10 Best Ski Resorts For Thanksgiving Skiing and Celebrations

The ski season and holiday season are quickly approaching, and I couldn’t be more excited. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I knew I had to create an article featuring the best ski resorts for the holiday. 

These resorts are perfect for kicking off the holiday season thanks to their early-season snow, opening dates on or before Thanksgiving Day, and their magical settings. They offer fantastic skiing, delicious food, and stunning views, making them ideal spots to spend Thanksgiving. Keep reading to discover the top ski resorts for your holiday getaway.

1. Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge is first on this list because it has announced that its opening day will be November 8th, 2024, well before Thanksgiving Day! Breck is known for its incredible early-season snow and is an adorable town full of shops, restaurants, houses, and wonderful views. 

Last year, Sevens at the base of Peak 7 served a four-course Thanksgiving dinner, and we are eagerly on the lookout to see if they’ll be doing something similar this year! If you are looking to ski early and want a memorable snowy getaway, be sure to check out Breckenridge this Thanksgiving. 

2. Brian Head, Utah

I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent a month exploring southwestern Utah last year, and one of the highlights was visiting Brian Head. This resort is a hidden gem near Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, making it perfect for park visits and skiing. It’s a great spot for anyone wanting to avoid the crowds this Thanksgiving and enjoy an outdoorsy holiday. 

They’ve already announced their opening date for November 8th, so skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes even before Thanksgiving Day! Last year, they even offered Thanksgiving dinner at The Lift Bar & Patio, and we’re excited to see if they’ll do something like that this year!

3. Park City, Utah

Next on the list is Park City, one of the largest ski resorts in North America, located in Utah. Its impressive size attracts visitors from around the globe, but what really stands out is its commitment to exceptional amenities. With two distinct base areas filled with numerous shops, restaurants, and accommodations, it’s a resort where you could easily spend an entire week and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. 

The icing on the cake is that it’s a fantastic holiday destination, opening on November 22nd, just in time for Thanksgiving. Park City is also known for its delightful sleigh rides and several restaurants, like the Butcher’s Chop House, that serve Thanksgiving dinner!

4. Vail, Colorado

Vail is one of my absolute favorite resorts for celebrating both Thanksgiving and Christmas! The ski slopes here are truly exceptional, featuring some of the best terrain, especially for expert skiers eager to tackle the Legendary Back Bowls. Beyond the skiing, I adore Vail for its charming village filled with shops, restaurants, and accommodations. Walking through the village feels like stepping into a fairytale, thanks to its lovely atmosphere and breathtaking views. 

In addition to the incredible terrain and village experience, Vail is a fantastic choice for Thanksgiving this year, opening on November 15th, just before the holiday. Several local hotels, including the Four Seasons Resort and the Sonnenalp Hotel, are renowned for their Thanksgiving feasts and are already accepting reservations for dinner.

5. Palisades Tahoe, California

Palisades Tahoe is my favorite resort in California, and I have so many wonderful memories from my time skiing there. I love everything about it: the terrain, the views, the village, the restaurants—there’s just so much to enjoy! One of the most exciting aspects of Palisades Tahoe is that it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1960, making it special to ski at a location where Olympians once competed. They even have the Olympic rings on display, perfect for capturing a memorable photo.

Additionally, Palisades Tahoe is one of the best ski resorts in California to visit during Thanksgiving. This year, they’ve announced an extravagant Thanksgiving buffet at the Olympic House, and those with Ikon passes can enjoy a discount, which is a great perk!

6. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

If you want to escape the typical Thanksgiving crowds at U.S. ski resorts, consider heading to Whistler Blackcomb in Canada! They’re opening for the season on November 22nd and offer incredible terrain for skiers. Beyond the slopes, Whistler has a range of outdoor activities for families, including ice skating, shopping in the village, winter ziplining, and more. 

Several restaurants in Whistler also serve Thanksgiving meals, or you can opt for a ready-to-go meal. My personal favorite is the Thanksgiving Turkey To Go from Portobello, which includes dinner and trimmings for 8-10 people. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a snowy and magical Thanksgiving with loved ones.

7. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Springs in Colorado is another fantastic spot to spend Thanksgiving. The resort opens just before the holiday, so skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes both before and on Thanksgiving, adding to the excitement. What really sets Steamboat apart, though, is its festive atmosphere in town. 

They host an annual 5k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, and many local restaurants offer delicious Thanksgiving meals, providing plenty of dining options. I also love downtown Steamboat Springs, with its charming shops, making it the perfect place to get a head start on Christmas shopping.

8. Mammoth Mountain, California

Mammoth Mountain in California is another fantastic ski resort to visit over Thanksgiving. What I love most about this resort is its remote location, meaning you’ll avoid the heavy crowds often found at Lake Tahoe resorts. Beyond the peaceful atmosphere, the skiing here is top-notch, and with the resort opening on November 15th, you’ll have plenty of time to hit the slopes before Thanksgiving Day! 

In addition to great skiing, Mammoth is a wonderful Thanksgiving destination, with its annual Turkey Trot 5k Run and several restaurants offering special Thanksgiving menus. One of my personal favorites is the Mountainside Bar & Grill.

9. Big Sky, Montana

Next on the list is Big Sky in Montana. Besides the incredible skiing, what really stands out to me are the fantastic accommodation options. While staying at one of the many great hotels is a solid choice, I love the abundance of cozy mountain vacation rentals where you can enjoy a whole place with your family and take in Montana’s stunning snowy views from your own home.

In addition to the fantastic skiing, atmosphere, and accommodations, plenty of restaurants offer Thanksgiving meals. If you’ve never been to Montana and it’s on your bucket list, Thanksgiving is an excellent time to visit.

10. Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley is opening for the season on Thanksgiving Day this year, making it an ideal time to visit. Sun Valley is a fantastic choice if you’re eager to ski early in the season. Besides the excitement of opening day and great skiing, it’s also a bit less crowded than some other resorts, so you can expect a more relaxed experience. 

Several spots offer Thanksgiving meals, including a buffet at the Limelight and dinner at The Ram. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to explore Idaho, enjoy some fun on the slopes, and indulge in a delicious Thanksgiving meal!

Have You Ever Spent Thanksgiving At A Ski Resort?

Let us know in the comments!