Ski, Feast, Repeat: Thanksgiving in the Mountains
Thanksgiving in ski towns is a different kind of magic. Morning runs on early-season powder, afternoon hot toddies by the fire and evening feasts that make your heart (and stomach) full. There’s something about the crisp mountain air that sharpens your appetite—not just for food, but for connection.
This year, ditch the crowded city table for a slope-side celebration. Whether you’re carving turns at Breckenridge, lounging at Lake Tahoe or chasing that Vermont charm in Stowe, Thanksgiving in the mountains offers an après-ski twist on tradition.
Elevate Your Thanksgiving Spread: Après-Ski Style
Turkey and trimmings get an alpine upgrade when après-ski vibes are on the menu. Forget the usual formalities; this is about indulgence with a side of ski-town comfort.
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Hot Spiked Cider
Start your gathering with mugs of cider, laced with bourbon and a hint of nutmeg. It warms you up faster than any base-layer ever could. -
Cheese Fondue Board
Take a page from Swiss ski chalets. A bubbling pot of cheese fondue surrounded by crusty bread, roasted potatoes, and slices of apple brings people together in a way only gooey cheese can. -
Grilled Turkey Thighs with Mountain Herbs
Skip the oven-bound bird and fire up the grill. Marinate turkey thighs with rosemary, sage, and thyme before a slow char that crisps the skin and keeps the meat tender. -
Cranberry-Maple Tartlets
End on a sweet note that nods to ski-town charm. These bite-sized treats pack the tartness of cranberries with the sticky comfort of maple syrup in a flaky crust.
Après-Ski Thanksgiving Traditions Worth Starting
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Thankful Toasts Around the Fire
Après-ski culture is about storytelling, about recounting the day’s triumphs and wipeouts. Translate that energy into your Thanksgiving by gathering around the fire pit to share what you’re thankful for—with a craft beer or mulled wine in hand. -
The First Tracks Challenge
Thanksgiving morning, challenge your crew to be the first on the slopes. There’s nothing quite like earning your turkey dinner with a few sunrise runs. -
Ski-In, Feast-Out
Some ski resorts offer Thanksgiving dinners right on the mountain. No prep, no cleanup—just great food with unbeatable views.
Gratitude, Powder, and Après
Thanksgiving is about gratitude—and in ski country, there’s so much to be thankful for. Powder mornings that remind us of nature’s beauty. Après-ski evenings that connect us to old friends and new. And the kind of meals that make you feel truly alive, surrounded by mountain views and the people who matter most.
So, lace up your boots, pour the cider, and celebrate Thanksgiving the way it was meant to be—full of joy, warmth, and just the right touch of adventure.
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