Widely regarded as a top travel destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, Telluride is a welcoming community that fights for human rights to live openly and authentically. Our town embraces and welcomes visitors from all walks of life with our signature flair and mountain charm.
It is a place of legend, nestled at the end of a lush canyon and surrounded by waterfalls flowing from some of the most rugged peaks in the Rocky Mountains. The natural beauty of Telluride is unmatched by anywhere in the country and perhaps the world. The town stretches eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long and boasts 300 days of sunshine each year. With colorful Victorian-era homes, clapboard storefronts, boutiques, art galleries, gourmet restaurants, historic buildings and more, Telluride is truly a delight to explore. The friendly locals are embraced for our authentic mountain character, unpretentious attitude, celebration of adventure and hearty après-ski culture. Our town is committed to preserving our historically significant architecture, open space, traditional design elements but, most of all, Telluride’s small-town mountain lifestyle that welcomes all, especially the minority communities that are underrepresented in mountain culture.
Whatever you seek in your winter or summer vacation, Telluride has it all. With gorgeous accommodations located just steps away from outdoor activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, horseback and sleigh rides, fishing, snowmobiling, spa experiences, shopping and more, Telluride is a destination unmatched anywhere else.
Telluride Gay Ski Week
Not just a destination for winter recreation enthusiasts, Telluride is also known for the annual Telluride Gay Ski Week. Considered the premiere event of the winter and a favorite of both locals and visitors alike and earning a prestigious nod from Condé Nast Traveler, Telluride Gay Ski Week is set to return for its 21st year with new owner and producer, SBG Productions. With almost 30 years of event experience, the company is excited to usher in a new era with fresh events and energy, while honoring the historic legacy. Telluride Gay Ski Week is packed with activities from morning to late into the night. Taking place every February, the event features drag brunches, group ski days, daily après-ski gatherings, pool parties, comedy shows, dance parties, a costume and drag ski race down the slopes, and so much more.
Notable personalities and performers are also on the ticket this year — Margaret Cho (Comedian, Actor, Musician, Advocate) starts her “Live & Livid” tour with her first stop in Telluride alongside a visit from hometown hero and Olympian Gus Kenworthy, ski industry legend Dave Amirault and comedian Daniel Webb. A host of national touring DJ’s Fleetmac Wood, Matt Suave, SkiiTour, Sinna-G, and local favorite CASTLE, along with drag queens Ada Vox, Suzy Wong, Pattaya Hart, Bitter Betty, Aria PettyOne, burlesque dancers from Telluride Theatre’s House Of Shimmy Shake, performance dancers from AJA Talent, go-go dancers from the Sage Grey’s Mile High Go-Go Company and fashion philanthropist Cameron Silver round out the bill.
With aspirations to bring broader change to the community, Telluride Gay Ski Week has begun the process of launching the Telluride Pride Alliance, a non-profit organization that will provide support and services to the diverse LGBTQ+ population of the Southwest. On a community level, funds are being raised for the families of the victims of Club Q, to support the lives that have been lost and affected by hate crimes towards the LGBTQ+ community. Direct donations are available at the Telluride Gay Ski Week Basecamp with rainbow bracelets to show support.
And while there’s still work to be done, the progress that’s been fostered by Telluride Gay Ski Week is something to be proud of.
EXPLORE TELLURIDE GAY SKI WEEK
Our Values in Action
In Telluride, we view our position from the bigger picture and aim to use our platform and resources to make a lasting impact on both our local and global communities. Telluride Ski Resort is very inclusive and has always been very supportive of Telluride Gay Ski Week, not only because it’s good for the economy, but because it’s good for the community.
Arguably the biggest party of the winter season, Telluride Gay Ski Week has matured. Now in its 21st year, the beloved local event with the worldwide draw is bigger, broader, and more inclusive than ever – par for the course given its proud history. Gay Ski Week has become a major catalyst for gay tourism year-round, deeply admired in a community proud of its
diversity. Telluride provides a safe and friendly way for LGBTQ+ individuals to explore the unmatched natural beauty and rugged landscape all while making connections with a community deeply rooted in skiing and snowboarding. A town whose community is strengthened in ski culture and an admiration for self expression. With a welcoming attitude, and a strive for instilling equality and safety for visitors and locals alike, we are constantly seeking ways for the outdoors to become more inclusive.
It doesn’t stop at the outdoors though, our attempt to make Telluride more inclusive spreads to our local businesses as well. To create a safe space for all, it takes the whole town behind the efforts. You will see window displays and stickers prominently showcasing pride and a welcoming environment for all.