Turkey trots and the World Cup’s return highlight the November events calendar

The World Cup returns to Killington over Thanksgiving weekend. (Getty Images)

The best ski area event during the month of November would be, no doubt, opening day. 

But just in case your favorite mountain isn’t quite ready to give it a go during November, odds are there is still a turkey trot, ski swap, or other fall festival taking place there instead. Here’s a quick roundup of some of the events you’ll find this month. 

Nov. 5-6: Gunstock Ski Club ski and snowboard sale, Gunstock, N.H. Merchandise includes new and used skis, snowboards, poles, helmets, gear bags, boots, and cross-country skis.

Nov. 6: Fall food truck fest, Wachusett, Mass. The fifth annual festival brings live music, a huge selection of beer, and plenty of food to the Princeton ski area. 

Nov. 11-14: Country Ski Expo, Hanover, Mass. Country Ski and Sport will host another expo at its warehouse in Hanover, Nov. 11-14, hoping to serve as the de facto annual kickoff to the skiing and riding season that the Boston Ski Expo managed to do for so many years. 

Nov. 13: Annual ski swap, Mount Sunapee, N.H. The swap features skis, snowboards, boots, poles, skates, cross-country gear, and clothing. 

Nov. 20: The Big Kicker, Sugarbush, Vt. Sugarbush and Mad River Glen once again team up to deliver this rail jam demonstration. Sponsored by Lawson’s Finest Liquids. 

Nov. 20-21: Okemo ski and snowboard swap, Okemo, Vt. Gear up for the season with new and used gear for sale. 

Nov. 25-Dec. 4: Okemo Mountain School virtual Trot it Off 5K run/walk. Okemo Mountain School is holding its annual Trot it Off 5k as a virtual event this year. Participate individually for $20 or as a team for $100. 

Nov. 25: Gobble, Gobble, Wobble 5K, Stratton, Vt. Jog through the scenic backgrounds of Stratton Mountain Village at this family-friendly race. Register in advance for $50, $55 day of race. 

Nov. 26: Day for the Devoted, Jay Peak, Vt. Jay Peak is kicking off the season with an opening day that includes free lift tickets, hot dogs, mini-instructional clinics, and other discounts. Registration has reached its cap. 

Nov. 27: Ninth Annual Cold Turkey Plunge, Waterville Valley, N.H. Take a dip in Cororcan Pond to benefit Waterville Valley Adaptive Sports. Make a donation here. 

Nov. 27-28: Homelight Killington Cup, Killington, Vt. The best female ski racers in the world are back at Killington for the first time in two years for the slalom and grand slalom runs. The popular World Cup stop was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.