Thanksgiving in Summit County brings an opportunity for the first turns of the season, festive twinkle-light strolls, and cozy dinners with a mountain backdrop. With multiple Summit County ski areas open by early November—and marquee events over the Thanksgiving weekend—a Summit County getaway is the perfect alpine reset before winter gets busy.
Which Summit County Ski Areas are Open For Thanksgiving?
Most of our Thanksgiving guests choose to come to Summit County for early seasons turns. Check out which ski areas will be open for the holiday!
- Keystone – Keystone was the first ski area to open Colorado’s 25/26 season, opening in late October. Expect ongoing terrain expansions as temps drop and more snow falls.
- Arapahoe Basin – Opened Oct 26, 2025; check the snow report for daily terrain updates.
- Breckenridge – Opening Day: Nov 7, 2025 (with plans to ski into spring, conditions permitting).
- Copper Mountain – Opening Day: Nov 7, 2025 (and hosting World Cup racing Thanksgiving weekend).
Other Thanksgiving Weekend Activities (Beyond Skiing)
- Village strolls & shopping in Breckenridge, Frisco, Keystone, and Silverthorne.
- Tubing, ice skating & scenic rides (as operations ramp up for winter).
- Apres by the fire: cocoa for the kids, craft cocktails for adults.
- Spa/soak & recovery between ski days or for the non-skiers in the group
Weather Over Thanksgiving Weekend & What to Pack
It will be wintery in late November in Summit County, especially at elevation. Expect average daytime highs in the mid-30s°F and overnight lows in the teens, plus warm Colorado sunshine—layer up, bring waterproof outerwear, and pack traction for icy sidewalks.
Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Summit County
- Stifel Copper Cup – Audi FIS Ski World Cup (Nov 27–30) – Watch the world’s best skiers race at Copper over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend; There are a variety of different ticket levels, with VIP ticket options available as well.
- Frisco Turkey Day 5K (Thu, Nov 27, 9:30 a.m.) – A family-friendly, untimed fun run in Frisco to kick off the feast. Strollers and leashed pups welcome.
Where to Eat: Thanksgiving Dinner Options in Summit County
- Ski Tip Lodge (Keystone) – Elegant, four-course Thanksgiving dinner in a historic log cabin setting (advance reservations required).
- Bold (Breckenridge) – Four-course traditional Thanksgiving dinner starting at 2 p.m. on the holiday. Bold is also offering a Thanksgiving To-Go menu. Pre-order your food and pickup on Thanksgiving between 12pm and 3pm. This is a great option for those that want a cozy evening in their Summit County vacation rental.
- Lodge at Breckenridge / Traverse – Traverse Restaurant offers a lovely Thanksgiving dinner, with staggered seatings from 10am to 2pm. Past holiday buffets have featured carving stations and classics; check current year details and book early.
Prefer to stay in? Many guests book a private chef or order heat-and-serve packages—perfect for larger groups after a ski morning. Another good option is using a grocery delivery service, so that your vacation rental is stocked with food upon your arrival. Visit our Concierge page for more information.
Tips for Visiting for Thanksgiving
- Reserve early: Lessons, vacation rentals, and restaurant reservations book up quickly – definitely plan ahead!
- Start early: Mornings are best for snow conditions and for finding parking.
- Mix abilities smartly: Keystone’s early terrain and Breck’s Peak 9 typically suit newer skiers; A-Basin and Copper reward confident riders as coverage builds.
- Check events & road conditions: World Cup festivities can affect traffic and lodging near Copper; plan dinner times accordingly. If you’re flying into Denver and driving up to Summit County, we recommend renting a vehicle with 4-wheel drive, as road conditions can get tricky when it snows.
Where to Stay in Summit County
Set your crew up near the lifts with spacious living rooms, full kitchens for the big meal, hot tubs for post-ski soaks, and garages for gear. Our Summit County rentals put you close to Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and A-Basin, so you can pick the best snow and the tastiest dinner—without long drives.
