The iconic Mary Jane ski area turns 50

State of play: Mary Jane is marking its 50th season Friday. The anniversary also celebrates the untamed spirit that gives the mountain its cult following in an age of mega-resorts.

• The 57 named trails, spanning 1,000 acres, are predominantly suited for advanced or expert skiers.
• The legendary steep, ungroomed trails and moguls will make your legs ache for days.

What they're saying: "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," Sky Foulkes, Winter Park Resort president, said in a statement.

• "Mary Jane, with its rugged and untamed spirit, perfectly embodies this. It's always been a place to be yourself."

Fun fact: The area's name is not a reference to legal marijuana in Colorado.

• It's actually named for an old mining claim from the late 1800s and a "madam" with the same name.