Keystone Resort and Avon, Colorado nonprofit Mountain Pride are hosting the first ever Queer Ski Weekend event on the slopes of the Summit County resort in early March.

The resort is inviting skiers and riders to join the event at Keystone the first weekend in March 1-2, Keystone announced Tuesday. The new, community event will provide the opportunity for LGBTQIA+ snow sports enthusiasts and allies to come together, make new friends, and celebrate community and inclusivity on the mountain and in River Run Village, according to a press release.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mountain Pride to host our first Queer Ski Weekend at Keystone this season,” Keystone General Manager and Vice President Chris Sorensen said in the release. “This event is an opportunity for skiers and riders to come together and celebrate in a welcoming and supportive environment, and I think that’s incredibly important for our resort and our industry.”

Sorenson also said the resort is proud to host community events like Queer Ski Weekend that promote diversity and inclusion at Keystone that create memorable experiences for its guests.

Queer Ski Weekend at Keystone was the result of partnership between Keystone Resort, Vail Resorts’ Epic Promise, the Keystone Neighbourhood Company and Mountain Pride. Keystone’s Queer Ski Weekend is funded in large part through Vail Resort’s Epic Promise, which annually supports more than 400 nonprofit organizations throughout mountain towns and communities.

“In the heart of the mountains, events like Queer Ski Weekend serve as powerful affirmations of unity, acceptance, and the unyielding spirit of our queer community, especially in mountain locales where access to queer spaces can be scarce,” Mountain Pride Director Madison Partridge said. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support of Keystone Resort for hosting and Epic Promise for helping us create this vital space!”

Event details:

Festivities kick off Friday evening with a Sashay on the Slopes Drag Show at Warren Station and continue into Saturday with free events including a Pride Ski Parade, drag trivia and more.

• 8 p.m. March 1 – Sashay on the Slopes Drag Show

This 18+ event takes place at Warren Station in River Run Village and will feature live performances from local talent, including Keystone Resort’s very own Miss Bunny Hills.

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 2 – Queer Ski Weekend Group Ski Day

Check-in begins at Ina’s Bridge near the River Run Gondola lower terminal. Stop by the Queer Ski Weekend table to pick tickets, and kick off “an incredible day on the slopes!” Discount lift tickets, rentals, scenic gondola rides and snow tubing will be available to participants in advance through the Mountain Pride website. Please be advised that walkup discounts will not be available.

• 4 p.m. March 2 – Queer Ski Weekend Group Photo & Ski Down Dercum trail

Meet at the top of Schoolmarm next to Summit House! The Parade Ski Run will take place on Keystone’s 3.5 mile beginner trail, Schoolmarm, directly following the group photo. Non-skiers and foot passengers are invited to join for the photo as well and can ride the River Run Gondola. Note that a lift ticket, pass or scenic ride ticket is required for access to the Gondola.

• 5 p.m. March 2 – Drag Trivia at 9280 Sake House

Finish the day at the 9280 Sake House in River Run Village with après ski and Drag Trivia hosted by performers Petty Patty and Dr. Zackarina.

Tickets for the Sashay on the Slopes Drag Show are available at MountainPride.org and WarrenStation.com.

All other events are free to participate with a valid lift ticket or pass.

Telluride Gay Ski Week

High in the San Juan mountains of southern Colorado, Telluride Resort begins its Gay Ski Week celebrations Saturday and runs through March 2.

Started in 2002, Telluride Gay Ski Week has been a week long festival put on by SBG Productions, the same company behind the Telluride Brews & Blues and Telluride Jazz Festival.

The festival will feature an opening-day party, daily après ski, pool parties, late-night lounge happenings, with events extending well into the morning hours, including the signature White Party and much more.