European Snow Pride – France 2026

Background & History

• Origins: Launched in 2013, European Snow Pride (ESP) is Europe’s largest gay ski week, hosted in Tignes, France, following a strategic selection for its gay-friendly environment and world-class ski infrastructure.
• Cultural Significance: Celebrates inclusivity and diversity in winter sports, attracting 2,000+ LGBTQ+ participants from Europe, North America, and beyond, fostering a global community of acceptance.
• Evolution: Grew from a niche event to a globally recognized festival, with 92% of 2018 attendees rating Tignes as gay-friendly, boosting its reputation as a year-round inclusive destination.
• Tignes’ Commitment: Since 2008, Tignes has worked with ESP organizers, the town hall, and tourism boards to meet LGBTQ+ expectations, earning the “FRIENDLY” label in 2019 for its diversity policies.
• Milestones: Supported gay marriage in 2013, hosted France’s first ski resort Pride in 2015, and joined World Pride in New York (2019), marching with a 450-meter rainbow flag.
• Impact: Contributes €1.5–2 million to Tignes’ economy annually, supports local businesses, and promotes year-round tourism, with many ESP guests returning for summer activities.
• Charitable Efforts: Partners with AIDES, raising €6,500 in 2025 via Premium Event Pass donations, funding 1 million+ free condoms and sexual health support across France.

Event Highlights

• Skiing and Snowboarding: Access to the Tignes & Val d’Isère ski area, with 300 km of pistes, ranked #1 for alpine skiing and off-piste by skiinfo.com, ideal for all skill levels.
• Tignes Pride Parade: Annual march on March 24, led by the Mayor of Tignes, featuring rainbow flags and live music, the first Pride event of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Giant Pool Party: A highlight at the Lagon (Tignes le Lac), with DJ sets, light shows, and water slides, exclusive to Premium Event Pass holders (March 25 or 26).
• Après-Ski Parties: Daily events at Cocorico in Val Claret, featuring DJs like those from SCRUFF, with a 10% lunch discount for Event Pass holders.
• Snow Gaymes: A fun team competition on March 27, including ski races and snowball fights, open to all pass holders, fostering camaraderie.
• Nightly Events: DJ parties and concerts at Tignespace’s 3,000-capacity hall, featuring international acts and local performers, running until 2:00 AM.
• Wellness Activities: Access to the Lagon’s spa, hot tubs, and fitness classes, plus guided ski groups for beginners and experts (March 21–27).
• Cultural Exhibits: Rainbow-themed art installations in Val Claret’s “gay village,” celebrating LGBTQ+ history, open daily to all attendees.

Date & Duration

• Dates: March 21 – March 28, 2026 (confirmed per provided data).
• Duration: 8 days, with skiing daily and events from 12:00 PM (après-ski) to 2:00 AM (parties).
• Key Schedule: Welcome Cocktail on March 21, Tignes Pride on March 24, Pool Party on March 25 or 26, Snow Gaymes on March 27, closing party on March 27.

Venue / Location

• City: Tignes, Savoie, France, a world-class ski resort in the Alps, known for its gay-friendly ethos and hosting international events like the X Games.
• Main Venues: Tignes Val Claret (gay village, après-ski at Cocorico, parties at Strike); Tignes le Lac (Lagon for Pool Party, Tignespace for concerts).
• Notable Areas: Grande Motte glacier for high-altitude skiing; Tignes le Lac lakeshore for scenic walks and wellness; Val Claret pedestrian zone for events.
• Google Maps Address: Tignes Val Claret, 73320 Tignes, France (45.4561° N, 6.9028° E) – central hub for the gay village and main events.

Ticket Information

• Ticket Prices (USD):
  • Standard Event Pass: $209 USD (€190, early bird until Sept 30, 2025; $242 USD/€220 after; $308 USD/€280 onsite, subject to availability).
  • Premium Event Pass Upgrade: +$99 USD (€90).
  • Event Pass + Lift Pass (5–8 days): $556 USD (€505, early bird; increases by $11 USD/€10 monthly).
• Purchase Methods: Online at europeansnowpride.com; onsite at Val Claret Welcome Desk (March 21–22, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM), subject to availability.
• Minimum Pricing: $209 USD (€190, early bird Standard Event Pass).
• Maximum Pricing: $607 USD (€550, Premium Event Pass + 8-day Lift Pass after price increases).
• Standard Event Pass: Includes Welcome Cocktail, party access, après-ski priority, 10% lunch discount at Cocorico, Snow Gaymes entry, and discounted accommodation rates.
• Premium Event Pass: Adds Pool Party access, ski/snowboard groups, VIP après-ski terrace, and Pride party lounge, plus a $11 USD (€10) donation to AIDES.
• Lift Pass: Covers Tignes & Val d’Isère ski area; 5–8 day options, mandatory for skiing events, bookable separately or with Event Pass.
• Note: Prices increase monthly by $11 USD (€10); onsite sales limited; book early to secure passes and parking.

Contact Information

• Email: info@europeansnowpride.com (general inquiries); booking@europeansnowpride.com (accommodation/parking).
• Phone: +44 (0)20 3137 5399 (UK, English); +33 (0)1 8288 4771 (France, English/French, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM).
• Website: https://europeansnowpride.com (programme, bookings, FAQs).
• Social Media: @EuropeanSnowPride (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for event updates and live streams).
• Key Staff: Event coordinator via info@europeansnowpride.com; partnered with SCRUFF and Tignes Tourism Office.
• Press/Volunteers: Press passes via info@europeansnowpride.com; volunteer applications (event staff, welcome desk) open January 2026.
• Response Time: 24–48 hours for email; phone support during business hours.
• Language Support: English, French, German; limited Spanish for international guests.

Cultural Experience

• LGBTQ+ Celebration: Tignes Pride parade and rainbow-themed events foster inclusivity, reflecting Tignes’ pioneering gay-friendly status since 2013.
• Sports Culture: Tignes’ athletic vibe, ranked #1 by l’Equipe, shines through ski groups and Snow Gaymes, blending competition with community spirit.
• Music and Parties: International DJs play techno, house, and pop at Tignespace and Strike, with performances inspired by global Pride events.
• Local Traditions: Guests join locals for après-ski toasts with vin chaud, embracing Savoyard hospitality in a car-free, festive Val Claret.
• Global Community: Attendees from 20+ countries create a vibrant mix, with events like the Pool Party showcasing diverse dance and fashion styles.
• Charitable Impact: Premium Pass donations support AIDES’ sexual health initiatives, aligning with ESP’s commitment to social good.

Food & Drinks

• Tartiflette: Savoyard dish of potatoes, reblochon cheese, and bacon, served at Val Claret restaurants ($10–$15 USD).
• Fondue Savoyarde: Melted cheese fondue with bread, a Tignes staple, at Cocorico ($12–$18 USD).
• Vin Chaud: Spiced hot wine, perfect for après-ski, sold at pop-up stalls ($4–$6 USD).
• Diots: Local pork sausages with polenta, available at Tignes le Lac ($8–$12 USD).
• Gâteau de Savoie: Light sponge cake, a regional dessert, at Val Claret bakeries ($3–$5 USD).
• Non-Alcoholic Options: Hot chocolate with whipped cream and elderflower cordial at Lagon café ($2–$4 USD).

Getting There

• Nearest Airports: Geneva Cointrin (GVA, 180 km), Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS, 220 km), Chambéry (CMF, 140 km), Grenoble (GNB, 180 km); shuttles to Tignes ($20–$40 USD, 2–3 hours).
• Trains: Eurostar/Thalys/TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice (25 km from Tignes), $50–$100 USD from Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam; hourly shuttles to Tignes ($5–$10 USD, 30 minutes).
• Road: Drive via A430 Chambéry–Albertville, N90 to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, D902 to Tignes (3 hours from Geneva); avoid closed Petit Saint Bernard/Iseran passes.
• Public Transport: Free shuttles between Tignes le Lac and Val Claret every 10–30 minutes; pedestrian-friendly Val Claret restricts car traffic.
• Parking: Paid public car parks at Val Claret (Golf, $104 USD/€95 for 7 days) and Tignes le Lac (coach station); book via booking@europeansnowpride.com.
• Taxis/Rideshare: Taxis from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Tignes ($50–$70 USD); Bolt unavailable in Tignes.
• Walking: Val Claret venues within 10-minute walk; Tignes le Lac 1 km away via lakeside path or shuttle.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Hotel Les Suites du Montana (Val Claret, spa, ski-in/ski-out, $300–$500 USD/night).
• Mid-Range: Hotel Le Ski d’Or (Val Claret, cozy, $150–$250 USD/night); Résidence Le Nevada (modern apartments, $120–$200 USD/night).
• Budget: Résidence Le Borsat IV (Val Claret, basic apartments, $80–$120 USD/night); Airbnb chalets in Tignes le Lac ($60–$100 USD/night).
• Boutique: Hotel Le Taos (Tignes le Lac, stylish, $180–$280 USD/night); Village Montana (rustic charm, $160–$240 USD/night).
• Hostels: Le Chalet des Neiges (Val Claret, dorm beds, $40–$70 USD/night).
• Ski Chalets: Chalet Le Lac (Tignes le Lac, group-friendly, $100–$150 USD/night per person); book via europeansnowpride.com for ESP discounts.