape where snow, music, and community come together in a week of pure alpine magic.