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Wisp Founder Helmuth “Ace” Heise Passes Away
By M. Scott Smith, DCSki Editor

August 12, 2009 — Wisp Resort has announced that Helmuth “Ace” Heise, founder of the Maryland ski area, passed away on August 11, 2009 at the age of 82 after suffering from renal failure and congestive heart failure.

The path to Wisp began when Helmuth and his wife purchased the “Will O’ The Wisp” hotel and restaurant in the early 1950s. Soon after, the Marsh Mountain Ski Area was opened, later being renamed to Wisp.

Wisp remains the only downhill ski area in operation in the state of Maryland.

Related Links:

• Wisp

Related DCSki Stories:

Mother Nature Delivers Early Holiday Gift to Mid-Atlantic Skiers: Some of the Best Pre-January Conditions on Record (December 24, 2009)
Mother Nature delivered an early holiday gift to mid-Atlantic ski areas, dumping up to three feet of fresh snow the weekend before Christmas and keeping temperatures low enough to fire snowguns around the clock. As a result, many ski areas should have close to 100% of their terrain open in the coming days.

Wisp Founder Helmuth “Ace” Heise Passes Away (August 12, 2009)
Mr. Helmuth “Ace” Heise, Founder of Maryland’s Wisp Resort, passed away on August 11, 2009. He was 82.

Firsthand Report: Powder on Super Tuesday Weekend at WIsp (January 24, 2009)
DCSki Columnist Jim Chen spent the Inaugural Weekend on the slopes of Maryland’s Wisp Resort, with a crew consisting of a snowboarder, a telemark skier, two alpiners and a seven year old sold determined to make it down the mountain with turning. Jim provides this Firsthand Report.

Firsthand Report: Wisp Lookin’ Good on 53rd Birthday (December 18, 2008)
Jim Kenney headed to Maryland’s Wisp Resort for their 53rd Birthday Celebration, and met up with several DCSki readers. He provides this Firsthand Report.
(6 reader comments)

Aggressive Snowmaking Underway, as Resorts Race Towards Opening (Updated) (November 18, 2008)
Have you noticed a chill in the air? Local ski resorts sure have. And many are taking advantage of it to fire up the snowguns. Mother Nature is also lending a hand, dumping nearly two feet of snow over higher-elevation resorts. Late November is being kind to Mid-Atlantic skiers, setting up resorts to offer some of the best early season conditions in recent memory. DCSki provides a complete update. Updated on November 20, 2008.
(5 reader comments)

National Ski and Snowboard Expo Returns to Dulles Expo Center November 7-9, 2008 (November 1, 2008)
The 2008 National Ski and Snowboard Expo will be held at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia from November 7-9, 2008, providing a chance for D.C. area skiers and boarders to interact with over 100 nationally recognized ski resorts, travel destinations, manufacturers and retailers.

Who’s Open? A Detailed Look at Mid-Atlantic Ski Areas (March 17, 2008)
Spring is a mixed blessing: Mid-Atlantic resorts begin to close one by one, but the weather is nice and the rates can’t be beat. DCSki provides a detailed look at the current operating status of Mid-Atlantic ski areas.

March Signals Arrival of Mid-Atlantic Resort Festivals (March 5, 2008)
It’s March, and that means it’s time for spring festivals at Mid-Atlantic resorts. A number of resorts will hold carnivals and festivals in the coming weeks, bringing fun activities to the slopes such as pond-skimming contests, games, live music, and prizes.

Results of the 2008 DCSki Annual Survey: Top Resorts in the Mid-Atlantic (February 22, 2008)
During January, DCSki asked its readers to complete a survey, ranking Mid-Atlantic ski areas in a number of categories. Over 100 readers filled out this detailed survey, providing a measurement of what local resorts are doing well, and what they could be doing better. We also asked readers to cast a critical eye on DCSki itself. The results are in, so kick back, relax, and see if you agree with readers’ picks for best resort in various categories.

Tips for Avoiding Crowds on Weekends (February 18, 2008)
DCSki’s best tip is to ski on weekdays: crowds are often nonexistent, and it’s usually less expensive, too. But what if your schedule only allows you to ski on weekends? No worries. DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham provides his “top ten” tips for avoiding weekend crowds at Mid-Atlantic ski areas.
(6 reader comments)

Lodging Near Wisp (extracted from the DCSki Lodging Finder):

• Carmel Cove Inn
• Long & Foster Resort Rentals

About the Author

M. Scott Smith is the founder and Editor of DCSki. Scott loves outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, kayaking, skiing, and mountain biking. He is an avid photographer and writer. To read other articles by Scott, click here.

 

 

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