By Rachel Barbara

According to lore, miners and railroad workers rewarded land to this local lady for her “favors.” In 1975, Winter Park Resort transformed that land into a ski mountain bearing her notorious name – Mary Jane.

The town of Winter Park has a year-round population of about 700, but the resort draws over one million visitors per year. Still, the town and resort remain a locals’ favorite; many Coloradans learned to ski here, and they know Mary Jane for bumps, trees and extreme terrain.

While skiers and riders of all levels will find trails for their abilities, advanced and expert runs dominate. Parents teaching kids will appreciate $10 tickets for the Galloping Goose lift and Sorenson Park, the resort’s learning area. Mention the deal at the ticket window; the long-standing offer is rarely advertised.

Families seeking a more relaxed atmosphere should drive 25 minutes north to ski a day at SolVista Basin. The mellow terrain, affordable lift tickets and super-friendly staff makes this small resort a welcome break from the tourist bustle.

Exploring by snowmobile is one of the best ways to experience high altitudes. Trailblazer Snowmobile Tours and Grand Adventures offer guided tours to nearly 12,000 feet. Both companies cater to families, but gurus may want to visit Grand Adventures’ second location, 35 miles north of Winter Park, for unguided rentals.

Backcountry snowshoe trails are abundant, but for a milder experience, Winter Park Resort hosts guided tours. Devil’s Thumb Ranch is home to world-class Nordic trails.

The summer festival season officially kicks off on Memorial Day weekend. It’s worth the effort to schedule visits around outdoor concerts, the Fourth of July celebration, the High Country Rodeo and Stampede or the Italian Festival. The area bills itself as Mountain Bike Captial USA, and there’s good reason. Over 600 miles of trails course the mountainsides, which are home to local and national races. An official trail guide is available at local gear shops.

Golfers seeking the traditional mountain experience should enjoy the award-winning Pole Creek; for a scenic, affordable green, try Headwaters at Granby Ranch. With hundreds of miles of rivers and streams, the valley is also a fisherman’s paradise. Visit Winter Park Flyfisher for gear, rentals and guided tours.

Downtown is small, but the restaurants serve big flavors. Hernando’s Pizza & Pasta Pub is perfect for families and Carver’s is the local’s spot for breakfast and lunch. Randi’s serves huge burgers, traditional Irish fare and European beers on tap.

The resort and the town are separated by a short, free shuttle ride. Families may prefer vacation homes close to the resort, where activities abound year-round. Young couples however, may choose to stay near town, where they’ll often find cheaper vacation rentals and more local character. Mary Jane may no longer be walking the downtown streets, but her legend lives on when the snow falls in Winter Park.