Last updated: 12 November 2026
If you’re planning to book Thanksgiving ski transport now, you’re at the edge of the comfortable window rather than past it. Thanksgiving falls on 26 November — two weeks on — and the week has more going on than usual: Beaver Creek and Crested Butte open on the 25th, Aspen and Snowmass on Thanksgiving Day itself, and Steamboat four days earlier on the 21st.
Four resort openings inside a holiday week. Call (720) 694-7791.
What’s Still Realistic
| Booking | Two weeks out |
|---|---|
| SUV, midweek | Usually available |
| SUV, Wed 25 or Sun 29 | Tightening — call now |
| Van, any day that week | Limited |
| Multiple vehicles | Call immediately |
| Thanksgiving Day itself | Good availability |
Vans go first every time, because a group of ten has no fallback. If that’s you, this is the call to make today rather than next week.
The Two Days That Matter
Wednesday 25 November is the busiest travel day of the American year, and this year it’s also opening day at Beaver Creek and Crested Butte. DIA runs at capacity, I-70 westbound carries holiday and ski traffic together, and every vehicle in Denver is working.
Sunday 29 November is the reverse — the entire holiday population leaving at once, on an eastbound I-70 that’s already the worst road in the state on a normal Sunday afternoon.
If you have any flexibility, Monday the 23rd or Tuesday the 24th for arrival, and Monday the 30th for the return. Thanksgiving Day itself has the quietest roads of the week by a wide margin — genuinely pleasant to travel.
What You Need to Hand When You Call
Flight numbers for every inbound flight, not just the lead one — families rarely arrive together over a holiday, and each vehicle gets tracked separately.
An honest luggage count, with ski bags counted apart from suitcases. A family of five with full gear needs a van, not an SUV.
Exact addresses including building and unit, plus any gate code.
Car seat requirements with ages and weights.
And both legs. The return is the one people leave open and the one where a mistake costs a flight — our Thanksgiving travel guide covers the week in detail.
Which Vehicle
| Vehicle | With ski gear | Suits |
|---|---|---|
 Cadillac CT6 | 1–2 | Soft luggage only |
 GMC Yukon XL | 4 | Families, the standard booking |
 Cadillac Escalade ESV | 4 | Same capacity, more comfort |
 Executive Sprinter | 8–10 | Extended families — book first |
 Ford Transit High Roof | 11–13 | Maximum gear capacity |
Conditions for the Week
Encouraging. After a warm dry spell, forecasters are pointing at a snow chance around 14 November and a stronger window between the 16th and 18th, with outlooks suggesting 6 to 12 inches across central and northern mountains.
If that lands, Thanksgiving week looks considerably better than this week does. Our conditions page tracks it, and the forecast and travel guide covers what storms mean for the drive.
Colorado’s traction law applies on I-70 throughout — check COtrip.org before travelling.
If You’ve Left It Too Late
Be flexible on timing — an hour either side opens options. Accept a different vehicle class if one is free. Split a large group across two smaller vehicles. Call rather than booking online, because dispatch can see what a form can’t. And ask about a cancellation list, since holiday plans change more than most.
See our rates or call (720) 694-7791.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is two weeks enough notice for Thanksgiving?
For an SUV midweek, usually. For a van or multiple vehicles, call immediately — those go first.
Which days are hardest?
Wednesday 25 November for arrivals and Sunday 29 November for the return.
What’s the best day to travel?
Thanksgiving Day itself has the quietest roads of the week, with Monday the 23rd the best arrival day.
Which resorts open that week?
Steamboat on the 21st, Beaver Creek and Crested Butte on the 25th, Aspen and Snowmass on the 26th.
What if my family arrives on different flights?
Give every flight number — each vehicle is tracked and adjusted separately.
Can you still take a booking for the 25th?
Call (720) 694-7791 and we’ll tell you honestly what’s left.