While fall officially begins in late September, Thanksgiving in Aspen marks the true changing of our seasons. Not only do friends and families convene for annual celebrations of gratitude — half of the ski slopes are ready to open on Thanksgiving weekend.

What kind of Aspen Thanksgiving are you hoping for this year?

An Active Thanksgiving in Aspen

Are you the type who just can’t sit still? Or do you feel better about holiday indulgence once your heart’s been pumping? If you’re eager for a more sporty holiday, here are some active options for Thanksgiving Day in Aspen.

  • The most exciting activity for Thanksgiving in Aspen is downhill skiing and snowboarding — AJAX (Aspen Mountain) does its best to open on Thanksgiving (or earlier, if possible)! While snow conditions always determine the official opening day, AJAX does its best to cover the slopes so that the downhill runs are ready for adventure-hungry skiers and snowboarders by Thanksgiving Day.
  • Assuming there’s snow on the ground by Thanksgiving week, rent some AT gear and head uphill at Aspen Mountain or Highlands, or take some cross country skis on the groomed tracks of Aspen’s free public nordic trail system.
  • The Aspen Recreation Center historically hosts an indoor Turkey Triathlon on Thanksgiving Day. Cover as much distance as possible during a 10-minute swim, 30-minute stationary pedal and 20-minute treadmill run with five minutes to transition between stations. Check the ARC website and social media to confirm whether the event will take place and, if so, whether it’s in-person or virtual.

A Takeout Thanksgiving in Aspen

If you’d like to stay cozy and warm on Thanksgiving but aren’t eager to hassle with meal planning, let one of many local restaurants do the cooking (and often the delivering) for you. Here are a few local eateries that create special takeout menus and meals for the holiday.

  • Mawa’s Kitchen traditionally offers a build-your-own-menu Thanksgiving takeout option. Choose from a full meal or make à la carte selections to satisfy your hungry holiday guests.
  • Jour de Fete Aspen prepares turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and pumpkin and pecan pies ready for takeaway. Let them help you with the cooking!

A Restaurant Thanksgiving in Aspen

Some families celebrate the specialness of the Thanksgiving holiday by dining out at a local Aspen restaurant. Without the hassles of meal planning, ingredient acquisition, cooking, and cleanup, more time is available for enjoying the company of loved ones. The Aspen Chamber tends to keep an updated list of participating restaurants. Here are a few options we suggest if you’re looking for an elegant meal on Thanksgiving.

  • Element 47 at The Little Nell offers a full three-course dinner which includes both traditional favorites and creative twists on the usual Thanksgiving dishes.
  • AJAX Tavern offers an evening Thanksgiving meal; their two-course Thanksgiving menu usually includes turkey, salmon or wagyu steak along with traditional sides and pumpkin pie or terrine.
  • You may get lucky enough to join Hickory House’s free (by donation) Community Thanksgiving meal. While they usually specialize in barbecue, they have historically prepared a delicious, traditional holiday meal on Thanksgiving Day. Be sure to check their Facebook page to confirm whether they’ll be offering the meal during any given year.

A Cozy Thanksgiving in Aspen

The best way to get cozy for the Thanksgiving holiday is to book a warm and festive vacation rental for the week. Our experienced vacation consultants at Aspen Luxury Rentals offer custom concierge services, so your Thanksgiving holiday can be low-stress and hassle-free. Our exceptional selection of luxurious Aspen condos will give you the feeling of being taken care of and truly “at home.” Call us at (970) 544-3771 or send us an email to plan your cozy holiday vacation today.