The celebration is Saturday Jan. 31, but Tuesday Jan. 27 Mad River Glen is rolling back lift ticket prices to 1948 and people can ski for $3.50.

"That's always a fun day," said Mad River's Eric Friedman.

"Then on Saturday is the gala with a great band - The Big Basin Band, good food - from The Wooden Spoon Catering - and a story telling session about Mad River. There's an oral history project we've been working on and we'll be telling stories and videotaping for posterity," Friedman said.

A significant part of the celebration is a book signing by Mary Kerr, who has just published "A Mountain Love Affair," a 220-page coffee table book about the history of Mad River Glen filled with stories and photos.

"A Mountain Love Affair" is the story of a mountain founded on the unique principles of ski pioneer Roland Palmedo, principles that guided it through the decades.

Friedman said Palmedo's vision continues to guide Mad River's current skier-owners as they strive to preserve and protect the unique ski experience offered at their mountain.