As bits and pieces of history and lore are revealed, what began as an innocent settlement of miners, rail yard workers and loggers in the late 1800s, would later mark the "peak" of a woman named Mary Jane and her clever business sense for supply and demand.
A well-known madam and local lady of the evening, Mary Jane's good fortune for services rendered would turn what was once a lonely sheep trail used for grazing into a highly sought-after winter playground.
Mary Jane lived in the town of Arrow, about 3-4 miles up the old railroad bed. The parcel of land that is the base of Mary Jane sits on what was called the Mary Jane Placer. It is unknown whether Mary Jane bought this parcel of land with her earnings or if it was given to her by a grateful client.
In 1975, Mary Jane opened, adding 18 new trails (350 acres) and increasing the size of Winter Park Resort by 80%.
By 1986, Winter Park/Mary Jane enjoyed the benefits of a $9 million dollar capital improvement plan. Mary Jane gained an additional 20 trails (200 acres), which included some of Colorado's steepest trails in The Chutes.
The 90s brought additional favors to "the Lady." The Sunnyside chairlift begins operation on the backside of Mary Jane. In addition, Club Car restaurant increased capacity by 50% and snowmaking was expanded to Mary Jane. Fortunately, this lady just keeps getting better.
While Mary Jane may have been a lady of ill repute, her namesake trail is one of the finest to be found anywhere in the country.