The resorts are finally opening, you’ve fished your skis out of the basement, and now you’re ready to put that Epic or Ikon pass to good use—I-70 traffic be damned.

While your thighs are getting reacquainted with the après-ski burn, take a load off at one of the high-altitude happenings below. Whether you like to spend your downtime drinking, chasing adrenaline highs, or packing in even more cardio, you’ll find there are more ways to pass the winter than barreling down a mountain.

Jump ahead:

Summit County

Wake Up Breck

Save the $7 Starbucks for another morning and get your cup of Joe for free—all while supporting a good cause. Local java joints such as Cool River Coffee House, Daylight Donuts, and Clint’s Bakery & Coffee House will dole out commemorative mugs filled with free coffee. Recipients are asked to consider donating to this year’s nonprofit partner, Building Hope, which aims to expand mental health resources in Summit County. Pro tip: The cups are given out starting at 7 a.m. and typically run out within the hour—so set your alarm. Nov. 7; starting at 7 a.m.; free

Frisco Turkey Day 5k

Photo by Joe Kusumoto

You’re never safe from early morning turkey trotters—not even in the Rockies. If you’re one of those people, head to Frisco for this fun run on Thanksgiving morning. The alpine town’s take on the tradition will include an auction, holiday costumes, and a post-race party, during which you can whet your appetite with treats from Butterhorn Bakery and Saved by the Wine. Nov. 28; 9:30 a.m.; $15–$30

Wassail Days

Ever wondered what the heck they’re talking about in “Here We Come A-Wassailing”? Well, give this old tradition a go yourself in Frisco. Local businesses will serve up their own special version of this English hot cider. Try at least 12 and redeem a free commemorative mug at the Frisco visitor center. Throughout the week, there will also be free holiday gift wrapping and Santa visits at the Historic Frisco Park. Nov. 30–Dec. 8; times vary; free

Vail and Beaver Creek

Vail Aprés

Whether you’re still mastering the pizza or you spent your day on double black diamonds, everyone’s back on equal footing at aprés. For two months, Vail is hosting weekly silent discos where you select your own tunes, outdoor ice-skating shows featuring international performers, and holiday festivities like Santa photo ops and a tree-lighting event. Nov. 15–Jan. 5; times vary; most events free

Crested Butte

Crested Butte Maker’s Market

Instead of coming back from vacation with a suitcase full of souvenirs for yourself, return home with your holiday shopping list complete. More than 20 local makers will display their wares, from handmade candles by Stacey Donaldson of Mountain Rose Studio to fresh wreaths from Sarah Hausdoerffer of Bramble and Bloom Floral to landscape paintings from Zach Bauer of Activate Nature. Nov. 8–9; Friday 5–8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; free

Taylor Nation Tribute Band

Taylor Swift just wrapped the U.S. leg of her seemingly endless Eras Tour, but luckily there’s no shortage of Swiftie pop-ups around the Centennial State. Grab all the Bettys, Peters, and Aimees you know, and head to the Center for the Arts Crested Butte for the ultimate Swift singalong. A live band and tons of Taylor lookalikes will take you from “Tim McGraw” all the way to “The Tortured Poets Department.” Can’t score tickets to the Crested Butte stop? The band will perform in Greeley November 16 and 17. Nov. 15; 7 p.m.; $35–$55

Estes Park

Estes Park Tree Lighting Ceremony

Photo by John Berry

This 60-year-old tradition would make Clark Griswold proud. Watch as a 36-foot-tall pine is lit up with thousands of bulbs in Bond Park, take carriage rides, and stroll through a light display with fun photo ops. Every evening between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., the tree lights will strobe in time to a holiday soundtrack Nov. 23; activities begin at 3:30 p.m., tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.; free

Estes Park Holiday Wine Fest

Sip away your holiday stress at this gathering for grape nuts. You’ll be able to sample wines from more than a dozen Colorado wineries, grab grub from local food shops, and even do some early holiday shopping with the help of on-site gift vendors. (But who doesn’t like to see a bottle of Bordeaux under the tree?) Nov. 30; 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; $7–$40

Steamboat Springs

Festival of Trees

Is your Christmas tree feeling a little tired? Tour this display of dozens of dressed-up evergreens at Steamboat’s Tread of Pioneers Museum for inspiration. Local businesses gussy up the trees with themed decor, then visitors walk through the “forest” and vote for their favorite at the end. Kids can also attend a Christmas-themed storytime on November 16 while adults get their gift shopping done at the museum store, which includes locally made products, books, and toys. Nov. 15–30; 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; $2–$6, free for Routt County residents

Big Snow Bash

Wintertime in Colorado is a wonderful reminder of just how stunning our state is—and why we need to preserve its natural splendor. At this party benefiting Friends of the Yampa, a nonprofit created to protect the Yampa River and its tributaries, you’ll listen to live tunes from Liver Down the River, learn more about the organization’s work, participate in an online auction, and enjoy brews—all in the name of Mother Nature. Nov. 16; 6:30 p.m.; $40–$45

Glenwood Springs

Winter on the Mountain Kickoff Party

Skiing and boarding aren’t the only things you can do on the mountain this month. At Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, you can also ride a roller coaster, listen to live music, and play laser tag. The monthslong programming will kick off with a party featuring music from the folk duo Colorado Currys, gondola rides, hot drinks and marshmallow toasting. We even heard Santa (and the Grinch) might be in attendance. Nov. 23; 4–8 p.m.; $35–$84