Montana's Only Winter Pride Celebration Returns to Big Sky
Week-Long Festival Combines Mountain Culture with LGBTQ+ Pride, January 5-11
BIG SKY – Dec 29 – Big Sky OUT, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will host Montana's first and only Winter Pride celebration from January 5-11, 2026, featuring a week of free and ticketed events across Big Sky and Big Sky Resort.
Now in its second year, Winter Pride Week 2026 has significantly expanded its programming to include everything from family-friendly drag story hours and cross-country skiing to DJ dance parties, a ski parade with a 20x30-foot Pride flag, and the No Man's Land Film Festival. Last year's inaugural event drew 150 participants; organizers expect over 200 attendees this year.
"We're creating something unique here—a celebration that brings together mountain culture and LGBTQ+ pride in a way that's both bold and welcoming," said Taylor McCaslin, cofounder of Big Sky OUT and Winter Pride lead. "Whether you're skiing down a giant Pride flag, learning to tune your board, or watching drag performers, there's something for everyone in our community and visitors alike."
Highlights include:
On-Mountain Programming:
Saturday ski parade down Mr. K featuring a 30x25-foot Pride flag (family-friendly, beginner terrain)
Free half-day alpine ski/snowboard group lesson
Social Pride ski groups, including a ski shack tour and "Ski the Loop" expedition
Pride lunch gatherings with live DJ at One&Only Patio
Daily après-ski celebrations with DJs in the Plaza
Entertainment & Performances:
Sunday, January 11: "Apocalyphia" drag and variety fundraising shows (5pm and 8pm performances, 18+)
Friday wig-snatching competition fundraiser in Town Center Plaza (all ages)
Saturday Queer Enchanted Forest Takeover with DJ Matt Suave
DJ dance party with DJ Jenn+Juice
Gays on Blades Winter Pride Kickoff (Monday, all ages)
Film & Arts:
No Man's Land Film Festival screening (Thursday, 7-9pm) featuring short films focused on underrepresented folks in the outdoors at Warren Miller Performing Arts Center
Drag story hour and crafts (all ages)
Bring-your-own-craft social night
Educational & Community Programming:
Free community inclusion and de-escalation training for local businesses
Ski and snowboard tuning workshop
Kink 101 educational class (18+)
Cross-country skiing group lessons and social ski with Venture Out Project
Drag makeup lessons
Most events are free and open to the public. Big Sky Resort is offering discounted lift tickets, rentals, and lodging for Pride Week attendees. The full schedule and registration for events requiring advance sign-up is available at bigskyout.org/winter-pride-2026.
Winter Pride Week is made possible through partnerships with Visit Big Sky, Big Sky Resort, Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, Big Sky Thrift, Big Sky Chamber of Commerce, Resort Tax, and numerous local businesses.
About Big Sky OUT:
Big Sky OUT is a Montana-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering vibrant, inclusive community spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in the Big Sky area. Through year-round programming including Summer Pride and Winter Pride celebrations, Big Sky OUT creates opportunities for connection, visibility, and celebration in Southwest Montana's mountain communities.
For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or media inquiries, contact taylor@bigskyout.org or visit bigskyout.org.
