The Ultimate Guide To Elevation Mammoth 2026: 5 Reasons This Gay Ski Week Is Unmissable
Planning your ultimate winter escape? The biggest and most anticipated LGBTQ+ ski event on the West Coast, officially known as Elevation Mammoth, is gearing up for its 24th annual celebration in 2026. This legendary "Gay Ski Weekend Mammoth" transforms the High Sierras into a five-day winter wonderland of world-class skiing, mountain-top parties, and non-stop nightlife, making it a bucket-list event for thousands of skiers and riders from around the globe.
The 2026 edition promises to be bigger and better than ever, running from Wednesday, March 18, 2026, through Sunday, March 22, 2026. Organized by the nightlife impresario Tom Whitman Presents, Elevation Mammoth is not just a ski trip; it's a full-scale social adventure that blends the thrill of Mammoth Mountain’s slopes with a packed schedule of themed events, nationally known DJs, and a vibrant, inclusive community atmosphere in Mammoth Lakes, California.
Elevation Mammoth 2026: Essential Event Details & Dates
The annual gathering, which draws nearly 2,500 attendees, offers a seamless blend of daytime alpine action and spectacular evening parties. Here is the freshest, most critical information you need to plan your trip to the High Sierras.
- Official Event Name: Elevation Mammoth (Mammoth Gay Ski Week)
- 2026 Dates: Wednesday, March 18 – Sunday, March 22, 2026
- Location: Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and surrounding venues in Mammoth Lakes, CA
- Organizer: Tom Whitman Presents
- Attendance: Approximately 2,500 participants
- Key Venues: Mammoth Mountain, The Village at Mammoth, Mammoth Rock N Bowl
This five-day extravaganza is designed to appeal to everyone, from expert powder hounds shredding the famous runs to those who prefer to spend their time socializing at the high-altitude après-ski events and dancing the night away at the themed parties.
Top 5 Reasons Elevation Mammoth 2026 Will Be Your Best Winter Trip
While the skiing at Mammoth Mountain is world-class, the true magic of Elevation Mammoth lies in its exclusive, high-energy social calendar. The event is celebrated for its unique venues and legendary themed parties that run from the afternoon until the early morning hours.
1. The Legendary "Party at 10,000 Feet"
No other event defines Elevation Mammoth quite like its signature mountain-top event. The "Party at 10,000 Feet" is a massive outdoor tea dance held at a stunning high-altitude location on Mammoth Mountain, often near the McCoy Station. Attendees ski or ride up to the venue to dance in their ski gear, often under bright sunshine and blue skies, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Minarets and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. This daytime event is the pinnacle of the weekend, combining the best of the mountain experience with a high-energy dance party featuring world-famous DJs.
2. Exclusive Themed Nightlife and World-Class DJs
The party doesn't stop when the lifts close; it simply moves to the valley. Elevation Mammoth is famous for its lineup of nationally known DJs who fly in specifically for the event, ensuring a top-notch musical experience across all 15+ events. Past events have featured powerhouse names like DJ Dan Slater, Joey, Josh Peace, Casey Alva, Max Bruce, and Dawna.
Key parties to look out for in the 2026 schedule include:
- The White Party: A glamorous, high-production main event where attendees dress head-to-toe in white.
- The Gear Party: A favorite that encourages attendees to show off their most creative or fetish-inspired outfits.
- Base Camp Après-Ski: The daily, high-energy gathering right after the slopes close, often held at Canyon Lodge, setting the stage for the evening.
- Saturday Night Show: A major performance event, often featuring a celebrity entertainer or a massive production show, preceded by a VIP Wine Reception.
3. The Unique Parallax Snow-Cat Dinner Experience
For a truly unique and luxurious experience, the Parallax Snow-cat Dinner is a highly sought-after ticket. Guests are transported in a heated snow-cat (a large, enclosed vehicle designed to travel on snow) up the mountain to the Parallax Restaurant, located at McCoy Station. This fine-dining adventure offers a gourmet meal and wine pairing in a spectacular setting, providing a sophisticated break from the dance floor and adding a touch of high-end culinary tourism to the weekend.
4. Unmatched Skiing and Riding on Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain itself is an entity of legendary status in the ski world. It boasts California's highest summit elevation and is renowned for its deep, reliable snowpack, expansive terrain, and long season. The mountain offers over 3,500 skiable acres, catering to all skill levels with everything from wide-open groomers to challenging back-country style chutes. Furthermore, Mammoth Mountain is an Ikon Pass destination, making lift tickets convenient for many season pass holders.
5. Navigating Accommodations: Host Hotels & Lodging Tips
Securing lodging early is crucial, as the best spots sell out quickly. Tom Whitman Presents often secures discounted rates at official host hotels, which are typically the central hubs for socializing and easy access to the event shuttle routes.
For the 2026 event, look for special packages at these popular and LGBTQ+-friendly options in Mammoth Lakes:
- The Village at Mammoth: Often considered the primary host location, it offers the perfect location near the gondola and the party venues, making it the most convenient choice.
- The Westin Monache Resort: A luxury option known for its comfort and convenient proximity to The Village.
- Mammoth Mountain Inn: Located right at the Main Lodge, offering ski-in/ski-out access and a classic California mountain vibe.
- Juniper Springs Resort: An excellent choice for groups, offering condo-style accommodations and easy access to the slopes.
- Outbound Mammoth / Edelweiss Lodge: Other highly-rated LGBTQ+-friendly options that offer a mix of resort and boutique experiences.
To maximize your experience, consider purchasing an all-inclusive event pass, which grants VIP access to all major parties and often includes perks like the VIP Wine Reception and a gift bag. Individual tickets for specific events are also available, but the inclusive pass is the best value for the full five-day experience.
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