The wait is over Colorado skiers and riders, Winter Park Resort in Grand County is opening the Mary Jane side of the ski area for the season on Friday, Jan. 9.

The timing is perfect as the ski area is set to celebrate the Jane’s 50th birthday on Saturday, Jan. 10.

“Since its official incorporation into Winter Park Resort in January 1976, Mary Jane has cultivated a reputation as a mountain that is ‘unfiltered, raw and unpolished,’ according to its cult-like followers,” Winter Park Resort said in a Saturday statement.

According to Winter Park, Mary Jane’s 50th anniversary provides a powerful narrative around the unique ski experience. Mary Jane’s half-century evolution demonstrates that skiing is an ongoing pursuit and is very much a part of the industry growth.

A Timeline of Mary Jane’s Growth

When Mary Jane opened in 1976, major global events included the United States celebration of its Bicentennial, the reunification of Vietnam, the Tangshan earthquake in China, and the Entebbe hostage rescue. But it’s more about what was happening in the 1800s that led to the legend and development of Mary Jane.

Mary Jane’s story and grit are deeply interwoven with Colorado’s rich history, particularly the spirit of the late 19th-century mining boom, when skiing emerged out of necessity for postal workers traversing the high alpine. This early practical application of skiing soon developed into recreation, laying the groundwork for the state’s vibrant ski scene.

• 1880s:  Mary Jane, a rumored local madam whose successful “services rendered” to miners, rail workers, and loggers, acquires land and transforms a sheep trail near her home.
• 1929: The Colorado Arlberg Club is founded, a weekend ski club for Colorado Front Range adventurers seeking high-country escapes. Members purchase an old mining claim, Mary Jane, named for the legendary madam.
• Early 1930s: Arlberg Club members cut one of the first recognized ski trails in the Western U.S. on their newly acquired land, aptly naming it the Mary Jane Trail.
• January 1940: Winter Park Resort opens its slopes, establishing itself as one of Colorado’s first major ski areas.
• January 1976: Winter Park Resort expands its skiable terrain and footprint by incorporating the Mary Jane Trail (original sheep trail is part of the ski area) and surrounding land into its operations, officially opening Mary Jane at Winter Park Resort to the public and adding 18 new trails.
• 1986:  Winter Park/Mary Jane enjoyed the benefits of a $9 million dollar capital improvement plan, and Mary Jane gained an additional 20 trails.
• Today: Mary Jane is a world-renowned destination, celebrated for its relentless moguls and untamed character, representing the definition of “unadulterated skiing.”

50th birthday party on the mountain activities:

• Mary Jane Ski Down Parade – All are invited to join in a commemorative parade down Mary Jane Trail.
• Swag Giveaways – Don’t miss out on opportunities throughout the day to snag unique Mary Jane 50th swag.
• Birthday Toast – Join us for cake, and a toast to Mary Jane at the base.
• Live Music on Mountain – We’ll be keeping the vibes high with live music at the base and on mountain in select locations.
• Pop Ups and More – Checkout Photobooths, Mary Jane Ale Samples, Exclusive Retail and more all around the base.

Après party in town:

• Big Gigantic – Free Show –It’ll be an après to remember with a free concert at the Rendezvous Event Center. Located in the town of Winter Park.
• Fireworks – Cap off the evening with a firework show worth of the Jane at the Rendezvous Event Center.

“Mary Jane’s 50th birthday is more than just a celebration of a ski area; it’s an affirmation of the enduring allure of mountain sports and their capacity to inspire,” Sky Foulkes, president of Winter Park Resort said. “We believe skiing, at its core, offers a unique sense of adventure and a connection to nature that is increasingly rare in our modern world.