Thanksgiving is the scheduled opening weekend for many resorts across the country. What better way to work up an appetite for the feast than skiing or snowboarding? We rounded up resorts offering the best deals, the best meals and the historically snowiest conditions for Thanksgiving.
↑ Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The resort is set to open on Thanksgiving Day, but "Flashback Friday" is the day to hit the slopes. Marking the start of Jackson Hole's 50th Anniversary season, the resort will be offering a one-day only deal of six dollars lift tickets that Friday. Finish off the day with drink specials and music at the legendary Mangy Moose and Nick Wilson's in Teton Village.
↑ Banff, Alberta, BC
This Canadian resort isn't celebrating Thanksgiving per se, but that doesn't mean you can't make the annual Bon Appetit Banff festival part of your Thanksgiving celebration. The 10-day festival runs from Nov. 12 to 22, with over 30 restaurants in Banff and Lake Louise offering unique three-course menus at fixed prices. Ski Lake Louise is scheduled to open Nov. 6.
↑ Sun Valley, Idaho
If there's one thing Sun Valley always gets right, it's tradition. And Thanksgiving is no exception, with the holiday package running from Nov. 25 to 29. The special includes a lavish buffet, four nights of lodging and a three-day lift ticket. Packages starting at $356 per person for double occupancy at the Inn and $434 at the Sun Valley lodge.
↑ Squaw Valley, California
What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than dining at 8,200 feet. Squaw Valley guests will be transported up the aerial tram to the Terrace at Squaw Valley's High Camp. There they get to indulge in a delicious Thanksgiving meal with views of Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe. The cost is $45 for adults and $29 for children 12 and under, not including the cost of the serial tram ride. Opening day at Squaw is Nov. 25.
↑ Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth caters to families throughout the long Thanksgiving weekend. The Lakefront Restaurant offers a quiet intimate atmosphere. The Mountainside Bar & Grill includes an activity-packed kids room in its family experience. The resort also is offering a fourth night free at select resort properties between Nov. 11 and Dec. 13. The festive weekend also includes a Thanksgiving Arts Festival at Minaret Mall and a kickoff to the holiday season with the village holiday tree lighting.
↑ Wolf Creek, Colorado
Now Wolf Creek dining options are rather modest, so you might be best off preparing your own Thanksgiving dinner or finding options in Pagosa Springs, but early season conditions at this Southern Colorado resort are reason enough to make this the Thanksgiving weekend destination of choice for hardcore skiers and snowboarders. The resort boasts the most snow in Colorado with an annual average of 430 inches of natural snowfall. Wolf Creek is scheduled to open Nov. 7.
· There's Plenty of New to Celebrate for Jackson Hole's 50th [Curbed Ski]
· 10 Amazing Hikes for Fall Colors in the East [Curbed Ski]
· Where to Eat and Drink in Ski Country, from Mammoth to Aspen [Curbed Ski]