Mary Jane & Winter Park: Explained

Mary Jane & Winter Park: Explained

Mary Jane and Winter Park are two “sister” ski resorts located in the Rocky Mountains. They are both located near the town of Winter Park, between Idaho Springs and Granby. They are separate ski areas with distinct characteristics and offerings. To keep it simple, they do share tickets and the same season passes, currently the Ikon Pass.

Mary Jane is known for its steep terrain and deep powder, and is considered a more challenging ski area than Winter Park. It is particularly popular with advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders. Mary Jane is also known for its moguls and tree skiing.

Winter Park, on the other hand, is considered a more family-friendly ski area with a wider range of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. It has over 3,000 skiable acres, with a wide variety of runs, including groomed cruisers, terrain parks, and back bowls. It also offers a variety of activities, such as tubing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and more.

Both resorts are part of the same parent company; a lift ticket or season pass will allow access to both ski areas.

Overall, Mary Jane and Winter Park have different personalities. Mary Jane is more challenging and expert-oriented, while Winter Park is more family-friendly and welcoming to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.

Mary Jane

The area now referred to as Mary Jane started like many Colorado towns, as a settlement of miners, rail yard workers and loggers in the late 1800s.

A woman named Mary Jane had a clever business sense for supply and demand of miners and became a well-known madam of the evening. Mary Jane’s business is partially credited with turning what was once a lonely mountain trail into a highly sought-after winter playground.

The Mary Jane ski area is known for its steep terrain and deep powder, and is considered a more challenging ski area than Winter Park. It is particularly popular with advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders, and is known for its moguls and spectacular tree skiing. The Panoramic Express is a popular lift taking you to 12,060 and the Parsenn Bowl, which connects the two ski areas.

If you are an early bird, Mary Jane offers parking right next to some of the main lifts. This makes any back and forth to the car for a boot adjustment or quick lunch a breeze. They also have a little waffle hut too.

Winter Park

The history of the Winter Park area can be traced back to the late 1800s, when the first prospectors and miners arrived in search of gold and silver. The area was initially used for logging and mining, but in the 1930s, the Denver, Northwestern and Pacific Railway, which runs through the area, began promoting it as a winter sports destination.

In 1939, the city of Denver, which owned the railway, opened the Winter Park Ski Area, which was initially just a rope tow and a small ski jump. Over the following years, the ski area was expanded, and new lifts and gondolas. The ski area was popular, but it was not until the 1960s that Winter Park began to see significant growth and development.

In the 1970s, Winter Park underwent a major expansion, with the addition of several new lifts, including the Zephyr Express, which made it possible to ski the entire mountain. The ski area also began to attract more visitors, and the town of Winter Park began to grow as well, with the development of new condominiums, vacation homes, and other accommodations.

Today, Winter Park Resort is a major tourist destination, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world. It has a wide variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, as well as other activities such as tubing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and more. It also has a rich history that is reflected in the town and the ski area, which continues to be a major part of the local economy and culture.

Winter Park & Mary Jane Ski Map

Terrain Deep Dive

This is where the distinction becomes most apparent. While experts can find thrills on the Winter Park side and intermediates can find cruisers at Mary Jane, the primary character of the terrain differs significantly.

Mary Jane: Home of the Bump Fiends and Tree Seekers

• Moguls: Mary Jane is legendary for its bumps. Long, sustained, knee-pounding mogul runs define this territory. Runs like Outhouse, Railbender, Drifter, and Mary Jane trail itself are rites of passage for mogul enthusiasts. They are often left ungroomed, allowing bumps to grow large and challenging throughout the season.
• Tree Skiing: Some of Colorado’s best lift-accessed tree skiing is found here. From the tight aspens and pines off the Challenger lift to the expansive glades in the Eagle Wind Territory (accessed via Mary Jane), powder days are magical. The trees range from moderately spaced intermediate glades to steep, tight expert chutes.
• Steeper Pitch: Generally, the runs on the Mary Jane side maintain a more consistent, steeper pitch than many of the cruisers on the Winter Park side.
• High Alpine (Parsenn Bowl): While technically its own territory, Parsenn Bowl is most easily accessed via Mary Jane lifts. It offers wide-open, high-alpine bowl skiing above the treeline – fantastic on sunny or powder days, but exposed in wind or low visibility.
• Limited Grooming: While some groomers exist (like Sunnyside), the focus is on natural terrain. Don’t come expecting miles of corduroy.

Winter Park Mountain: Cruisers, Learning Zones, and Park Life

• Groomers: This is where Winter Park shines for many. Long, wide, meticulously groomed blue and green runs are perfect for carving, cruising, and building confidence. Runs like Cramner, March Hare, and White Rabbit are family favorites.
• Beginner Zones: Winter Park has excellent, dedicated learning areas like the Discovery Park, served by easy lifts and gentle slopes, making it ideal for first-timers. The Sorenson Park area near the base offers slightly more progression.
• Terrain Parks: The majority of the resort’s terrain parks are located on the Winter Park side within the dedicated Terrain Park Territory. From introductory features to large jumps and complex rail setups, there’s something for every level of freestyle rider.
• Intermediate Variety: Beyond the main groomers, areas like Vasquez Ridge (another territory, easily accessed from Winter Park) offer more intermediate terrain with some slightly steeper pitches and glades.
• Something for Everyone: While known for being more beginner/intermediate-friendly, experts can still find challenges, like steeper groomed runs off the Pioneer Express or exploring Vasquez Cirque (hike-to terrain).

Skill Level Sweet Spots

• Choose Mary Jane if: You are an advanced or expert skier/rider who loves moguls and tree skiing. You appreciate a challenging, raw mountain experience and don’t need extensive base area amenities. Confident intermediates looking to push their skills in bumps and trees will also find plenty to explore (start with groomed blues like Sunnyside or less intense bumps off the Pony Express lift).
• Choose Winter Park (Mountain/Base Area) if: You are a beginner or intermediate, skiing or riding with family, looking for extensive grooming, want access to top-notch terrain parks, or prioritize the convenience of a full-service resort village with lots of dining and lodging options. Experts can still have a blast linking groomers, exploring Vasquez Ridge, or using it as a jumping-off point to other territories.

Base Area Amenities & Services

Winter Park Village:

• Multiple restaurants, from quick service to sit-down dining.
• Retail shops (gear, apparel, souvenirs).
• Large rental and demo centers.
• Ski & Ride School headquarters.
• Lodging (Zephyr Mountain Lodge, Fraser Crossing/Founders Pointe, etc.).
• Coffee shops, bars, ice skating rink (seasonal), guest services.
• Access via the scenic Winter Park Gondola.

Mary Jane Base:

• Mary Jane Center: Cafeteria-style food, the Club Car bar (iconic apres-ski spot), restrooms, limited rentals, ticket office.
• Focus on essentials for a day on the slopes.
• Parking is generally closer to the lifts (multiple lots).
• Simpler, faster access to challenging terrain.

Lift Access & Navigation

Both areas are well-connected by lifts.

• From the Winter Park base, the Gondola provides primary access, with other lifts like Arrow and Explorer serving beginner areas. The Pioneer Express whisks intermediates and advanced riders up higher.
• From the Mary Jane base, the Super Gauge Express is the main artery, providing quick access to the heart of MJ’s terrain. Other key lifts include the Challenger (steeper bumps/trees) and the Sunnyside (accessing Parsenn Bowl and some intermediate terrain).
• Connecting between the two is easy. You can ski/ride down connector trails or use lifts like Olympia Express (from WP towards MJ) or High Lonesome Express (from MJ summit towards WP). Signage is generally clear.

Crowd Dynamics

Crowds can vary greatly depending on the day (weekends/holidays vs. weekdays) and conditions (powder days!).

• Mary Jane: Can feel less crowded on the slopes themselves, especially if you dive into the bumps and trees where people disperse. However, the base area and the main Super Gauge lift line can get congested, particularly on busy mornings. Parking can fill up quickly.
• Winter Park: The main base village and beginner areas can feel very busy, especially during peak lesson times. However, the vast amount of terrain and extensive lift network helps spread people out effectively once they are up the mountain. Waits at the Gondola can be significant during peak periods.

Lessons, Rentals, and Beginner Focus

• Winter Park: This is the hub for the Ski & Ride School. Group lessons, private lessons, and children’s programs predominantly operate out of the Winter Park base. The largest and most comprehensive rental and demo shops are also located here. If you’re learning or need extensive gear services, start at the Winter Park base.
• Mary Jane: While you can get tickets and limited rentals at the MJ base, it’s not the primary center for lessons. Advanced skiers might book specific clinics or private lessons that utilize MJ terrain, but beginners should head to the main WP base.

Apres-Ski Scene

• Winter Park: Offers a wider variety of apres-ski options in the Village. You can find slopeside patios, restaurants with bars (like Doc’s Roadhouse or Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge – accessible via Gondola), and a generally more bustling social scene. Good for families or those wanting diverse choices.
• Mary Jane: The apres scene largely revolves around one iconic spot: The Club Car. Located in the Mary Jane Center, it’s a classic, no-frills ski bar known for its lively atmosphere, local feel, cold beers, and shared stories of the day’s conquests (or wipeouts) on the bumps. It’s a must-visit for the authentic MJ experience.

Accessibility & Parking

• Winter Park Base: Accessed directly off Highway 40. Offers a mix of free parking (further out, requiring a shuttle) and paid parking (closer garage and lots). The free Cabriolet lift connects some outer lots to the village. Can involve more walking or shuttle reliance depending on where you park.
• Mary Jane Base: A separate entrance further up Highway 40. Consists of several tiered lots (Dotsero, Utah Junction, etc.) that are generally closer to the snow than WP’s free lots. These lots fill very quickly on weekends and powder days. Arrive early! There’s no village here, just the base lodge and lifts.

Mary Jane vs. Winter Park at a Glance

If you are looking for more Colorado Ski History, check out The History of the Chair Lift in Colorado.