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Wisp Creek is Deep Creek Lake, Maryland’s home resort and famously hosts a popular New England skiing season each winter. Make the most of their 172 acres, 700 ft vertical rise, and the highest elevation in the state.
In fact, Wisp Resort is Maryland’s only downhill ski resort, the conditions for a great ski season here are hard to beat.
As we prepare for another season, let’s dive into some of the best things to know before you embark on your winter activities.
About Wisp Resort
There’s a reason it’s referred to as Wisp Ski Resort, so often, and that’s the incredible skiing that you’ll find here every time!
With the highest point at 3,115 ft and the base at 2,415 ft, Wisp Resort has the highest elevation in the state of Maryland and boasts 34 trails and 7 lifts for skiers of all levels. The mountain is made of 41% beginner trails, 28% intermediate trails, and 31% advanced trails, a comparable balance for each skillset.
Even better, once you graduate to a new level of skiing expertise, you can immediately try your hand at a more difficult slope. For first timers, the resort has a safe learning area with a magic carpet that can help build confidence away from the crowds.
" I think the most important thing in skiing is you have to be having fun. If you’re having fun, then everything else will come easy to you."
There’s a reason it’s referred to as Wisp Ski Resort, so often, and that’s the incredible skiing that you’ll find here every time!
With the highest point at 3,115 ft and the base at 2,415 ft, Wisp Resort has the highest elevation in the state of Maryland and boasts 34 trails and 7 lifts for skiers of all levels. The mountain is made of 41% beginner trails, 28% intermediate trails, and 31% advanced trails, a comparable balance for each skillset.
Even better, once you graduate to a new level of skiing expertise, you can immediately try your hand at a more difficult slope. For first timers, the resort has a safe learning area with a magic carpet that can help build confidence away from the crowds.
Wisp Resort Activities
Skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only activities you can indulge in this winter, Wisp Resort has tons of additional spaces for guests to enjoy.
Mountain Coaster
Did you know that Wisp Resort has a year-round mountain coaster that allows riders to control their speed and coast down the ice and snow in a fun, controlled way? The self-controlled bobsled hybrid descends 2300 ft down the mountain and is tons of fun for everyone.
It is one of only five in the entire United States, so don’t overlook it during your stay.
Ice Skating
They also have a temperature-controlled ice-skating rink for those at the park to use. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own skates, you can get rentals on-site and the rink is groomed and filled to ensure smooth skating for people of all levels.
Zip-Line
Now, this is less of a winter activity, but when the snow melts you can find yourself zipping through the trees on the resort’s local course of five zips and two bridges.
Younger kids will delight in the Chipmunk Challenge, geared toward their age groups, while adults and older children love the Spider Monkey obstacle course which takes a bit more finesse.
Summer Activities
During the summer, along with ziplining, you can take on some downhill mountain biking, a Segway tour, and kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding at the Deep Creek Lake State Park.
Wisp Resort Snow Tubing and Adventure Park
Wisp Resort’s Adventure Park boasts a tubing park with 12 lanes that are groomed once or twice a day for smoothness, as well as 2 magic carpets.
During certain weather, tubes can be linked together for groups to enjoy the ride all at once, but other times it is recommended to be a solo activity, especially when it is colder, and tubes are sure to go faster.
Peak winter season sees this area open all day and most evenings, and reservations are recommended so that you can best utilize your time. Often, passes are good for 2 hours a person, but if the park isn’t too crowded or conditions allow, it may be good for closer to 4-5 hours.
Wisp Resort Ticket Pricing
Lift tickets at Wisp vary in price depending on various factors like the time of the year and the day of the week.
Typically, you can expect to pay $79 per adult and $54 for kids
Night skiing tickets are available at discounted rates, too, if you’re looking for a cheaper one-time option.
Overall, the best value is the season pass which goes for less than $400 but is put on sale in March of the previous year. So, at the end of a season, passes begin to go on sale for the next season.
Season pass holders can also get buddy tickets at a discounted rate, even on the resort’s blackout days, as well as a one-day ticket at Pennsylvania’s nearby Seven Springs Resort and any other EPT Ski resorts. The perks just keep on going. If you live in the area and enjoy the sport, we recommend this option every time!
Where to Stay
With tons of recent renovations to its spaces and amenities, Wisp Resort Hotel has 103 suites and 67 guest rooms available. The hotel is conveniently attached to the ski lodge, meaning that it is beautifully situated at the base of the mountain. You can enjoy a pool and fitness area anytime you need a little reset inside.
Happy Skiing!
Winter is always an exciting season, especially in New England. Don’t forget that we have plenty of guides to help you make the most of it by doing and seeing all of the best things in Maryland.
Check out the rest of our site for great spots, eats, and activities.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or want to share anything about your experience at Wisp Resort with us, let us know on socials @marylandrecommendations.
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Maryland Office of Tourism
