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Wisp Resort
Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
(Click here for the official web site for Wisp, or scroll below to read DCSki's complete profile...)
[Resort Overview] [Summer Activities] [Statistics]
[Trail Map] [Map] [Current Conditions] [Webcams]
[Related News] [Upcoming Events] [Reader Comments]
[Recent Tweets] [Nearby Lodging]
| Resort Overview - reported by M. Scott Smith, DCSki Editor |
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Wisp is often the first area resort to open, thanks to the unique weather patterns in western Maryland that offer plenty of snow (an average of 100” each year, reaching 208 inches during the 2002-2003 winter season) and good snowmaking conditions. Wisp’s airless snowmaking system helps the resort capture a traditional pre-Thanksgiving opening date, and with the large Deep Creek Lake adjacent to the resort, water is never in limited supply for snowmaking. Wisp has 32 trails, including the meandering 1.5-mile long Possum trail, a real treat for beginners.
On-mountain lodging is available, including a 168-unit slopeside hotel at the base area, complete with several restaurants. Hundreds of homes and condos are available for rental througout the Deep Creek Lake region.
Thanks to natural snow, there are plenty of opportunities for cross-country skiers in the Wisp area.
In 2001, Wisp was purchased by an investment group for just under $12 million. This new ownership has brought many changes to Wisp. Wisp unveiled a new snow tubing park during the 2001-2002 season, and followed up by expanding its base lodge, upgrading lifts, and adding one of the largest “Super Pipes” in the east. A significant investment was made during 2005, when Wisp opened the new North Camp expansion, adding 10 new trails and two new quad chairlifts. In 2007, Wisp added a new Mountain Coaster, which offers hair-raising rides year round. An ice skating rink was added to Wisp in 2009. In 2010, Wisp purchased two new Prinoth snow groomers.
News reports in the fall of 2011 indicated that D.C. Development LLC, the current owner of Wisp Resort, had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to the challenge of selling new home sites in a depressed real estate market. This is not expected to affect ski area operations, which are planned to continue as normal for the 2011-2012 winter season.
| Summer Activities |
Wisp is active year-round, serving as a cool summertime retreat with a summit elevation over 3,000 feet. In particular, the 18-hole Golf Club at Wisp attracts a lot of visitors. The resort also offers mountain biking and hiking. Whitewater rafting trips are available at the nearby Youghiogheny River. Fishing is also popular.
| Statistics |
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Resort Name:
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Wisp Resort | |
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Vertical Drop:
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700 feet | |
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Base Elevation:
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2,415 feet | |
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Peak Elevation:
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3,115 feet | |
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Trails:
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32 (41% beginner, 28% intermediate, 31% advanced) | |
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Skiable Acres:
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132 | |
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Longest Run:
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1.5 miles | |
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Lift Capacity:
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12,600 per hour | |
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Lifts:
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12 (2 quads, 5 triples, 4 conveyor carpets, 1 surface tow) | |
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Night Skiing:
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Yes, on 90+% of terrain | |
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Terrain Park:
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Two terrain parks are available. | |
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Halfpipe:
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Super Pipe is 400 feet long. | |
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Tubing Park:
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Nine tubing lanes serviced by two lifts. | |
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Address:
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Wisp Resort P.O. Box 629 296 Marsh Hill Road McHenry, MD 21541 |
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Phone Number:
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(301) 387-4911 | |
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Latitude:
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39.555981 | |
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Longitude:
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-79.361270 | |
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Twitter:
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http://twitter.com/WispresortMD | |
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Web Site:
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http://www.skiwisp.com/ |
Estimated Distances from Major Cities
| Baltimore, MD | 3 hours, 5 minutes | 182 miles |
| Washington, DC | 3 hours, 5 minutes | 179 miles |
| Arlington, VA | 3 hours, 5 minutes | 178 miles |
| Richmond, VA | 4 hours, 35 minutes | 244 miles |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 2 hours, 5 minutes | 122 miles |
| Harrisburg, PA | 3 hours, 5 minutes | 177 miles |
| Philadelphia, PA | 4 hours, 40 minutes | 279 miles |
| Charleston, WV | 3 hours | 196 miles |
| Raleigh, NC | 7 hours, 20 minutes | 420 miles |
| Charlotte, NC | 6 hours, 30 minutes | 416 miles |
| Trail Map |
To view a full-size trail map for Wisp, click on the following thumbnail image. The trail map will open in a new window. Please note that DCSki's trail maps can be out of date; always pick up a copy of the latest trail map at each resort.
| Map |
| Current Conditions |
A snow condition report for Wisp is shown below. Because condition reports may not be updated regularly, be sure to check the date and timestamp on the report. Before making a trip, we recommend contacting resorts directly for the latest conditions.
| Wisp, MD |
As of 05:00:00 on 2011-03-28
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| Report data is over 2 days old -- please check back later. | |
To view additional ski condition reports for areas throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and across the world, visit the DCSki Conditions page.
| Webcams |
Wisp has an official webcam page here.
Two shots from Wisp's webcams are shown below. Note that these images are displayed directly from Wisp's web site. They may not appear properly if the webcam is down. These pictures may also not be up to date.
| Related News |
The past five articles related to Wisp are shown below.
Mid-Atlantic Ski Season Gains Momentum (December 27, 2012)
A shot of cold air and some natural snow has helped launch the 2012-2013 winter season in a big way. Find out the status of Mid-Atlantic ski areas.
Wisp Emerges from Bankruptcy (December 24, 2012)
A downturn in the real estate market forced Wisp Resort to enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the Fall of 2011, but thanks to a new ownership structure, the Maryland ski area has emerged from bankruptcy and is charging forward.
The Weekly Altitude (November 18, 2012)
The Weekly Altitude provides a look at what’s happening in the Mid-Atlantic ski and snowboard scene. In this week’s issue: Wisp Resort to change hands; Wintergreen’s “Snow License Program” offers free skiing to 5th and 6th graders; Thanksgiving Eve Pub Crawl at Bear Creek; and Whitetail pledges $10,000 to the MPMC Project.
Snow and Cold Push Opening Dates within Reach (December 7, 2011)
Mother Nature has been keeping the cold to herself so far this winter, but the arrival of snow on Wednesday has many local resorts pushing to open for the season in the next week or two.
(1 reader comment)
Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, Wisp, and Snowshoe Collaborate on Season Passholder “Resort Swap” Program (October 4, 2011)
Spanning three states and covering a 150-mile radius, some of the most popular resorts in the mid-Atlantic have teamed together to offer their Season Passholders additional value during the 2011-2012 winter season.
To view more articles related to Wisp, click here.
| Upcoming Events |
The next event scheduled to be held at Wisp is listed below.
Tom Wallisch Memorial Day Railjam (May 25, 2013)
(Wisp Resort, Maryland)
To view more upcoming events at Wisp, click here. Remember, events are subject to change at any time, and DCSki's list of events may not be comprehensive. Please contact Wisp directly to verify event details before making a trip.
| Related Bargains |
The following bargains are related to Wisp.
(No matching bargains found.)
To view more bargains, click here. Remember, bargains may include exclusions or expirations not noted here. Contact the company offering the bargain to verify details.
| Recent Tweets |
Recent Tweets from Wisp Resort
| Nearby Lodging |
The following property located near Wisp is listed in the DCSki Lodging Finder. Property owners pay DCSki a small listing fee for this service. Inclusion in the Lodging Finder does not represent an endorsement by DCSki.
| Carmel Cove Inn: Rated “Best Getaway to a Winter Wonderland” by Washingtonian Magazine, the historic Carmel Cove Inn in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland beckons skiers with winter amenities including complimentary cross country ski and snowshoe equipment, fireplaces, jacuzzis, and a location just 10 minutes away from downhill skiing at Wisp Ski Resort. |   |
| Reader Comments |
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The views and opinions expressed in DCSki Article Comments are strictly those of the comment authors and have not been reviewed or approved by DCSki. If you believe a comment is inaccurate or inappropriate, please contact DCSki's Editor. Comments on Wisp - posted by Ashley
August 15, 2004 at 10:33 am I usually ski at Whitetail and Roundtop, but I also ski at Wisp a few times a year. Wisp is awesome if you're looking to ski somewhere that's not "commercialized." Deep Creek Lake is beautiful, and the lift tickets are pretty cheap. They have one trail that goes through a tunnel. Even though Wisp doesn't have the greatest vertical in the world, they have some pretty good black diamonds, like Squirrel Cage and the Face. My only complaint about Wisp is that they have no high-speed quad. I would definitely recommend Wisp if you're looking for something different, if you're looking to ski somewhere that's low key. It's a pretty cool place. (I read in the newspaper that they have plans to really build Wisp up in the next few years, you should try to get out there before they change it too much!)
Comments on Wisp - posted by John Forest
March 18, 2006 at 12:55 am I love the mountain and I recently noticed that DeepCreekCam rebuilt their website. So now I get the all the wisp web cam images, plus the weather and news for the area.
I'm a little disappointed in the new trails, not really challenging, but the East Ridge is where I can spend the whole day when conditions are good. Comments on Wisp - posted by George Catherine Klein
May 31, 2006 at 8:43 pm So disappointed with the accommodations at Wisp..the hotel has gotten so shabby...This is a shame because of the wonderful potential. We understand the ware and tear on the public areas but Wow is it run down! We really hope something is in the hopper to inprove this Western MD gem.
Comments on Wisp - posted by John Wilson
February 7, 2007 at 9:12 am The Wisp used to be low key. Now it appears that they are in it to rip you off fo every nickle they can. $6.00 for a terrible cheesburger that was cold and nasty. Most of the employees seem really down and depressed and customer service is pitiful and without a smile. Overall the Wisp is dropping in the ski experience while the resort tries to build up into a destination mountain it will never necome. I predict bankruptcy in their future. When real estate developers (i.e. Wisp Owners) are done with this mountain it will be an eyesore and a mess.
Comments on Wisp - posted by Brad Bollinger
February 7, 2007 at 9:21 am I agree with the comment above. I used to like the Wisp when it was kinda laid back and downhome. Now you get the feel that it's all about taking you for every penny they can for sub standard services. Last year we made reservations for kids ski school online. When we got there the reservation had been lost and we waited 2 hours to get our kids checked in while excellent skiing went on without us.
Overall the management seems to be terrible, and all the sprucing up doesn't mean squat without the investment in a highspeed quad chair. Lift lines on weekends are huge!!!! I would go to Timberline in Canaan with twice the vertical and that old fashioned feel the Wisp used to have. Comments on Wisp - posted by Adrian Slater
October 4, 2007 at 2:13 pm Haven't been to Wisp yet but after reading about it I am looking to take my family out.Just out of interest who would I write to to secure a zoned plot of land, as when I do come out I would like to arrange a viewing.
Comments on Wisp - posted by John
January 7, 2008 at 10:58 am Wisp is such a ripoff. Come on Wisp Folks $57 for a full day ticket for what? 600 foot vertical. When you try a save a few bucks by buying a half day ticket (and believe me a half day is all any decent skier needs at this place) your lucky if they decide to sell them on that particular day. I was planning on skiing the Wisp on Sunday, Jan 6th, and was told they decided not to sell afternoon tickets. Smacks of false advertising since their website specifically says they do. So long Wisp, I'll save my money for other resorts. Oh BTW Whitetail was beautiful that day :-)
Comments on Wisp - posted by Kathleen
January 14, 2008 at 9:00 pm We visited Wisp on Jan 4-6 for the first time with our two children (10&12). We found it to be a very family friendly resort. We stayed at the Wisp resort and enjoyed the convenience. The Queen suite was perfect for 2 adults and 2 kids. There was a separate sleeping area and more importantly 2 tv's. The only time we had lift lines was Friday night when there seemed to be excessive amounts of teens. Conditions were good/fair but they kept the slopes groomed. We also found the food court to have great variety and prices well below the Pocono resorts. DC's restaurant for dinner was exceptional. We were hesitant about Wisp from things we have read on the internet but we were pleasantly surprized. We will definitely go back. The new mountain coaster is awesome. Definitely buy a three pack.
Wisp First Time - posted by Trapper
March 20, 2008 at 10:36 pm We took a group of friends to wisp after a huge storm. I love the deep creek area in the summer and this was the first ski trip there. We loved it. We had some first time skiers with us that took lessons that were easy and it is a great place to learn how to ski. For us seasoned folks we had a great time also.
Comments on Wisp - posted by lou
January 2, 2009 at 9:48 pm How can you beat their mid-week specials? Half price tix and such.
Comments on Wisp - posted by Jim Colllins
January 11, 2009 at 11:57 am The management is a joke. The new owners have ruined the atmosphere. It is very expensive now.
Comments on Wisp - posted by Ron J
January 13, 2009 at 10:46 am Nice facility and the skiing is nice. Alls well till the weather goes to crap. Got out on a Sunday after we lost 75% of the previous day to freezing rain. Were told by "courtesy patrol" the
conditions were fine, groomed all night. Made one run and found ice sheets all over the slopes. By the way.........NO rain check policy. Not to mention the 52 dollar fee for a 9a - 1p ticket.........lost me....Western NY here I come. Wisp Comments - posted by Ben
February 22, 2009 at 5:51 pm Very poorly run facility. They charge through the roof like they are first class ski area and don't deliver. Don't bother complaining to any of their management because if fails to get you nowhere. I won't return until they sell to an owner who appreciates their customers.
Comments on Wisp - posted by DCSki Reader
February 22, 2009 at 7:05 pm What do you mean they charge through the roof? Their prices are quite competitive for the mid-Atlantic region. What exactly did you try to complain about? How exactly is their facility poorly run? It would be far more useful if you could provide specific details about a bad experience you may have had, rather than just mouthing off without providing any details. Your comment is utterly useless.
Comments on Wisp - posted by KeithT
February 22, 2009 at 8:17 pm I generally enjoy Wisp and don't think that it is more expensive than any other resort in the region. I think the skiing there is fine and the slope operations seem well run. However, I have a very frustrating time with their hotel and office staff. As an example, we are going up this coming weekend and staying in the hotel at the resort. I called the hotel to ask if any special lift ticket perks were offered to hotel quests. The person at the desk was absolutely clueless. Compare this experience to Wintergreen of Pres. Day weekend and the differences are stark. Wintegreen was very professional and each person we spoke to from reservation to check-in was able to explain the links between lift tickets and resort guests very clearly. As another example, we stayed in a home at the top of Main Street at Wisp on MLK weekend. When I arrived on Fri. night I called to ask if I could purchase tickets for Sat.-Mon. and was told I could not purchase tickets in advance but would have to come to the bottom of the mountain to purchase tickets. Then I inquired about purchasing up top at the Pump House I got an "oh yeah." Then I was given the wrong time of when the pump house was open and had to wait 20 minutes for someone to show up. Remember, on Sat. morning on MLK is was -6 degrees. To add further frustration, I was told on the phone today that I could purchase tickets on Fri. night for the upcoming weekend. I also had a very poor experience with the ski school a few years back. My child took a lesson there and the check in process reminded me of a stock market trading floor--and we had a reservation. This also was the only ski lesson of perhaps 6 lessons that she complained about and asked not to go back the next day. Compared to the Snow Time ski schools, Wisp does not even come close to the organization, professionalism and quality of those resorts. That said, I still like Wisp and will ski there in the coming years.
Comments on Wisp - posted by Louie
February 22, 2009 at 10:30 pm I am a college student, and I love their midweek deals. The have "locals" days, student days, etc... with great bargains on all-day lift tickets. 2 days out of the week, every week, I can ski discounted. Sweet!
Comments on Wisp - posted by Tim G
March 3, 2009 at 3:47 pm Wisp is not a bad place to ski, its just not worth the drive. I find the 700' vertical a stretch, it skis like 600'. I will go there if the Snowtime resorts are closed. Otherwise, its a long drive for a little skiing. As long as Whitetail is close by, Wisp is not worth the drive.
Comments on Wisp - posted by P. Anselmo
March 16, 2009 at 3:40 pm Wisp resort, is a great location for everyone looking to have an exceptional time. From young to old there is really something for everyone. As far as the Price midweek specials are great come-on how can you pass on a $21 lift ticket I guess the other individuals that visited and said it was too much money have never been to another resort. The resort industry in general is expensive, even during the weekends the resort is laid out so there is very few lift lines and so on. Lodging - there are tons of places that you can stay several of which you can get a discounted lift ticket, oh yeah COSTCO has discounted lift tickets like a 22% discount. I would defiantly recommend Wisp as a great location for the entire family - Did you know they are the only resort still open in our area, in fact they are open until April 12 with $20 tickets. I know were I am going
Comments on Wisp - posted by To Remain Nameless
April 18, 2009 at 10:33 am I worked for Wisp for a number of years and was quite excited a few years back when things started to look promising. Then they hired a new GM and after that staff morale took a serious nosedive. The management is harsh with the staff and has the attitude that anyone can be replaced (with whom I was wondering - its Western Maryland). Staff training is a joke and the employees are exploited as much as the guests. Thats why the employees are miserable.
I've worked in the ski industry for over 30 years. Ive worked for the best and the worst. Id have to say Wisp ranks second from the bottom. I saw the writing on the wall two years ago and thought to myself "I will not be a part of this". In the years since most of their experienced seasonal employees have followed suit and moved to other resorts where things are handled much differently. I'm not griping because I left of my own volition and because I had many offers elsewhere. I only work for quality. Comments on Wisp - posted by DCSki Reader
April 19, 2009 at 5:37 pm Just wondering who was the worst to work for?
Comments on Wisp - posted by DCSki Reader
April 19, 2009 at 5:40 pm 30 years and still riding?
Comments on Wisp - posted by ms
September 4, 2009 at 10:51 pm I took a vacation to Wisp in Feb and I enjoyed myself. I am a beginner skier and I took the 1 and half lesson. the instructors where nice but for the cost it wasnt enough time to really learn the basics. The resort was nice but over priced. i enjoyed the Western MD atmosphere, very family friendly and romatic. Beautiful veiws and such a nice town. i didn't stay on the resort I stay in rental property a few miles a way. Take the trip and evaluate for your self. I will be back next year and many years to come.
Comments on Wisp - posted by Greg
January 13, 2010 at 6:41 pm The conditions at Wisp are the best in over a decade. They have received nearly 90 inches of snow since Thanksgiving! We have a phenomenal ski-in/ski-out townhouse that we discovered for rent through Taylor Made Vacations. It's in the Villages of Wisp, and it's right on the slope - 30 steps from front door to slope!
Comments on Wisp - posted by Dan
February 5, 2010 at 11:15 pm The mid-week specials are good values. But stay clear of Wisp on the weekends- a $59 ticket (even more on holidays) is absurdly overpriced for an area with such minimal vertical. What do they think they are? Vail???
Comments on Wisp - posted by Sara
November 2, 2010 at 6:57 am I was a first time skier and found the WISP to be THE place to learn. I had a great instructor, lift lines were easy to manuever and the WISP has a courtesy patrol that helps people have fun. Let's say they were there to pick me up..many times and I never felt embarrarased. It's a family resort, an easy drive and there is a lot to do. I'm going back this ski season.
Good for kids, nice snow, small pleasant mountain - posted by Tamarinera
December 30, 2010 at 2:42 pm I'm used to skiing/boarding in New England, and so didn't expect too much down here...I was therefore pleasantly surprised by the snow quality at this small resort. The trails are on the easy side, which is great for learning and for the kids. The ski school was good, according to the kids (11 and 13). The next day, group lessons consistently under-estimated their ability, but that might be what happens when you mix them in with adults for walk-in lessons. I agree the lift ticket prices are a bit high, at $65/day on holidays, and not a lot of discounts...but we enjoyed ourselves and that's the most important part. The food was less overpriced than I expected, so we broke even I guess. Staff were friendly and accommodating: I'd go back, yup.
Comments on Wisp - posted by Dave White
December 28, 2011 at 12:04 pm BEWARE: WISP WILL rip you off to make money no matter how bad the reason. NEVER buy vouchers from them (golf, etc) as they will NOT even give you credit to use at regular rates if you are unable to use the voucher before they expire for hardships, deaths in family, or even military deployment reasons. They are NOT in any way sympathetic to those that get called away for duty or family or other scheduling problems. NEVER PAY FOR A VOUCHER FOR WISP ---NO HEART AND ABSOLUTELY THE BOTTOM DOLLAR IS WHAT DRIVES THEM.
Comments on Wisp - posted by Jason
January 15, 2012 at 8:13 pm My fiancee and I went to Wisp and snowboarded. For the $59 ski and stay package you really can't beat it. The room was great and the trails were awesome!!! They had a $2 beer special during happy hour. I'm definitely going back this year.
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