Thanksgiving weekend (Thu Nov 26 – Sun Nov 29, 2026) is the first big crowd weekend of the ski season. Only a handful of West Coast resorts plan to be open, so everyone piles into the same lots. Here’s who’s projected to open, what parking looks like at each one, and how to get a spot.
Expect packed lots all four days
- Friday and Saturday are the busiest. Lots at the big resorts can fill by mid-morning. Plan to park by 8:30.
- Fresh snow makes it worse. A storm right before the weekend brings everyone out. Check each resort’s Calendar tab; it flags powder days from the National Weather Service forecast.
- Roads are slow too. Wednesday afternoon and Sunday afternoon are the heaviest drive times on I-80, US-50 and the other mountain highways. Carry chains; controls can go up fast.
- Carpool. Several resorts give 4+ person cars free or priority parking.
Resorts projected to open by Thanksgiving weekend
Opening dates are the resorts’ projections and depend on snow. Tap a resort for live chain controls, cams, the lot rules and the crowd calendar.
Lake Tahoe & Reno
| Resort | Projected opening | Parking on Thanksgiving weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Palisades Tahoe | Nov 25 | Weekend reservations don’t start until Dec 5, so it’s first come, first served. Arrive early. |
| Northstar | Nov 20 | Village View and Preferred Paid lots need reservations on weekends and peak days. Castle Peak never does (free, shuttle to the Village). |
| Heavenly | Nov 20 | California Lodge reservations are required on peak days. Stagecoach and Boulder lots are free. |
| Sugar Bowl | Nov 27 | Free lots are first come, first served. Paid Upper Lot at Main Lodge ($35 weekends and holidays) can be reserved ahead. |
| Boreal | Nov 27 | Parking is only for guests with a pre-purchased lift ticket or other reservation. |
| Mt. Rose | Nov 20 | Always free, first come, first served. No reservations. |
California
| Resort | Projected opening | Parking on Thanksgiving weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Mammoth Mountain | Nov 13 | General parking is free at all lodges, no reservations. Preferred Parking is paid. Lots typically open at 6 a.m. |
| China Peak | Nov 21 | No day-parking reservations. Limited Preferred Parking for $30/day cash, first come, first served. |
| Bear Valley | Nov 27 | No reservations. Shuttles are free; overnight parking is $20/night. |
| Mountain High | Nov 27 | $25 per car, paid on site (cash or card). No advance payment. |
| Mt. Baldy | Nov 27 | The base lot only has a ticket office and restrooms. The lodge, rentals and lessons are up the chair. |
Oregon & Washington
| Resort | Projected opening | Parking on Thanksgiving weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Mt. Hood Skibowl | Nov 27 | First come, first served. A ticket bought online doesn’t guarantee a parking space. |
| Crystal Mountain | Nov 27 | Last season, reservations were required on Saturdays and Sundays for arrivals before noon. Check the resort’s page before you go. |
Not open yet
Kirkwood, Mt. Bachelor, Mt. Hood Meadows, Stevens Pass and the Big Bear resorts project early December openings. Mt. Ashland, Timberline, Summit at Snoqualmie and most smaller areas are aiming for mid- to late December. See every resort.
How to get a spot
- Book any parking reservation the moment it opens. Weekend spots often release a week ahead.
- Buy lift tickets online before you leave. Some resorts only let ticket holders park.
- Leave early enough to park by 8:30, and check road cams before you go.
- Have a backup: the shuttle lot, a carpool, or a resort that’s less crowded.
Opening dates and parking rules come from each resort and were last checked in late October 2026. Resorts change them; check the resort’s page on Ski Lots before you drive.