We’ll let you in on a little secret: Thanksgiving Day is one of our favorite ski days of the year. Lift tickets are cheap, the slopes are uncrowded, and if you’re lucky, you may even score a powder day. As a bonus, you can avoid kitchen stress by dining out for traditional holiday meals. Plus, this is when many ski resorts kick off their holiday season with fun events like tree lightings, fireworks, and more. In other words, there’s no better way to kick off the ski season than over Thanksgiving weekend.
Generally speaking, mid- to late-November is considered the start of the North America ski season. However, those ski resorts that do open by Thanksgiving typically have limited terrain. But while Thanksgiving weekend doesn’t boast the skiing and riding you’ll find during the heart of winter, it makes for a great way to ring in the ski season. Your legs could use the warm-up anyways. It’s these first few weeks of the ski season when you’re also likely to see some of the biggest discounts on lift tickets and lodging. Bonus: Mother Nature can sometimes bring surprise Thanksgiving powder days to the mountains. (Note: See the latest projected opening dates here.)
Continue reading for our picks of the best North America ski resorts for Thanksgiving weekend.
Where To Ski Thanksgiving Weekend
Lake Louise and Sunshine Village
For early-season holiday turns, head north to Banff, where it’s business as usual in late November, since Canada celebrates their Thanksgiving in October. Lake Louise and Sunshine are typically ready for eager skiers and riders by early November. Lake Louise gives skiers and riders access to 4,200 skiable acres and 3,251 vertical feet of drop, while Banff Sunshine Village, located at 7,200 feet, boasts 3,300 skiable acres and 3,514 feet of vertical.
Off the snow, soak in the area hot springs, glide on ice skates, take in the views from the Banff Gondola, and go holiday shopping in downtown Banff. Bonus: You’ll find a lot of great restaurants in Banff to satisfy your cravings for a hearty holiday meal.
Sun Valley, Idaho
For the 2026-27 ski season, Sun Valley plans to open for skiing and riding on Thanksgiving Day, making it a great option to celebrate and kick off the long-awaited ski season. America’s first destination ski resort, Sun Valley is known for its Western flair and European style, while also boasting more than 2,500 skiable acres and 3,400 feet of vertical drop. Off the slopes, stroll through galleries rich in artistic ambiance, catch a movie, hit the bowling alley, or play virtual golf at the nordic center. For a true holiday feast, the Limelight Room at Sun Valley Resort will host a full Thanksgiving buffet from 2-6 p.m. Reservations are required, so book early to secure a spot for your family. Other good bets for dinner (with a reservation) include The Ram and the Grill at Knob Hill.
Big Sky, Montana
Boasting 5,850 total skiable acres, Big Sky offers a lot of terrain for you to spread out. Historically, Big Sky has opened on Thanksgiving Day, but more recently it has opted for the day before. While it’s early in the season, Thanksgiving weekend should offer plenty of snow-covered slopes for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. For an extraordinary Thanksgiving meal, make a reservation for Montage Big Sky’s Thanksgiving Feast, taking place in its Grand Ballroom, looking out at the stunning Spanish Peaks. Other great dining spots at Big Sky include WOM (Word of Mouth) and Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro. Be sure to call ahead and make reservations.
Copper Mountain, Colorado
This year, Copper Mountain plans to open on November 6, giving the resort a lot of time to open up new terrain by Thanksgiving. Copper Mountain really comes alive for Thanksgiving Weekend, and this year is no exception, as it hosts the Stifel Copper Cup over the weekend. Throughout the weekend, Center Village will come alive with exciting festivities, including live music, a giant slalom bib draw, fireworks and more. Then there’s the competition itself, featuring the men’s Super-G and Giant Slalom races. Don’t miss the free, live headline performance by O.A.R on Saturday, Nov. 28.
Crystal Mountain, Washington
The Pacific Northwest is often a good bet come November thanks to early-season snowfall. It’s hard to beat Crystal Mountain, which is Washington state’s largest ski area. While the entire 2,600 acres of Crystal Mountain won’t be accessible, there’s often plenty of terrain to warm up your legs for the season ahead. For a great meal, with equally great views, take the Mt. Rainier Gondola up 2,500 feet to the Summit House Restaurant to dine above the clouds at 6,872 feet. If you’re lucky, and it’s a clear day, you can enjoy expansive views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier.
Stratton, Vermont
Scheduled to open the day before Thanksgiving, Stratton Resort is the perfect family-friendly spot to enjoy the holiday away from home. Stratton will have a host of opening weekend festivities that you won’t just find at any ski destination, like the annual Gobble Gobble Wobble 5K run, held every year in the Stratton Village on Thanksgiving morning. Families can sign up as a group to get the whole crew moving before that evening’s big feast (Note: There’s no day of registration). Prizes will be awarded for the best costume and to the youngest and oldest runners. After finishing, guests can settle in for a traditional dinner at Table 43.1 at Black Bear Lodge. Table 43.1 will be offering two seatings at 4 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Plan ahead and make sure to get in those reservations.
Killington, Vermont
Killington, the aptly named Beast of the East, likes to say that “winter is here when we say so.” Nightly temperatures often dip into the 30s around mid-October, which gives the resort a lot of time for snowmaking while some parts of the country are still seeing warmer temperatures. Killington commemorates Thanksgiving Day with its annual Turkey Trot, which welcomes all ages to participate. Race day registration begins at 8:30 a.m., rain, snow, or shine at the Pickle Barrel. In addition to the race itself, there will be live music, a bar, and raffle prizes. The Stifel Killington Cup will return over Thanksgiving weekend from November 27-29. Take in the vibrant atmosphere, live music, and bustling vendor village while watching some of the fastest female ski racers in the world compete.
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
When Thanksgiving arrives in the U.S., it’s already come and gone in Canada. Regardless, Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia has you covered as it plans to open for skiing and riding just before Thanksgiving in the U.S. Enjoy traditional holiday dining, a plethora of activities, family-friendly entertainment, and shopping on the Village Stroll. For a fine dining Thanksgiving dinner at its best, make your reservations at Araxi’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar. Elsewhere, the Braidwood Tavern serves up brunch, lunch, and dinner, while other area restaurants sell turkey to go.
U.S. Resort Projected Opening Dates
Header: ©Sun Valley Resort
