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.

Wisp founder Helmuth “Ace” Heise passed away on August 11, 2009. Photo provided by Wisp Resort.