Wisp

An opening date in 1955 makes the Wisp Resort one of the oldest southern ski areas in the country. Today, its claim to fame for most skiers and snowboarders is that it is the only alpine downhill venue in Maryland that is a year-round facility. Located in the northwest corner of Maryland, the venue hosts visitors from Pittsburgh to Washington DC.

A motorist driving here will use Interstate 68 before transferring to US Route 219. That will take drivers to the northern edge of Deep Creek Lake and the town of McHenry, Maryland. Several local and regional airfields are close, but International facilities in Pittsburgh are the closest at 124 miles.

Amenities Abound Here

One advantage of an all-season resort like the Wisp ski area is that ownership often puts resources into guest services and amenities. Hundreds of guest rooms at the Lodge accommodate groups big and small, with access to the heated indoor pool and fitness area. Those not wanting to stay slopeside can find lodging in one of the seven partner establishments nearby. These places range from Bed & Breakfast to cabin-style hotels, with prices that fit nearly any budget or preference.

Dining and shopping are other activities available to skiers and riders when they are not in the snow. Five bars, cafes, and grills serve everything from quick snacks to full meals. Two retail outlets cover apparel, toys, and alpine necessities for guests at the Wisp Resort ski area. Other dining and retail opportunities in surrounding communities bolster these on-site venues to provide everything guests could need.

Outside of the fitness center and indoor pool, guests at the Wisp Resort ski area might want to enjoy some winter fun with the mountain coaster. It has a 1,300-foot uphill track that combines the elements of alpine slides and roller coasters with a braking system that keeps top speeds under 30 MPH.

Going Downhill on Marsh Mountain

The Wisp Resort ski area sits at the base of Marsh Mountain (elevation of 2,415 feet). Its summit of 3,115 feet creates the 700-foot vertical drop that guests enjoy as they work down the slopes. Deep Creek Lake and the surrounding area get about 100 inches of snow annually, which the resort uses to full effect. Add to this the extensive snowmaking system that covers 90-percent of the skiable terrain, and Wisp Resort ski area visitors have plenty of potentials to carve down the slopes of Marsh Mountain.

The trail system at the Wisp Resort ski venue sits across the 137 acres of skiable terrain, with a combined length near 11-miles total. There are 33 runs that rate at green/beginner (24-percent), blue/intermediate (45-percent), and black diamond/advanced (33-percent). These get groomed nightly, and 90-percent of the terrain has lights for night skiing and riding. The Wisp Resort ski area uses a surface tow, five magic carpets, five triples, and two quads to move guests uphill.

That lift system includes the two conveyor carpets in the snow tubing area, with two and four-hour access to the tubing chutes available (depending upon the day). Three terrain parks (Beginner, Intermediate, and Central) offer freestyle ripping and shredding opportunities.