One week later than advertised, Vail Mountain finally kicks off its season on Friday (Nov 25), with Beaver Creek opening - perhaps the first time in its history - on the same day. That’s great news for skiers and snowboarders, but it’s not the only bit of excitement on tap this week. For those who don’t want to cook on Thanksgiving, we’ve got you covered, as several restaurants are hosting great Thanksgiving dinners. And we've compiled a slew of other fun events that will make you thankful that you’re here, whether you're visiting our happy valley in spirit or in person, or call it home.

After skiing, Thanksgiving takes center stage this week. For those interested in sharing more than a meal with kindred spirits, there's no better place to be on Turkey Day than Thanksgiving at the Edwards Interfaith Chapel and Community Center on November 24. This free Thanksgiving dinner starts at 4 p.m. and is open to everyone, from long-term residents to newbies.

Vail Mountain finally opens on Friday (Nov 25), and along with it comes a slew of après ski opportunities. While the skiing action will be confined to Lionshead and the Born Free run, bars across town are welcoming the return of winter with live music and outdoor deck action. One of our favorites is Bridge Street standard The Red Lion, which headlines local après ski crooner Brendan McKinney. If you want to stick around in Lionshead after scoring the first turns of the season, then we suggest the deck at Garfinkel’s, which promises to have a lively scene on the first day of the year.

For skiers at the 'Beav, opening day festivities include the 13^th annual World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition. Five finalists will serve up their creations to an eager crowd of cookie fans, with the winner receiving $1,000 and bragging rights as the Official Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe of Beaver Creek for the 2016/2017 winter season. Public judging starts at 2 p.m., but don't be late: the crowd traditionally gobbles up approximately 5,000 cookies in 20 minutes.

If après isn’t your thing, or if you want to keep the party going on Friday night, head to Agave in Avon for a 9:30 p.m. gig with The Marcus King Band. Raised in Greenville, South Carolina, King cut his teeth playing with his father (bluesman Marvin King) before striking out on his own as a gig musician with such luminaries as the Almond Brothers' Warren Haynes as well as fronting his own group. You can bet King will reprise tunes from his debut 2015 release, the acclaimed Soul Insight, which reached No. 8 on the Billboard blues charts. King's second album (2016’s The Marcus King Band) is equally impressive, climbing to the No. 2 spot on Billboard and featuring artists such as Derek Trucks and Haynes. If you're into the blues, this show is for you.

On Saturday (Nov 26), tap into your inner artist at Alpine Arts Center’s Cupcakes & Canvas/Clay event. In addition to scarfing cupcakes, the real draw is personalized instruction as participants are guided through a step-by-step demonstration of how to make your own acrylic painting or clay project. Canvases, brushes, easels, paints, aprons and all other artistic materials (and cupcakes!) are included. Say you need more than calories to commune with your inner muse? No problem: wine, beer and champagne can be purchased during the class to help loosen that left side of your brain. 3 p.m., $30