Maryland’s Wisp Four Seasons Resort took advantage of colder temperatures Wednesday night to fire up the snowguns, blanketing beginner terrain with up to 20 inches of machine-made snow. The resort says it is too early to predict an opening date at this time, but may have several more opportunities to make snow in the coming days as nighttime temperatures dip down into the 20’s.

Last winter, Wisp began snowmaking on November 13, 1997, and opened for the season on November 21. If low temperatures remain, Wisp may beat last season’s opening date. The resort, which offers 23 slopes and trails, is located in far western Maryland’s Garrett County. Winter traditionally arrives earlier - and lingers longer - in Garrett County.

Skiers and snowboarders can expect to find several improvements at Wisp this winter. Wisp has added some tree skiing by thinning out the area between the Face and Devil’s Drop and adding additional snowmaking. Subtle adjustments have been made to other trails, such as widening, and a new access trail from the top of Chair #1 was put in place to improve access to the Possum Trail, a lengthy beginner trail.