2016 Bucket List: Arosa Gay Ski Week, Switzerland

EDGE returns with our second annual "7 Gay Wonders of the World" travel bucket list. What defines a "gay wonder"? You do. We are no longer boxed into major metropolises with "gayborhoods," but if that's your thing-go for it. LGBT travel has reached a tipping point, where we can define just how gay we want our vacation to be.

We offer you seven spectacular destinations that make up our 2016 bucket list. Step to the EDGE of your comfort zone . . . and jump! First on our list? Arosa Gay Ski Week!

There's skiing, and then there's skiing in Switzerland. Set among the stunning scenery of the Graub�nden mountains, Arosa Gay Ski Week heats up the idyllic Swiss resort January 10-17. Winter Pride festivals draw ski and board bunnies (and those who love them) to slopes around the world, but Arosa Gay Ski Week, which has been going strong since 2005, is one of Europe's biggest and best. More than 600 revelers from 30 countries descend on the annual event, seduced by sunny days, perfect powder and big-time bashes.

Party Like It's 2016
There are so many fabulous parties during Arosa Gay Ski Week that it's almost impossible to hit up every one - but it's always a good time trying. Get wet and wild at H�tel Altein's Splash Pool Party, with lifeguard go-go boys from Ibiza, or dress to the nines for a chance to win a week for two in the Caribbean during the downhill Drag Fun Race. Hardcore adventurers will want to tap into their inner James Bond and register for the VIP heli-skiing trip to legendary St. Moritz, which offers untouched terrain and a Champagne brunch at the famous El Paradiso mountain restaurant.

What's New, Pussycat
Each year brings fresh experiences and bigger and better events to Arosa Gay Ski Week. In 2012 organizers started taking over the entire resort and began hosting festivities at a variety of hotels, restaurants and ski huts. One of this year's highlights is the White Snow Ball at the top of Weisshorn mountain, which peaks at 8,704 feet. With the spectacular view of the surrounding Alps, go-go dancers, a laser show and DJs galore, the White Snow Ball promises to be one of the best throwdowns anywhere, as proven by its host: Jungle Gay Party, Switzerland's famous gay party label.

The Skiing Isn't Bad Either
Last season the Swiss debuted an ingenious double reversible tramway linking the Arosa and Lenzerheide ski valleys, which are just a mile apart as the crow flies. The marriage made in heaven of the two resorts created a region with 140 miles of ski slopes accessible by 43 transport systems. Skiers and boarders of every skill level will find gorgeous groomed pistes to challenge; those who don't dig the downhill can hike nearly 40 miles of gorgeous winter walking trails. Facilities for cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating and even curling are also available.

Hitting the Sheets
Just two-and-a-half hours by train from Zurich, Arosa is blessed with a wealth of lodging options suitable for every budget. But none beats the Tschuggen Grand Hotel, a five-star property that boasts its own mountain railway. With an interior conceived by renowned designer Carlo Rampazzi and a wellness facility that elevates pampering to decadence, this is one of the world's finest winter getaways.

For more information, visit:
My Switzerland
www.myswitzerland.com

Swiss International Airlines
www.swiss.com