The Ultimate Guide To Elevation: Mammoth Gay Ski Week 2026—Parties, Pistes, And Planning
The annual "Elevation: Mammoth" Gay Ski Week stands as one of the premier LGBTQ+ winter events globally, transforming the High Sierra town of Mammoth Lakes, California, into a vibrant five-day festival of skiing, snowboarding, and world-class parties. As of
Organized by legendary promoter Tom Whitman, this event, often referred to simply as Mammoth Gay Ski Week, is an inclusive celebration that has grown significantly over two decades, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ winter circuit. From slopeside meetups to massive dance parties featuring internationally renowned DJs, Elevation is a unique blend of high-altitude sport and high-energy socializing.
Elevation: Mammoth 2026—Key Dates, Venues, and Organizers
The 24th Annual Elevation: Mammoth is scheduled to take place in the spring of 2026, offering attendees some of the best snow conditions of the season combined with California's famously sunny skies. Planning your trip around these core details is the first step to securing your spot at this iconic winter event.
- Event Name: Elevation: Mammoth (Mammoth Gay Ski Week)
- Dates: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, to Sunday, March 22, 2026
- Location: Mammoth Lakes, California, and Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
- Organizer: Tom Whitman Events
- Estimated Attendance: Approximately 2,500 skiers and snowboarders
- Primary Venues: Mammoth Mountain, The Village at Mammoth, Mammoth Rock N Bowl, Canyon Lodge, Main Lodge
The Essential Itinerary: Signature Parties and Events
The core of the Elevation experience is its packed schedule, which balances daytime mountain activities with a legendary nighttime party circuit. The events are spread across multiple venues, offering everything from casual meetups to massive club nights.
The Daytime Mountain Experience: Shredding and Socializing
Unlike a traditional party weekend, the days at Elevation are focused on the slopes. Mammoth Mountain, with its summit elevation of 11,053 feet, provides a vast and varied terrain for all skill levels. The event facilitates several organized on-mountain activities to help attendees connect:
- Ski & Ride Hookups: Organized meetups, often held at Canyon Lodge, help solo travelers and groups find others to hit the slopes with, ensuring no one has to ski alone.
- Costume Ski Race & Lunch: A popular, light-hearted event held at the Main Lodge, encouraging attendees to show off their creativity and competitive spirit.
- Ladies Ski Meet Up: A dedicated gathering, often hosted by a community leader like Lisa Loguidice, ensuring a welcoming space for women skiers and riders.
Nightlife and Apres-Ski: The Iconic Parties
As the sun sets over the Sierra Nevada, the energy shifts to the apres-ski and nighttime events. These parties are famous for their high production value, world-class entertainment, and inclusive atmosphere. Key events from past years that are expected to return include:
- The Party at 10,000 Feet: This signature Apres-Ski event is held at a high-altitude venue, offering stunning views and an electric atmosphere right off the mountain. It's the perfect transition from shredding to partying.
- Parallax: Often cited as a key highlight, Parallax is one of the premier nighttime events, known for its high-energy dance floor and impressive lighting.
- Glow Ho Party: A themed night party, previously held at venues like Kitchen, where attendees dress in neon and glow-in-the-dark gear for a dazzling club experience.
- DJs, Dancers, and Drag Queens: The main club nights feature internationally known DJs like Joe Pacheco and Dan Slater, alongside professional dancers and electrifying drag performances, guaranteeing a spectacular show.
- Mammoth Rock N Bowl: This venue hosts various evening events, including the popular bowling nights, offering a fun, casual alternative to the main dance parties.
Mastering Mammoth Mountain: Terrain and Tips
While the parties are legendary, the world-class skiing is the main draw. Mammoth Mountain offers some of the most varied and accessible terrain in North America, catering to everyone from first-timers to expert powder hounds. Understanding the mountain is key to maximizing your week.
Skiing and Snowboarding Terrain
Mammoth Mountain is renowned for its vast terrain, which includes open bowls, steep chutes, friendly groomers, and off-piste tree runs.
- Intermediate Favorites: The mountain is particularly friendly to intermediate skiers and riders, who can explore long, rolling blue runs. Popular intermediate trails include Broadway, Stump Alley, and Solitude. For those ready to level up, the wide-open bowl of Scotty's, accessible from Chair 14, offers a thrilling challenge.
- Expert Runs: Advanced skiers can seek out the steep chutes and challenging off-piste areas near the summit, which boasts the highest summit elevation in California at 11,053 feet.
- The Village Gondola: This is a crucial lift, connecting The Village at Mammoth, a central hub for lodging and dining, directly to the slopes.
Essential High-Altitude Travel Tips
Mammoth Lakes sits at a high elevation, and the mountain summit is over 11,000 feet. This altitude can affect visitors, making proper preparation vital for an enjoyable week.
- Hydration is Key: The dry, high-altitude climate requires significantly more water intake than normal. Dehydration can exacerbate altitude sickness, so carry a water bottle and drink consistently throughout the day and night.
- Limit Alcohol on Arrival: While the parties are fun, experts recommend limiting alcohol consumption for the first 24-48 hours to help your body acclimatize to the elevation.
- Sun Protection: The sun's rays are much stronger at altitude. Always wear high-SPF sunscreen and quality UV-protective goggles or sunglasses, even on cloudy days.
Planning Your Elevation: Mammoth Getaway
With an event that draws thousands, planning your accommodation and travel logistics early is crucial. The town of Mammoth Lakes is highly LGBTQ+ friendly and inclusive year-round, making it a welcoming destination for all attendees.
Accommodation and Lodging
The best strategy for accommodation is to book early, as rooms and condos fill up quickly. Many attendees opt for properties within the Mammoth Lodging Collection, which offers a range of options from slopeside luxury hotels to family-friendly condos. Popular areas include:
- The Village at Mammoth: Offers central access to the Village Gondola, numerous restaurants, shops, and is often within walking distance of key nightlife venues.
- Canyon Lodge Area: Ideal for ski-in/ski-out access and proximity to daytime event venues like Canyon Lodge.
- Condo Rentals: A popular choice for groups, offering more space and kitchen facilities, available throughout the town.
Dining and Local Scene
While the event itself includes some dining options (like the lunch events at Main Lodge and Tusks), exploring the local Mammoth Lakes dining scene is a must. The town is known for its breweries, cozy bars, and diverse restaurants. The entire community, from lodges to restaurants, embraces the annual Gay Ski Week, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience everywhere you go.
Elevation: Mammoth is more than just a ski trip; it's a massive, inclusive winter festival that perfectly combines the thrill of high-altitude sport with the joy of a vibrant community celebration. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a first-time rider, the 2026 event promises five days of unparalleled fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories in the majestic Sierra Nevada.
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