In our December issue, I got the scoop [2] on the origins of some of Vail [3]'s 193 trail names. It seemed like an appropriate time to look back: The mountain is celebrating 50 years this season. What started as a modest ski spot with one gondola, two chairlifts, and just eight runs has since transformed into a vast and prestigious resort with far-flung name recognition. Of course, the anniversary isn't passing without celebration—and besides the debut of the new heated gondola [4], Vail is delivering a packed lineup [5] for this month and beyond. The highlights:

Snow Daze (December 10–16): The annual winter kick-off week gets amped up this year with some major stage presence. Rock out to the Shins [6] (Thursday), Michael Franti & Spearhead [7] (Friday), and Wilco [8] with hometown opener Nathaniel Rateliff [9] (Saturday). Tip: A three-concert pass (general admission) is just $99 through December 11. Ford Park; prices and times vary—purchase tickets here [10].

Public Film Premiere (December 14): Learn the history of Vail's founding at this big-screen event. The 50th anniversary flick is by Roger Cotton Brown, Vail’s original filmmaker. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. (the 5:30 showing is already sold out), Vail Marriot Resort & Spa, 715 W. Lionshead Circle;  free—tickets available here [11].

50th Birthday Celebration (December 15): The mountain's official birthday is December 15. Help ring it in with an outdoor party capped by a massive on-mountain fireworks show. (We've heard there might be cake, too.) 5:30 p.m., Mountain Plaza in Vail Village; free.

Burton U.S. Open (February 25–March 2): After 30 years of throwing tricks and flying down mountains on the East Coast, the Open [12]'s competitors are headed to their new home in Vail. Expect to see riders like Gretchen Bleiler, Sebastien Toutant, Torah Bright, and Shaun White competing in halfpipe and slopestyle. 

Bonus: Is it your 50th birthday? Vail's letting you ski for free. Seriously.

EVEN MORE

Let's not forget these other Colorado resorts celebrating birthdays this year:

Happy 40th, Copper! Celebrations commence this weekend [13] with a Neil Diamond cover band, a scavenger hunt, 72-cent beers, and more.

Happy Fifth Decade, Eldora! The resort honored the occasion by announcing that it's now smoke-free.

—Image courtesy of Connor Walberg

Follow assistant editor Daliah Singer on Twitter at @daliahsinger [14].