Metro Weekly

Snow Hope

Even if 2013 doesn't bring back the powder, parties abound

Let’s just say it: The 2012 ski season was crap. Ski resorts across the country received some of their smallest amounts of snowfall in recent history. And in many cases, the weather was so warm that resorts couldn’t even make their own snow – and we all know that faking it is never that good anyway.

Unfortunately, no one is predicting the 2013 ski season to offer a complete reversal of 2012 snowfall fortunes, although things are looker brighter for the East Coast.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and AccuWeather are both reporting that the western half of the U.S. will likely have another below-average season of snow. NOAA’s conflicted on what’s in store for the New England and mid-Atlantic regions. NOAA has put them in the ”equal chance” category, meaning these areas have an equal chance for above-, near-, or below-normal temperatures and/or precipitation. AccuWeather, at least, is leaning toward an above average snowfall.

So what are all the gay snow bunnies supposed to do? Party.

While the winter weather is looking dim, the multitude of upcoming gay ski events is looking fantastic.

The agenda for Aspen Gay Ski Week, Jan. 13 to 20, is filled with après-ski hot-tubbing, cocktail receptions, dinners and dance parties. And comedy legend Drew Carey is scheduled to perform – though Miss Richfield 1981 may steal the spotlight as she hosts the Downhill Costume Parade & Contest.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Telluride Gay Ski Week, Feb. 22 to March 3, is promising a celebrity packed event including Coco Peru, and the list of DJs performing at Evolution: Mammoth Gay Ski Week, March 13 to 17, reads like a Who’s Who of the circuit.

For some international skiing, Canada’s WinterPride: Whistler Gay & Lesbian Ski Week, Feb. 3 to 10, always draws a big crowd and has good reputation for its women-specific events. It’s also an anniversary year for European Gay Ski Week, March 16 to 23, which will mark its fifth year in the French Alps with a series of special parties.

Heck, with these lineups, being able to ski will simply be a bonus.

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