Industry News
Winter Park Resort’s Mary Jane, a legendary cornerstone of Colorado’s vibrant ski culture, is opening for the season on Friday, January 9, just in time to mark Mary Jane’s 50th birthday. January 10 marks a significant milestone, solidifying Mary Jane’s enduring legacy as a “bucket list” destination and a testament to the spirit of the ski industry.
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. Its iconic bumps, steep tree runs, hidden lines, and overall vibe have challenged the most seasoned skiers and also fostered a unique community with a shared passion for rugged, undiscovered adventure. This is where the iconic mantra, “No Pain, No Jane,” was born–a tribute to the demanding yet rewarding experience for those who hit its slopes. The phrase, developed organically among its dedicated following, speaks to the physical and mental focus required and the unparalleled sense of accomplishment gained from a day on Mary Jane.
From Mining Claim to Mountain Mecca: A Timeline of Mary Jane’s Growth
When Mary Jane opened in 1976, major global events included the United States’ Bicentennial celebration, 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, which they aptly named 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 (the original sheep trail is part of the ski area) and surrounding land into its operations, officially opening Mary Jane to the public and adding 18 new trails.
- 1986: Winter Park/Mary Jane enjoyed the benefits of a $9 million 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.”
The Untamed Spirit of Colorado Skiing
From its storied past as a miner’s path to its current status as a challenging playground, Mary Jane invites skiers to embrace the adventure, push their limits, and become part of a living legend. What makes Mary Jane so special, so ingrained in the fabric of ski lore, is its unwavering commitment to raw, challenging terrain.
This 50th birthday is an invitation for the ski industry and enthusiasts to reflect on Mary Jane’s unique contribution to mountain culture. This contribution celebrates not just its history but also its vital role in marking an era of skiing defined by its power to connect people to the land and to challenge them.
Redefining Ski Culture
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 a significant part of this industry’s growth. This iconic mountain continuously adapts and reinvents itself for new generations seeking adventure, freedom, and undiscovered potential.
“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. 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. Mary Jane, with its rugged, untamed spirit, embodies this perfectly. It’s always been a place to be yourself,” Sky Foulkes, president of Winter Park Resort, said.
