Wisp at Deep Creek Mountain Resort: Maryland's Only Ski Resort

Maryland is a state that stretches west from the Chesapeake Bay into the Allegheny Mountains of the Appalachians. Located in Garrett County, Maryland's western most county, there is Maryland's largest freshwater lake, Deep Creek Lake. Rising from its bank in the tiny town of McHenry is Marsh Mountain, the site of Maryland's only ski resort. Wisp at Deep Creek Mountain Resort, known to many simply as Wisp.

Location is very important to a ski areas success. Wisp is within a few hours drive of Washington, DC, Baltimore, Maryland and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is also one of the closest ski areas to West Virginia University. Wisp has a top elevation over 3000 feet, which helps temperatures to be much colder than Baltimore or Washington. The location is also far enough west, to still get lake effect snows off of the Great Lakes. "Garrett County averages 100 inches" of snow a year.

With recent expansion, Wisp has grown to 32 trails. The resort offers something to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. They have ten trails for beginners including Possum, a 1.5 mile long beginner trail. Wisp offers 13 intermediate trails. I would recommend the East Ridge for intermediates, or ski down Muskrat and some of the connecting trails to enjoy the views of Deep Creek Lake. They have 9 advanced trails. I would recommend Main Street, the terrain is varied and the views of the lake are wonderful. In the spring, I enjoy the moguls on the Face, and for letting skis run fast on a nice steep, Squirrel Cage could be the place.

Wisp at Deep Creek Mountain Resort also offers some other winter activities besides skiing and snowboarding. The resort also offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Snowmobiling and snowtubing are more options available on your winter visit to Wisp. Spa services are also offered to help you wind down after a long day of winter play. Wisp has recently remodeled their lodge. They have a really, nice ski shop on site called Rudy's. They have a hotel with an indoor swimming pool. The lodge offers several dining options and has a few bars for your Après Ski activities. On some nights they have free concerts in the lodge.

Nearby, you can ice fish on Deep Creek Lake. There are several parks in the area, where one could possibly cross country ski, snowshoe or hike.

Wisp at Deep Creek Mountain Resort is a truly a four season resort. In the off season you can take a scenic chair ride and enjoy the scenery which is beautiful year round. I would recommend doing this in the fall, as the foliage is splendid. They have an 18-hole golf course. The resort has a large street and skate park. Mountain biking and mountain boarding are two ways to enjoy the mountain when it is not snow covered. Paintball and disc golf are some of the active activities the resort offers. There is fly fishing, kayaking, rafting and boat rides offered by the resort. These just names a few of the activities Wisp at Deep Creek has to offer.

Come to ski or snowboard this winter; enjoy the resort as a winter wonderland. Then when the snow melts come back and discover what else the mountain has to offer you.