Skiing for 85 years is a long time to have been skiing.

It was 1939 when Howelsen, Loveland, Monarch, Winter Park and Wolf Creek were the only ski areas open in the state.

Other happenings in the ski world that year included:

• Toni Matt solidified his place in ski lore by straight lining Tuckerman Ravine during the 1939 American Inferno
• Ski apparel guru and wizard Klaus Obermeyer was all of 20 years old and his company Obermeyer hadn’t been founded yet
• A women’s gabardine jacket and pants set sold for $14.90 ($321 adjusted for inflation in 2024) at an Aspen ski apparel store

I think it fancy that two of the those original five — Winter Park and Wolf Creek — can boast the title of ‘Most Snow in Colorado’, hence maybe a standing reason why they are still operating with great success in 2024.

But we as skiers or snowboarders should celebrate them some how, especially since three of Colorado’s 29 ski resorts turn 85 in 2024-25 — Monarch, Winter Park and Wolf Creek.

The most lucrative place to celebrate at would be Wolf Creek. They’ll have (85 cent) cupcakes on celebration days!

November

Starting Saturday, Wolf Creek is beginning season-long events each month by featuring special happenings to commemorate the anniversary.

To kick off the anniversary, Wolf Creek will have a Vintage Ski Selfie-Station, inviting ski area guests to take a photo with a commemorative backdrop.

“The selfie-station will be available to guests all season, however, Nov. 23 is the designated celebration day for November, where all who take a selfie at the Vintage Ski Station can post to Wolf Creek’s accounts with the hashtag #wolfcreek85 in addition to collecting a Vintage Ski Selfie-Station Sticker,” the resort said in a statement Monday.

The Vintage Ski Selfie-Station will be on the southside deck of the Base Camp Picnic Building.

Of note, every event will have a free sticker for participants to collect. Participants who have collected at least six event stickers will be entered into a drawing for grand prizes at the end of the season.

December

For December, the main event will be an art contest for painters and sketch artists.

“A theme will be announced closer to December so that artists can take direction when creating their art piece,” the ski area said. “Submissions will begin Dec. 1, with last day of submission being Dec. 31.”

A gallery week will take place in the Base Camp Lodge from Jan. 10-17 where the general public can vote on their favorite drawing or sketch. The winner of the art contest will be announced Jan. 17.

January

January will also feature two days to eulogize the 85th anniversary on Jan. 12 and 14. A Scavenger Hunt is Jan. 12, with stickers being hidden throughout the mountain where skiers and boarders who have cracked the clues can find the scavenger hunt stickers. Participants who collect six or more stickers can earn a prize.

The 85th Day of the 85th Anniversary Season will be acknowledged as well Jan. 14. Event stickers will be handed out to guests purchasing lift tickets at the ticket office.

February

For the ski area’s historically snowiest month, February will bring back the creative vibe to the celebrations with a photo contest.

“Photographers will have a chance to submit a printed photo to the competition beginning Feb. 1” the ski area said. “Photographers last day to submit their photo will be Feb. 28. Another gallery week will take place in the Base Camp Lodge where guests can vote for their favorite photo, with the winner announced March 7.”

A second event for the month of February will be the 85th Anniversary Fun Race. The Race is open to skiers and boarders of all ages and ability levels. The course is a modified giant slalom with a dual race format. The racer’s fastest time is used to qualify for the racer’s age bracket.

Registration is from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., in the Raven’s Nest on race day. Skiers can also sign up on the top of the race course until 12:30 p.m. Each racer will receive an 85th Anniversary Fun Race sticker for taking on the race course.

March

Skiers and snowboarders who have followed the 85 Fun Facts on Wolf Creek’s social media accounts will have an upper hand advantage for March’s commemorative occasion.

Trivia Hour is Sunday, March 30, from 3 to 4 p.m. Trivia goers will meet near the Pathfinder Bar to team up with fellow trivia goers to test their knowledge collected throughout the ski season. Trivia participants will have the perfect opportunity to sip on a signature cocktail during the competition as well.

April

Anniversary happenings will conclude in April with a Costume Contest.

“Guests will be tasked with dressing up in their best retro-ski inspired outfit on Sunday, April 6,” the ski area said. “Location and times of the event will be announced closer to the Costume Contest.”

April 6 will also be the day participants enter the grand prize drawing after competing all season with the celebratory events. Prizes include lift tickets for the 2025-26 ski season, 25% off coupons in Treasure Sports, T-shirts, hoodies, ballcaps, pins and stickers.

Après anyone?

Thunder Mountain and Gate 5 drinks will be Wolf Creek’s 85th signature cocktails.

The 85th season will also feature a live band and ski boot dance on the Upper Lodge deck. Announcements on the date can be found at WolfCreekSki.com.