Elevation, known to locals as Gay Ski Week, is on its 13th year celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Park City. Photo: courtesy of Tom Whitman, Elevation.

PARK CITY, Utah — Tom Whitman started Elevation 20 years ago as a way of creating an alternative activity to the bar and nightclub scene. Also known as Utah Gay Ski Week, the days-long event February 22-26, is an important opportunity for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to come together and celebrate. This year marks the 13th year in Park City.

Elevation provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to honor their identities and share experiences through skiing and snowboarding.

“I chose Park City because it is obviously one of the great ski mountains in the U.S., but also because of the vibrant town, with restaurants, bars, and amenities to rival anywhere,” Whitman said.
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“When I did my first scouting trip, I also had to do my due diligence in terms of figuring out whether the town and venues would welcome an LGBTQ event. And the response was amazingly supportive.”

Event venues in each town that have been long-time supporters of Elevation are sought out from year to year. Whitman creates an outstanding lineup of entertainment, including world-class DJs, drag queens, performers, and dancers, on top of several themed events that are included throughout the week like the onesie party and neon party.

“Each of our LGBTQ+ ski weeks has become a favorite week of the year for the local communities and ski area employees,” Whitman said. “It is so gratifying to hear, year after year, that they look forward to this event like none other on the schedule. Staff at our venues dress up for the theme parties, locals look forward to the events, the entertainment, and the vibe in town, whether they are LGBTQ+ or allies of the community.”

Gay Ski Week seeks to create a warm, friendly atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community. It inherently encourages attendees and locals to topple barriers and be open-minded in their interactions.

Over two decades of hosting the experience has proven that it creates a vibe superior to any ordinary gay nightclub. Everyone from novice skiers just getting started to advanced ski enthusiasts can feel included with plenty of other activities available if skiing isn’t their thing.

For more information and the schedule of events visit https://utahgayskiweek.com/#/events.