Exciting New Events On-Mountain At The 2024 Telluride Gay Ski Week
Close your eyes and picture this … a thrilling day of skiing and snowboarding with friends, new and old, on some of the best terrain in the world followed by a mountaintop dance party at a breathtaking French-inspired restaurant located 10,551 feet above sea level with 360° views of the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains! It doesn’t get any better, right? Well, new for this year, we’re thrilled to introduce some fresh, revamped and FREE on-mountain activities and parties to the schedule of events at Telluride Gay Ski Week. The events are open to everyone - allies, friends, families and all are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun. We’re thrilled to bring back the popular daily group skiing program for those who want to make some friends while making some turns. The groups are a great way to meet other like-minded skiers and enjoy everything that our mountain has to offer. For those experienced riders and adventure seekers, we’re even offering an “Extreme Group Skiing Day” lead by ski-industry icon “Digi” Dave Amirault (limited to expert skiers/riders only).
The fun doesn’t stop there! Be sure to pack your best flair, costumes and pride attire and join us, boots in the snow, skis pointed downhill for the Sweet Madness Dance Party, Ski Parade and Dancing On The Deck. Get the details below and start planning now!
Sweet Madness
Ski in, flip your boots to dance mode and get ready for a special high-alpine experience unlike any other! Sweet Madness is our version of the legendary European champagne DJ dance parties, featuring beats from CASTLE, plenty of bubbles and jaw-dropping 360° mountain views.
Sweet Madness Dance Party
Thursday, February 29 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at Bon Vivant - Top of Polar Queen Express (Chair 5) Featuring CASTLE
For those of you that have skied in Europe, you may be familiar with the legendary champagne DJ dance parties. As a nod to that tradition, we’ve recreated our own version of this experience at a breathtaking location on-mountain featuring 360° views of the rugged peaks of the San Juan Mountains. Ski in and get ready to dance with beats from CASTLE.
Pro Tip - Reserve an early lunch and enjoy Bon Vivant’s delicious French-inspired cuisine. Then join us in the open area outside the restaurant afterwards to dance the calories away. Start day-dreaming now and we’ll see you at Bon Vivant on the hill!
About CASTLE
Having began his journey in Telluride as a ski coach, CASTLE has transitioned to a full time DJ, securing gigs on and off the slopes, day or night. Opening for acts such as Emancipator, The Sponges, and playing stages curated by House Hats Collective and Camp V have garnered him a local fandom that knows how to party. Find him playing a wide variety of Music from Minimal Tech-House to Disco-Funk & Throwback 90’s Hip-Hop at one of his Winter Residencies, Bon Vivant on mountain in Telluride.
About Bon Vivant
Bon Vivant – defined as one who enjoys a sociable and luxurious lifestyle, living well, the good life.
With breathtaking views of Palmyra and the Wilson Range, Bon Vivant stands as one of Telluride’s premier on-mountain dining venues, where guests are encouraged to live “The Good Life”. The menu focuses on classic French country cuisine. The all-French wine list, curated by Wine Director Andrew Shaffner, is not to be overlooked, with everything from approachable Vin de France wines to your favorite Champagne and Classified Growth Bordeaux. The friendly and knowledgeable service staff, actively works to enrich your experience while maintaining an atmosphere that is welcoming to all. It is this combination of luxury and authenticity that create an ambiance which is second to none.
Views from the massive new deck are rivaled only by the 39-foot umbrella, and the menu features classic country French cuisine, top wines, and ski country’s best crepes and hand-crafted hot chocolates.
Ski Parade
Join the TGSW staff, attendees and ski legends Gus Kenworthy and “Digi” Dave Amirault to ski down to Gorrono Ranch in costume while a DJ sets the party vibe. Be center stage for the whole mountain to see!
Ski Parade with Gus Kenworthy and “Digi” Dave Amirault
Friday, March 1 at 1:00 pm - Meet us and ski legends Gus Kenworthy and “Digi” Dave Amirault at top of chair lift #7 (close to the San Sophia mid-station of the Gondola) as we all ski together down to Gorrono Ranch to dance on the deck
We'll wave pride flags and the vibrant colors will pop against the snow as skiers and snowboarders fly rainbows down the mountain in celebration of diversity and inclusivity creating a signature visible moment of the week. We'll start at the top of chair lift 7 and make turns down to Gorrono Ranch to be welcomed by our local favorite music legend, CASTLE, spinning tunes.
Gus Kenworthy
Gus Kenworthy is a British-American freeskier, actor, model and advocate.
Born in Chelmsford, England, Gus moved to the U.S. when he was two years old and began skiing shortly after in his hometown of Telluride, CO. At 16, Gus was discovered by the international skiing world when he posted a one-minute video of himself on the slopes of Telluride. The video received a lot of attention and sponsors came knocking; his professional career took off.
Kenworthy is known as one of the best all-around park skiers of all time and is one of the only athletes to have podium finishes across all three disciplines (slopestyle, halfpipe and big air) and was the first person to do many groundbreaking tricks in each.
In 2014, Kenworthy won a silver medal for Team USA at the inaugural slopestyle of the Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. During those Games he gained international recognition after he saved three stray puppies and their mother from euthanization, drawing attention to the plight of rescue animals.
In 2015, Gus came out on the cover of ESPN Magazine and became the first openly gay professional athlete in any action sport.
About “Digi” Dave Amirault
From humble beginnings on the east coast riding back mountains & tinkering with PHP and WordPress to winning an Adweek award for his ingenious "one-star" ad campaign, “Digi” Dave Amirault is a marketing wizard. Dave was also a visionary in the ski industry at a time the industry really needed it. Coming from hand-coding HTML sites, to making a marketing name for himself at multiple ski resorts, the development and success of famous ad campaigns, Dave is a legend and icon.
Dave got into skiing around the time that websites had digital counters on them and by merging his affinity for tech and sliding on snow, He created a snow-focused career that took him from Sunday River to Freeskier Magazine, to Aspen, to Sierra, to Snowbird and finally into the top of the tech world. Now an athlete for Salomon and one of the most trusted and respected voices in the ski industry, we are proud and honored to have Dave join our lineup at Telluride Gay Ski Week.
Dancing On The Deck
When the colorful Ski Parade arrives at Gorrono Ranch, the party will kick into high gear in the beautiful outdoor deck with the sounds of the DJ echoing off the mountain backdrops.
Dancing on the Deck
Friday, March 1 at 1:30 pm at Gorrono Ranch for an epic on-mountain dance party!
When the colorful Ski Parade arrives, the party will kick into high gear in the beautiful outdoor deck at Gorrono Ranch. The sounds of the DJ spinning tunes will echo off the stunning mountain backdrops.
About CASTLE
Having began his journey in Telluride as a ski coach, CASTLE has transitioned to a full time DJ, securing gigs on and off the slopes, day or night. Opening for acts such as Emancipator, The Sponges, and playing stages curated by House Hats Collective and Camp V have garnered him a local fandom that knows how to party. Find him playing a wide variety of Music from Minimal Tech-House to Disco-Funk & Throwback 90’s Hip-Hop at one of his Winter Residencies, Bon Vivant on mountain in Telluride.
About Gorrono Ranch
Located under the Village Express Lift 4 with easy access via Misty Maiden, Butterfly, and Village Bypass ski-runs in the winter, this historic ranch serves up burgers, chili, bbq and other lunch fare in a rustic lodge with a large outdoor deck, historic Saloon and Outpost bars, and Gorrono’s famous “Snow Beach,” with our breathtaking views of the Wilson Range.
Stop by and check out what has become one of the best mid-mountain lodges at any ski resort in North America. The island vibe and live music bring the best of the beach to the slopes of Colorado. A party sure to never disappoint! Slide in for a quick bite or grab a drink and relax in the sun!
Group Skiing
Explore some of the best ski terrain in North America alongside friendly, knowledgeable locals. Group skiing is a great way to make new friends and enjoy all the mountain has to offer.
Group Skiing (FREE with lift ticket)
Daily from 9:45 am - 1:00 pm
Explore some of the best ski terrain in North America alongside friendly, knowledgeable locals. Group skiing is a great way to make new friends and enjoy all the mountain has to offer. We offer both intermediate and advanced skiing levels. All groups are inclusive and open to all who feel comfortable in them.
Make some friends while making some turns!
Group Skiing is free to participate but a lift ticket is required. Intermediate and Advanced levels are available.
Group skiers and snowboarders should meet at the Basecamp Area in Heritage Plaza in Mountain Village at 9:30 am. We recommend eating a hearty breakfast beforehand and bringing all the essentials to ensure a great experience. While Colorado sees more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the weather can change in an instant. It’s important to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions and temperatures. Our strongest advice is to dress in layers so you can add or remove them as needed throughout the day. We also recommend wearing:
Absorbent socks in wool or other material that is not cotton – You may be tempted to wear two pairs of socks but we discourage this as the socks can cause your feet to hurt if they bunch up in your boots.
Insulated, water-resistant gloves or mittens should always be worn, even on warmer days. Avoid wearing knit gloves or mittens as they will get wet and not keep your hands warm.
A warm hat, or even better, a helmet. A helmet will keep your head warm and protect you.
A water-resistant jacket with a high collar.
Water-resistant ski pants or snow bibs to stay warm and dry.
Goggles or sunglasses – at high elevation, the sun is extremely strong, and its reflection off of the snow can do damage to your eyes. Protect them from the sun’s rays and other elements with a good pair of goggles and sunglasses.
Skiers & snowboarders assume all liability while riding during these ski days just as you would if you were on your own. Our guides are ambassadors that know the area and are meant to show you around as a group. They are not instructors and assume no responsibility for assessing your ability level.
First time Skier or Rider? Need a refresher course to touch up your skills? The Telluride Ski & Snowboard School offers a safe and enjoyable learning experience. Beginner skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to sign up for ski lessons in advance directly through Telluride Ski Resort.
Extreme Group Skiing
Hike-To Terrain On Gold Hill (snow/weather/conditions dependent)
Extreme Group Skiing - Hike-To Terrain On Gold Hill (snow/weather/conditions dependent)
Wednesday, February 28 from 9:45 am - 1:00 pm
Get ready to send it! Check out the gnarliest terrain Telluride Ski Resort has to offer with ski industry personality and expert skier “Digi” Dave Amirault.
Wednesday, February 28 will feature a special day of extreme skiing. Those who feel comfortable skiing on double black and our famous EX terrain (steep slopes with natural obstacles, the group will be guided by famous ski legend, “Digi” Dave Amirault to explore some of the more adventurous hike-to ski terrain on the mountain like the upper Gold Hill chutes (location of our picturesque “stairway to heaven”, Black Iron Bowl and/or Palmyra Peak. Of course, the access to terrain will be dependent on snow, wind and general weather conditions. All participants on this special day will be required to sign a liability waiver accepting the risks associated with the challenging nature of the terrain. If this interests you, scroller further for more details.
About “Digi” Dave Amirault
From humble beginnings on the east coast riding back mountains & tinkering with PHP and WordPress to winning an Adweek award for his ingenious "one-star" ad campaign, “Digi” Dave Amirault is a marketing wizard. Dave was also a visionary in the ski industry at a time the industry really needed it. Coming from hand-coding HTML sites, to making a marketing name for himself at multiple ski resorts, the development and success of famous ad campaigns, Dave is a legend and icon.
Dave got into skiing around the time that websites had digital counters on them and by merging his affinity for tech and sliding on snow, He created a snow-focused career that took him from Sunday River to Freeskier Magazine, to Aspen, to Sierra, to Snowbird and finally into the top of the tech world. Now an athlete for Salomon and one of the most trusted and respected voices in the ski industry, we are proud and honored to have Dave join our lineup at Telluride Gay Ski Week.