What's Happening in Summit County This November

November in Summit County has a specific energy. The trails are quiet, the gondola starts spinning again, and the town shifts to feeling so ready for those winter dumps. 

This month brings two resort opening days, a community race that's become a Thanksgiving morning tradition, and a craft bazaar that's worth clearing your Saturday for. Here's what's on the calendar.

Ski Season Starts November 6

Both Breckenridge and Copper Mountain open on the same day this year: November 6.

Breck's opening day comes with a DJ at the base and treats to kick off the season. Copper opens the same morning across the valley. If you've been counting down since the lifts stopped last spring, November 6 is your day.

Early-season terrain is limited, so check conditions before you go. The snowpack builds fast once it gets going, and by Thanksgiving you're usually in solid shape.

Breckenridge Ski Resort | Copper Mountain

13th Annual Holiday Bazaar and Silent Auction

Date: Saturday, November 14
Time: 9am to 4pm
Where: Summit High School, Breckenridge
Cost: Free to attend

This one is a community staple. Local artists, handmade gifts, and a silent auction that actually has good stuff. It's not a generic craft fair. The vendors are real Summit County makers and the proceeds support Young Life.

It's a good way to knock out some holiday shopping early and run into half the people you know. Worth the Saturday morning.

Frisco Turkey Day 5K

Date: Wednesday, November 26
Time: 9:30am
Where: Old Community Center, Frisco
Cost: $35 adults / $20 youth

This race has earned its spot on the November calendar. It's a Thanksgiving morning tradition for a lot of Summit County locals. You run, you earn your pie, you head to Butterhorn Bakery for post-race treats.

Proceeds support FIRC and Frisco Elementary's STEM program. Register early because this one fills up.

Register at townoffrisco.com

Already Looking at December

Two of the biggest events of the winter season land in December, and they're worth getting on your radar now.

Lighting of Breckenridge + Race of the Santas is December 5 and 6. Hundreds of Santas run down Main Street, and then 250,000 LED lights turn the whole town into something that genuinely looks like a movie set. Free to watch, $30 to run.

Ullr Fest runs December 17 through 19. It's the 63rd year of Breckenridge's celebration of Ullr, the Norse god of snow. That means a parade down Main Street, a world-record Shotski attempt, a bonfire, and the Rockstar Energy Open on the mountain. If you've never been, you need to see it.

Both are worth booking lodging around if you're coming from out of town.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Breckenridge Ski Resort open for the 2026-27 season?
Breckenridge opens November 6, 2026. Opening day includes a DJ at the base and early-season terrain. Check breckenridge.com for current snow conditions and lift updates.

When does Copper Mountain open for skiing in 2026?
Copper Mountain also opens November 6, 2026. Visit coppercolorado.com for terrain and lift updates closer to opening day.

What is the Frisco Turkey Day 5K?
The Frisco Turkey Day 5K is a Thanksgiving morning road race starting at the Old Community Center in Frisco. Registration is $35 for adults and $20 for youth. It benefits FIRC and Frisco Elementary's STEM program, with a post-race celebration at Butterhorn Bakery.

What is there to do in Summit County in November?
November marks the start of ski season in Summit County. Breckenridge and Copper both open November 6. The month also includes the Holiday Bazaar and Silent Auction in Breckenridge on November 14 and the Frisco Turkey Day 5K on November 26. It's one of the best times to visit before the full holiday crowds arrive in December.

What is the Lighting of Breckenridge?
The Lighting of Breckenridge is an annual event the first weekend of December. It includes the Race of the Santas and the lighting of 250,000 LED lights throughout downtown. In 2026, it's December 5 and 6. Free to attend and one of the most photographed events of the ski season.