The 2023 Artist Lineup Is Here

As the snow starts to accumulate on the slopes of the world-class ski destination of Telluride, Colorado, Telluride Gay Ski Week (TGSW) reveals their lineup of performers. Set for February 25 - March 4, 2023, the LGBTQ+ winter celebration of outdoor recreation features comedians Margaret Cho and Daniel Webb, Olympian Gus Kenworthy, DJ’s Fleetmac Wood, Matt Suave, Sinna-G, and CASTLE, drag queens Ada Vox, Suzy Wong, Pattaya Hart, Bitter Betty, Aria PettyOne, burlesque dancers from Telluride Theatre’s House Of Shimmy Shake, performance dancers from AJA Talent, go-go dancers from the Sage Grey’s Mile High Go-Go Company and fashion philanthropist Cameron Silver.

“We are honored to have such a dynamic array of artists and personalities join us in our first year as the new producers of Telluride Gay Ski Week”, said Steve Gumble, Event Director. “Margaret Cho is an icon and pioneer who has paved the way for many queer comedians. Between Margaret Cho, Olympian Gus Kenworthy, national drag queens, Telluride’s own House of Shimmy Shake burlesque dancers, along with many DJ’s, this is going to be an epic week of fun in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. I would be remiss to not mention our fleet of dancers from Chicago and Denver, who will be adding a certain flair to many of our events. The Chicago-based dancers will be led by world-renowned freelance choreographer Alberto J. Arias.”

These artists, performers and personalities are set to join TGSW attendees for a week full of spectacular evening shows, on-mountain events, culinary experiences, après-ski parties and more.

Afternoon And Evening Events

The week begins with an elegant Opening Reception at the stylish Timber Room of the Hotel Madeline & Residences where attendees will mingle and enjoy decadent passed appetizers prepared by Executive Chef Bill Greenwood and shop at an exclusive fashion pop-up from award-winning costume designer Cameron Silver.

Continuing the cherished partnership with the Telluride AIDS Benefit (TAB), the opening night of TGSW coincides with the closing night of the TAB Fashion Show Gala and the TAB Fashion Week Wrap Party. A highlight of the winter for many, the Fashion Show fundraiser is considered one of Telluride's best productions and has been regarded as a “Broadway Pop-Up” and "Cirque du Soleil meets New York Fashion Week".

The week’s events will be headlined by a stand-up comedy show from GRAMMY and Emmy Award nominated actress, comedian and singer-songwriter Margaret Cho at Telluride’s largest, indoor, state-of-the-art performance venue, the Michael D. Palm Theatre, offering excellent sight lines from every seat.

TGSW presents a one-of-a-kind Burlesque & Drag Show featuring two nights of elaborate costumes, sensual dancing and striptease from the exotic dancers of Telluride Theatre’s The House Of Shimmy Shake alongside death drops, splits, kicks and costume reveals from drag queens Ada Vox, Pattaya Hart, Suzy Wong, Bitter Betty and dancers from AJA Talent. The first night’s show will be followed by a free after-party with music by Sinna-G.

A wide selection of themed parties are planned for the week featuring a vibrant pool party with two hot tubs and the signature euphoric disco house beats from Matt Suave, the celebrated White Party featuring Matt Suave and a team of go-go dancers and a spirited closing party to cap off the week on a high mark with the exciting and lovingly curated remix project, Fleetmac Wood.

Free après-ski parties will be held at a selection of Telluride’s most unique bars and lounges daily. Après-ski is French for “after-skiing” and Telluride is known for taking its Après seriously. Attendees can enjoy these dynamic social gatherings throughout the week to cap-off a day on the slopes.

For those night owls looking to keep the fun going, the Liberty Bar & Lounge will serve as the official free Late Night Lounge for attendees to kick back and relax in a cozy, modern lounge located in the heart of downtown Telluride. With curated music and warm ambiance, the Lounge offers a comfy space to meet friends, recount the day’s events, and plan out fun activities.

On-Mountain Events

Home to more than just skiing, the slopes will host on-mountain festivities with a signature flare, highlighted by the Costume/Drag Race Contest where attendees can dress up in costumes and ski down to Gorrono Ranch to the music of their choice for a chance to earn epic prizes. Judges will be awarding top honors for the best-dressed skiers/snowboarders while Sinna-G sets the party vibe. Gorrono Ranch will also serve as the venue for an exclusive on-mountain daily gathering place, playfully named the Gay Chalet. The cozy, rustic western-style cabin will offer a welcoming opportunity to take a trip back in time and warm up next to a wood stove while meeting new friends.

With a nod to the legendary on-mountain champagne parties of Europe, TGSW will recreate a similar experience at the Alpine Rendezvous Dance Party at Bon Vivant, one of Telluride Ski Resort’s best restaurants. French dining, panoramic alpine views and dancing with music from local favorite CASTLE will make this a party to not miss.

Culinary Experiences

TGSW is thrilled to partner with Telluride Sleighs & Wagons to offer an intimate dining experience unlike anything else - The Gay Sleigh. The evening features a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the historic Aldasoro family ranch to an authentic sheep-herders tent followed by a ranch-to-table Spanish Basque-style dinner prepared by Chef Graeme Charles. The ranch offers sweeping, panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains.

TGSW ends the week with two midday brunches cleverly titled to honor an unforgettable line from a hit song by pop icon Britney Spears, “It’s Brunch, Bitch”. Located at the Mountain Lodge, this tongue-popping, fan-flicking, lip-syncing extravaganza will feature food and drinks prepared by Executive Chef Perse Vordokas along with host Aria PettyOne and the fabulous queens Pattaya Hart, Suzy Wong, Bitter Betty, Electrix Cute, and Chad dressed in oversized wigs, sparkles, and six-inch heels while lip syncing to all the favorite pop diva songs.

TGSW tickets are on sale now. Four different ticket packages offer access to the week’s events in a variety of bundle options. Those seeking more flexibility can purchase stand-alone tickets to each event. Additionally, attendees can purchase ski lift tickets at a special discounted rate for TGSW. Cheaper deals are not available at the ticket window or anywhere else. Skiers and snowboarders can save $34 each day on 1-3 days of skiing and $44 each day on 4+ days of skiing. Lift tickets do not need to be used consecutively but are only valid for a 10-day window from February 25 - March 6. All lift ticket purchases must be accompanied by event ticket purchases to TGSW. For information or to purchase tickets, visit www.TellurideGaySki.com/Tickets . To purchase tickets by phone, call (970) 728-8037.

About Telluride Ski Resort

Skiers, snowboarders and winter enthusiasts from the LGBTQ+ community will gather and enjoy 2,000 skiable acres with alps-like vertical of over 4,400 feet of terrain with wide beginner runs, gladed tree skiing, multiple terrain parks, playful groomed blues, open bowls, steeps, chutes, inbounds hike-to, and some of the most advanced terrain in Colorado. For those new to the terrain or looking to make some friends while making some turns, guided ski-groups will be available. Not just for skiers, Telluride Gay Ski Week invites all to celebrate the magic of wintertime in the San Juan Mountains. Recommended alternate activities include yoga, spa activities, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, fat tire biking, horseback rides, museum tours, fishing and more.