Thanksgiving is a festive time to be in Steamboat Springs, with fun holiday celebrations and of course, opening day at Steamboat Ski Resort. After a quiet off-season, the town really comes alive once the mountain opens, and there’s no better place to embrace the warmth of Thanksgiving than in the picturesque setting of Steamboat Springs. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this charming Colorado town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and a welcoming community spirit. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an active holiday, Steamboat Springs promises a Thanksgiving experience unlike any other. It’s a favorite time of year for many Steamboat locals and guests alike – here are some reasons why.
What To Do in Steamboat Springs Over the Thanksgiving Holiday
Opening Day at Steamboat
Opening day at Steamboat Resort typically falls on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Steamboat always puts on an array of opening day celebrations and giveaways (more details available closer to the season), and it’s a perfect way to kick off the winter and the holiday season. The snow conditions can be variable for opening day, but the atmosphere is always electric no matter how much early snow has fallen. This year, Steamboat will be unveiling more on mountain updates and improvements for the 2023/24 ski season as part of the Full Steam Ahead project, so there’s plenty to be excited about. If you’re coming to Steamboat Springs for Thanksgiving, make sure you get here for opening day – you will not regret it!
Scenic Splendor
There’s really nothing quite like the time of year when fresh snow starts to cover up the autumn leaves, and the air turns from crisp fall temps to cool winter days and nights. The changing of the seasons is the perfect backdrop for your Thanksgiving getaway. Temperatures are usually in the 30’s and 40’s with average snowfall for the month of November at around 25 inches. November snowfall gets locals more and more excited for the upcoming ski season. If skiing and snowboarding aren’t your thing, or if you’re just looking for some variety in your vacation, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors this time of year. Take a leisurely stroll along the Yampa River Core Trail, hike to scenic viewpoints around town, take a dip in the Strawberry Park or Town Park Hot Springs, or embark on a horseback ride through the stunning landscapes. This time of year in Steamboat Springs is peaceful and truly beautiful.
Thanksgiving Feasts with a Local Twist
Steamboat Springs boasts a vibrant culinary scene with over 100 restaurants. You’ll have your pick of many local restaurants offering Thanksgiving feasts, from buffets to pre-fixe menus, but you’ll also find regular menus if turkey and mashed potatoes isn’t your thing. From traditional turkey dinners with all the fixings to inventive takes on holiday classics, you’ll find a diverse range of dining options to satisfy your taste buds. And if your family tradition is cooking a homemade meal on Thanksgiving, then the fully-equipped kitchens in our Steamboat vacation rentals make the perfect setting for a holiday meal. There really is nothing like making a delicious meal with family and relaxing by the fire after a great day on the mountain.
Outdoor Adventures for All Ages
For those seeking an active Thanksgiving, Steamboat Springs offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Hit the slopes at the Steamboat Ski Resort (opening day falls on Wednesday, November 22, 2023), or explore the trails on foot or by bike, taking in the crisp mountain air and stunning vistas. You can also try your hand at fly-fishing in the Yampa River, soak in the natural hot springs, or enjoy a peaceful hot air balloon ride over the valley.
Festive Events and Community Spirit
The town of Steamboat Springs embraces a strong sense of community, and this is particularly evident during the Thanksgiving season. Look forward to local events like the Turkey Trot, where you can join fellow enthusiasts for a fun run or walk, and the Festival of Trees, where you can marvel at beautifully decorated trees and enjoy live entertainment. Engaging with the locals and fellow travelers during these events adds a heartwarming touch to your holiday experience, and it’ll make you want to come back year after year.
Where to Stay in Steamboat for Thanksgiving
If you’re traveling with family or friends, a vacation rental can be such a great option, rather than everyone staying in multiple hotel rooms. Vacation rentals offer more space to spread out and more opportunities for quality time with loved ones. And features such as fully-equipped kitchens, fireplaces, luxurious bedding, and other amenities will make you feel right at home. If you’re sharing the home with multiple families, a vacation rental is often a more economic option as well.
Our Four Seasons Steamboat’s rental properties are conveniently located close to skiing, restaurants, shops, and more, making them the perfect home base for your Thanksgiving vacation. With 35+ professionally managed Steamboat condo and home rentals, we can accommodate a variety of group sizes and budgets. For the ultimate convenience on a ski vacation, you might want to consider our ski-in/ski-out options. But don’t wait to book your stay – our Steamboat vacation rentals typically fill up well in advance of the holidays. We look forward to seeing you!
