Wisp Ski Resort facts for kids

Wisp Resort is a super fun place in Maryland where you can ski and snowboard! It's the only ski resort in Maryland that's open all year round. You can find it near Deep Creek Lake in a town called McHenry. This area is in Garrett County, Maryland, close to the borders of West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania.

Wisp Resort is built on a place called Marsh Mountain. It's about 10 miles northwest of Oakland. If you're coming from Pittsburgh, it's about a 2-hour drive. From Baltimore or Washington, DC, it's about 3 hours. Wisp Resort was started by Mr. Helmuth M.G. Heise. Today, it's owned by a company called Pacific Group Resorts, Inc.

History of Wisp Resort

Wisp Resort first opened its doors for winter fun in 1955. It was one of the first ski areas in the southern United States!

Early Years and Snowmaking

In the winter of 1966, something cool happened: Wisp started making its own snow! This meant they could have snow even when nature didn't provide enough. From 1971 to 1979, Wisp grew a lot. They added 16 more ski slopes, more lights for night skiing, and even more snow machines. A hotel was also built right at the bottom of the slopes.

New Owners and Fun Additions

In 2001, a company called Deep Creek Development bought Wisp Resort. They added the exciting Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park that same year. In 2003, the main lodge building got a big makeover and became much larger. A really unique addition came in 2007: a white water rafting course! Since 2001, over $30 million has been spent to make Wisp Resort even better.

Hotel and Nearby Parks

The hotel at Wisp was updated in 2016. It has many rooms and suites, and it's a non-smoking place. Since Wisp is a four-season resort, the hotel is open all year. You can play golf on two 18-hole courses: Lodestone Golf Course and Fantasy Valley Golf Course. The resort is also close to three state parks and three state forests. These include Deep Creek Lake, Swallow Falls, and Big Run State Parks.

Fun All Year: Other Seasons at Wisp

Wisp Resort is special because it's Maryland's only ski resort that offers activities in every season.

Summer Adventures

When the snow melts, Wisp turns into a summer playground! You can try three different zip lines for an exciting ride through the trees. If you love the water, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards. There's also mountain biking, Segway tours, archery, and orienteering (which is like a treasure hunt using a map and compass).

The Mountain Coaster

One of the most thrilling rides is the Mountain Coaster. It's like a mix between an alpine slide and a roller coaster! You ride a special car 3,500 feet downhill, dropping over 350 feet. It's a super fun way to experience the mountain.

The Mountain and Its Slopes

Wisp Resort gets about 100 inches of snow each year. But they also make their own snow to make sure the slopes are ready early in the season.

Skiing and Snowboarding for Everyone

Wisp has trails for all skill levels. So, whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll find a slope that's right for you. They even offer lessons if you're just starting out with skiing or snowboarding. You can also enjoy night skiing on most of the mountain from Tuesday through Saturday.

Trail Difficulty Levels

Wisp Resort has 34 slopes and trails in total. They are divided into different areas:

• Front Side Trails: These have 5 easy trails, 10 trails that are a bit harder, and 5 very difficult trails.
• East Ridge Trails: Here you'll find 1 harder trail and 5 very difficult trails.
• North Camp Trails: This area has 5 easy trails, 3 harder trails, and 1 very difficult trail.

Besides skiing and snowboarding, Wisp also has a tubing park, an ice skating rink, a nordic center (for cross-country skiing), and the exciting mountain coaster.

Snowfall at Wisp

Wisp Resort usually gets a good amount of snow each year. In recent years, the heaviest snow tends to fall later in the season, starting around January and lasting until mid-March.

How Snow is Made and Maintained

The base of the ski slopes is often made using snow machines. These machines also help to add fresh snow throughout the season. This makes sure the slopes are always ready for skiers and snowboarders. Websites like Onthesnow.com can show you how much snow Wisp Resort has received. You can see total snowfall, how deep the snow base is, and even daily snowfall data.

Special Runs: Bobcat Bowl

Wisp has one special area called Bobcat Bowl. This "bowl" is a wide, open area for skiing. It only opens when there's enough natural snowfall, so it's a treat when it's available!