We’ve been watching the weather reports like a hawk, and the storm track this early season has been a little slow to start. In fact, pretty much the entire Western US and Canada hasn’t started as fast as last season. Even so, based on what we’ve seen and heard, here’s the best places to ski in November for Thanksgiving. Remember, things can change FAST if storms suddenly start to appear.
Top 5 Ski Resorts In North America For 2023 Thanksgiving
Wolf Creek Ski Area
49″ snowfall – 90 percent open
Wolf Creek has been having an EPIC 2022. As usual, they were one of the 1st to open in Colorado AND it was on NATURAL snowfall. Secondly, the storm train has been aimed at this mountain for early season with another decent sized storm predicted the week of Thanksgiving. If there’s a ski resort to visit for turkey day, it would be Wolf Creek. Nearly five hours away from Denver and throw in some severe mountain passes, you’ll keep most people away. You can then finish off your day in the world-class Pagosa Hot Springs to soak those sore muscles.
Banff Sunshine Village
30″ Snowfall – 15″ base with 5 / 12 lifts
Sunshine Village typically has the longest non-glacial ski season in Canada. Sunshine was the 1st in Canada to open and has already gotten 30 inches of snow to date. Since it’s located in the great white Canadian north, the snow also stays nice and dry. Currently there are 17 runs open. From amazing cuisine fifteen minutes down the road in Banff to awesome après activities like hot springs & epic terrain, this is a great option for any time of year including early season. Even without the entire mountain open, there’s enough trails across Banff Sunshine and its sister resorts of Lake Louise & Mt. Norquay to keep you entertained for your entire trip.
Mammoth Mountain
60″ Snowfall – 48″ base with 10 lifts
While Mammoth has one of the longest ski seasons in North America, typically it’s their snowmaking that kicks it off. Not this year. Instead, November has been a blessing with more than five feet falling. This allowed them to push their opening up a full week early. Even without additional snowfall, they already have over 97 of their 175 trails open. At over 63% open, they now have the MOST terrain open by far in North America. If there was a season to head to Mammoth Mountain, this is the one!
Grand Targhee
91″ snowfall – 82% Open
Grand Targhee is a shining example of consistency. In the past 20+ years, the WORST pre-January 1st snowfall was 76″ & typically it’s way over triple digits by then. With nearly 91″ of snow already fallen, this might be your best bet this early season. Compared to its western sibling, the moderately pitched slopes allow this area to open more terrain earlier. And, since it’s further away from metropolitan areas with most vacationers staying in Jackson across a TOUGH mountain pass, it means you’ll most likely have the place to yourself. Opening day on November 18th featured four out of five lifts running servicing 76 out of their 93 runs!
Mt. Baker Ski Area
Chair 1-7 is open
The snowiest resort in North America opened its doors on Friday, November 18th for the season. While in past winters the snowpack this year’s opening day features a bit thinner coverage than normal but things can change quickly. The meteorologists are predicting a moderate to strong La Nińa winter. If last year’s La Nińa was any inkling… receiving 647″ of snowfall with 25% of their days open getting more than 6″ of fresh, this winter might blow this door right off its hinges! Compared to other resorts, they don’t open unless nearly the entire resort is rockin’. And the best part? You can access some of the best backcountry terrain in the world. The storm track seems to always be pointed at Baker. All we have to do is hope that the snow levels stay low enough.
This is a great reminder that the ski season is here and soon all ski resorts are going to be running at full capacity. If you want the scoop on the best places to visit by month, learn what gear to bring, and read about unheard of resorts that you can find powder days or weeks after a storm, check out our in-depth guide: Ski Trip Planning – Plan The Best Ski Holiday Ever!
