Gay Ski Week

Snowy Disposition

By Michael McVean

You’re 10,000 ft. high. Snowboard under you, cute guy next to you. Is he the one you met at apres-ski or on the lift yesterday? Doesn’t matter, he’s cute. But he’ll have to wait, because the gang’s already waiting at the bottom; some friends you came with, others you met last year, a few you made last night. Are they feeling downtime or dance floor tonight?  Hot tub or heated rhythms?  Only one way to find out… Welcome to Elevation.

For the past 13 years, LA based promoter Tom Whitman has offered an irresistible alternative to the traditional party scene. Elevation has brilliantly combined the sex appeal of nightlife with the excitement and friendliness of a sports vacation.

“Gay ski weeks have a broader appeal, when compared to events that are centered only on nightlife/party culture,” says Whitman. “I think that having a great dance party combined with a really fun outdoor activity is the best of both worlds. You can have fun and flirt and dance, but those aren’t the only things on your agenda.”

Of course, it wouldn’t be Elevation without killer fun off the slopes, too. Looking for mischievous? The mountain is packed with dance parties, powerhouse DJs and long-john clad go-go boys. Looking for meaningful? Elevation hasn’t forgotten about that lost art of, you know, talking. “Our signature apres-ski events are more social, “cocktail-oriented” events, where you can meet (and buy drinks for) friendly guys from all over the country and all over the world,” says Whitman.

Breaking the traditional circuit-scene rules has attracted an awesomely broad range of Elevation attendees. “You’ve got 20-something singles who want to snowboard all day and then party into the night,” says Whitman. “There are 30-something couples who want to come to a fun gay event with their partner. There are 40-somethings and 50-somethings who are interested in a gay entertainment/travel option that is welcoming and interesting.”

Making great memories and having serious fun; that’s a given at Elevation. Coming together as a community, that’s black diamond. Go up the slopes with an open mind. Leave with new lifelong friends.

“A tip for the weekend that I always give every year,” offers Whitman. “Be friendly. Introduce yourself. This is the kind of weekend where everyone loses the attitude. No judgment, no pretension, no waiting around to see if he talks to you first. The guy you meet one night will be the friend you ski with the next day.”

Elevation will blanket Park City, Utah on Feb 18-21 and supersize Mammoth Lakes, CA from March 16-20, 2016.  Make your plans now.

Visit http://Utahgayski.com and http://Mammothgayski.com for more info.