Photo: brainchildvn

Parades come in the summer. Right now the pride’s in the mountains.

GAY SKI WEEKS…who knew? I didn’t, but I’m not sure why — there are tons on the calendar for the 2009-2010 ski season.

And there’s a lot more than powder on offer. We’re talking concerts, DJs, themed parties, comedy shows, and special packages (ahem).

Below is a selection of events from a variety of mountains and dates. To see the whole list, check out “A higher elevation” from www.dallasvoice.com.

Utah Gay & Lesbian Ski Week

where: Park City, Utah
when: January 6-10
website: GaySkiing.org

Utah starts it off. How nice of them. As the original article notes: “This is the Sundance Film Festival’s backyard, so it’s liberals everywhere for a few weeks.”

Aspen Gay & Lesbian Ski Week

where: Aspen, Colorado
when: January 17-24
website: GaySkiWeek.com

Now in its 33rd year, this is one of the biggies. Lots of music and a downhill drag race are included in the full 7 days of festivities.

Winter Explosion

where: Kerhonkson, New York
when: February 12-15
website: winterexplosion.com

The 16th annual Winter Explosion, dedicated especially to the African-American gay community, will also be its swan song. The artist Ledisi is headlining.

Telluride Gay Ski Week

where: Telluride, Colorado
when: February 20-27
website: www.telluridegayskiweek.com

This one’s been voted top gay ski week in the country. How could it not when hosting parties with names like Hump Night (on Wednesday, of course)?

WinterPride

where: Whistler, British Columbia
when: March 1-8
website: GayWhistler.com

After the Olympics shuts down, the pride party is set to hit Whistler-Blackcomb’s 8,000 skiable acres. There’s no telling which athletes might decide to book an extra week in the Olympic Village…

Community Connection

Plan out a different kind of vacation with Best American Spots for a Same-Sex Wedding and Ten of the World’s Farthest Flung Gay Bars.

Also check out Photo Essay: Gay Pride in Oaxaca, Mexico.