I can book either of these locations (Marriott) for virtually the same price, but wanted the location with the better chance of having their lifts open..anyone have experience/thoughts?

Usually I think Colorado has better snow in November than Utah, but neither is a sure thing.

I go to Beaver Creek (just a few miles from Vail) every other year for Thanksgiving.

Some year's it's close to fully open. Some year's it's absolutely nothing. Most year's, obviously, it's somewhere in between.

I think it's going to be a crapshoot either way. But I echo the sentiment of favor whichever one has been better that week, historically, and take your chances.

that's part of the rub...kinda have to decide now from an accommodation and travel standpoint.

but fair enough. i'll do what i should have done in the first place.

ask my wife and let her decide

Hard call. It's been so bad the last two years. Two years ago Vail delayed and didn't even open until after Thanksgiving. Last year they were open but it was terrible. One or two man made runs. That said three years ago it was really good that week. Like others said, total crapshoot.

I'd choose worst case. If nothing is open which town would you rather be in?

Been to neither....so vail?

Two years ago we had friends visit us here on Thanksgiving (Vail/BC) and it was pretty much worst case. Vail was closed and BC opened on Thanksgiving Day if I remember correctly. We had snowmobiling scheduled but with no snow we did off-roading in RZR's and it was a blast. It was pretty muddy and they gave us full rain gear.

Vail is also not that far from A-Basin which theoretically should have more snow for some skiing.

I'm not as familiar with Park City.

Guaranteed snow for Thanksgiving?

Banff