It's hard to believe, but the time for planning Thanksgiving is upon us! For many of us, that means spending time with family, friends, and loved ones -- which often means travel. 

Whether you are heading to Summit County, Colorado, to visit relatives or simply to enjoy the amazing mountain scenery and outdoor activities, there are plenty of great ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in the area.

In this guide to celebrating Thanksgiving in Summit County, we'll take a look at some creative ways to enjoy the holiday, from participating in a Turkey Day 5k to volunteering at a local food bank. And, of course, no trip to the mountains would be complete without getting outdoors for some hiking or skiing!

So we've got you covered if you're looking for ways to burn off those Thanksgiving calories or just want to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery. Let's take a look at five great ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in the mountains!

1. Prep for Thanksgiving Dinner with the Turkey Day 5k!

Get a head start on your Thanksgiving feast by participating in the Turkey Day 5k race! This annual event takes place on Thanksgiving morning and is a great way to burn off some calories before indulging in all the holiday classics.

This 9th annual turkey trot takes place in Frisco, CO, and is open to all ages and levels of fitness. The race benefits the Family & Intercultural Resource Center of Summit County, and last year raised over $6,500 for S.T.E.M. education in the Summit County area!

If you're looking for a fun, family-friendly activity to do on Thanksgiving morning, the Turkey Day 5k is a great option! The race begins at 9:30 AM at the Frisco Community Center (110 S. 3rd Ave).

2. Spread Holiday Joy with a Day of Serving

While we often think of Thanksgiving as a time to enjoy a feast with family and friends, it's also an excellent opportunity to give back to those in need. There are many ways to do this in Summit County - from volunteering at a local food bank to helping out at a soup kitchen.

The Rotary Club of Summit County has a great resource online for finding opportunities to give back on Thanksgiving Day. One way to get involved is with the Summit County Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

On Thanksgiving Day from 12 PM to 3 PM, join fellow Summit County volunteers to hand out over 400 complete Thanksgiving dinners to families in need. This unique event is staffed entirely by volunteers in partnership with the Rotary Club of Summit County and the Keystone Conference Center. You can sign up to help with set-up, serving food, or clean-up.

If you're looking for a way to give back this Thanksgiving, consider spending some time volunteering! It's a great way to make a difference in your community and spread holiday cheer.

3. Cook Your Turkey In Keystone

Okay, it may be a bit cold to cook the turkey outdoors in Summit County - but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving feast! Plenty of great restaurants in the area will be open on Thanksgiving Day and serving traditional holiday meals.

One option is to head to Keystone Resort, where you can rent one of the fantastic local condos and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with all the fixings. If you'd rather let someone else prepare the meal, River Run Village is full of tasty restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day. You can find everything from pizza to Mexican food, so everyone in your group is sure to find something they love.

And, of course, no trip to Summit County would be complete without visiting Keystone's Winter Carnival! This annual event takes place on Saturday, November 27th, and features a wide variety of fun activities, from live music to ice sculpting demonstrations. The event culminates with the lighting of the River Run Christmas Tree - an unforgettable experience for the whole family!

4. Hit The Slopes

Thanksgiving makes for an unofficial kickoff to the ski season in Summit County! All major resorts - Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Arapahoe Basin - will be opening their slopes for travelers looking to get a head start on the season.

If you plan to spend Thanksgiving in the mountains, take advantage of the early snow and hit the slopes! You can find great deals on lift tickets and lodging, and there's nothing quite like enjoying some fresh powder while surrounded by the stunning Rocky Mountain scenery.

5. Explore The Great Outdoors

There's no better place to enjoy the fall scenery than Summit County! With its picturesque mountains and valleys, the area is a popular destination for leaf peepers from all over the country.

If you're looking to get outdoors and explore, there are plenty of great options in Summit County. One popular activity is hiking - there are countless trails of varying difficulty to choose from, so you can find one that's perfect for your group.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider taking a scenic drive through one of the area's many mountain passes. Or, if you're up for a challenge, try your hand at summiting one of Summit County's highest peaks and take in the early hints of winter from the top of the world!

No matter how you choose to celebrate Thanksgiving in Summit County, you're sure to have a memorable holiday. From enjoying a delicious meal to hitting the slopes or exploring the great outdoors, there's something for everyone in this beautiful Rocky Mountain region.

Add Arapahoe Cafe & Pub to Your Thanksgiving To-Dos

When it comes to celebrating the holidays, few places have as much to offer as Summit County, Colorado. Whether you want to hit the slopes or cozy up by the fireplace, this Rocky Mountain region has everything you need to make Thanksgiving special.

And, of course, no trip to Summit County would be complete without a stop at Arapahoe Cafe & Pub! As one of Dillon, Colorado's favorite historic landmarks, Arapahoe Cafe & Pub is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving feast.

Stop by to check out our food menu that will please everyone in your group, and enjoy everything that Summit County has to offer this Thanksgiving! Happy Holiday from our Summit County family to yours.