For the first time in 2012, Gay Ski Week will span a full eight days, from Sunday to Sunday, January 8 to 15. The 2011 event attracted nearly 400 attendees from more than 30 countries from across Europe and points well beyond, including the USA and Australia.

At an elevation of just under 6,000 feet, Arosa is perched high in the Alps of eastern Switzerland, just west of the larger resort of Davos, and mere miles from the borders of Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein. England's Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (he of Sherlock Holmes fame) helped popularize the area as a ski destination in the late 1890's, writing of his adventures here for a British magazine.

While Gay Ski Week naturally attracts those who want to hit Arosa's picturesque slopes, first-timers and even non-skiers are warmly welcomed to the Arosa event too; instructors from a local ski school will be available for lessons throughout the week. Those who'd rather just chill can lounge (and even sunbathe!) in the Tschuggenhütte facing the breathtaking 8,000-foot Weisshorn mountain, then join in the many après-ski events and no-holds-barred evening parties (including the I Love Disco Party, the Splash Pool Party, and the White Snow Ball).

Other fun happenings at this year's Gay Ski Week include a fondue night, a gourmet dinner at Tschuggen Grand Hotel, a Drag Queen Ski Race, a horse drawn sleigh ride, and a classical concert at the village church.

Of course for many the skiing will be the highlight, and on that front Arosa is sure to please. Many challenging pistes are available for both skiers and snowboarders at Arosa, and for those who still crave more, the nearby slopes of St. Moritz are just a quick helicopter ride away.

Ten hotels are partnering with this year's Arosa Gay Ski Week, offering rooms for all budgets, from one star to five. In addition, several local apartments are also on offer, browsable alongside the hotels in the accommodations section of the event's website. All hotel packages include the Eventpass Gold, which gives access to all the week's events, plus discounts on ski rentals and other Arosa attractions.

The Swiss have a long and proud record of being welcoming to gay visitors. In October, Switzerland Tourism became the first national tourist office to join the GayComfort training and certification program, offering LGBT hospitality education to all hotels and their staffs across the country.

For more info about Arosa Gay Ski Week, visit the event's website.