Your Guide to a Rocky Mountain Thanksgiving: Creating Family Traditions at YMCA of the Rockies

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate family, gratitude, and tradition, and there’s no better way to make it memorable than spending it in the beautiful mountain setting of YMCA of the Rockies. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, YMCA of the Rockies offers the perfect mix of cozy accommodations, breathtaking views, and family-friendly activities for a Thanksgiving your family will cherish forever. Here’s your guide to planning an unforgettable mountain Thanksgiving at YMCA of the Rockies, where you can create new family traditions surrounded by nature.

Turkey Trot 5K: Start Thanksgiving Day by joining in the Turkey Trot 5K at Estes Park Center. Free to register, this event is sure to be a family favorite. Register here!

Community Campfire: In the evening, gather around a cozy community campfire to share what you’re thankful for. Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and tell family stories under the starry mountain sky.

Get Crafty: The Mootz Family Craft & Design Center offers holiday-themed crafts that are perfect for all ages. Make a glass ornament, the perfect handmade gift from the heart. Or try elastic bracelet making, designed for ages 4 and up.

Create a new Family Tradition: Make a family craft together that represents your trip and display it in your home to remind you of the fun times!

Adventure Together: For families who want a little friendly competition, try out the indoor rock-climbing wall or challenge each other in the game room. Sign-up for a guided hike and take your adventure into the snow-covered mountains.

Feast in the Mountains

Enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal surrounded by Colorado’s stunning snow-capped peaks at the Schlessman Commons, our buffet-style dining hall. Snow Mountain Ranch offers a classic Thanksgiving feast with all the traditional dishes, letting you skip the prep work and focus on what matters most—spending quality time with loved ones. Find pricing here.

Outdoor Adventures for the Family

Snow Mountain Ranch is full of activities to keep everyone entertained. Start a tradition of a Thanksgiving morning snowshoe or a family-friendly hike to explore the breathtaking landscapes together.

Trot with the family on Thanksgiving morning! A casual Turkey Trot will take place at 9:30am, beginning at the Programs Lawn.

Cozy Evenings and Campfires

Evenings are for unwinding by the fire, sharing stories, or making s’mores under the starry sky. Grab a cup of hot cocoa from the Buckboard Grill and cozy up in one of our rustic lodge lobbies or cabins, perfect for bonding and reconnecting.

Crafts, Games, and Family Fun

Join in on Thanksgiving-themed crafts and family games! From a turkey calling contest to trivia night, these fun activities let kids (and adults!) have the most holiday fun! More details in the activity guide, linked below!

Create new family traditions in a place that feels like home. Snow Mountain Ranch offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and family spirit, making Thanksgiving in the mountains a holiday like no other.

Reflect and Capture the Memories

Thanksgiving at YMCA of the Rockies is a perfect opportunity to reconnect as a family and create lasting memories. Bring a journal or a camera to capture these moments—whether it’s the kids laughing in the snow, the family gathering around the Thanksgiving table, or a peaceful morning hike. Each photo and memory will serve as a cherished reminder of your time in the mountains.

There’s something special about returning to the same cozy spot each holiday, building on past memories, and looking forward to new adventures. Make a plan to come back again next year!