Wisp Ski Resort has published some preliminary information about their 1997-98 ski season. Wisp is the only ski area in Maryland, located in Garrett County.

Wisp’s 610 vertical feet contain 23 slopes and trails, spanning 14 miles. Wisp is known for excellent snowmaking, and Mother Nature helps out by dumping an average of 93” of snow on Wisp annually. 90% of Wisp’s trails are lit for night skiing. Wisp also includes a snowboard halfpipe. Wisp typically opens sometime in November and closes in late March. Wisp has set November 8, 1997 as their target opening date, although that will obviously depend on whether temperatures are low enough in the coming weeks for Wisp to make snow.

Early season at Wisp is opening day through December 12; late season starts on March 9 and lasts until closing day. Wisp offers reduced hours and discounted rates during early and late seasons. During early season, Wisp will be open weekdays from 12:00-9:00 p.m.; Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During the regular season, Wisp will be open Sunday and Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (with no night skiing), and Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Holiday hours may vary; call the resort for details.

During the early and late season, lift tickets will be $14 for adults and children from Monday through Friday; $35 for adults and $25 for children on weekends; and $21 for adults and $16 for children for Saturday afternoon or night.

During the regular season, all-day midweek lift tickets will be $35 for adults and $24 for children; afternoon or night tickets will be $21 for adults and $16 for children. A two-day ticket will be $49 for adults and $39 for children. On Mondays, excluding holidays, Wisp is offering one free adult lift ticket for every adult lift ticket purchased.

Weekend and holiday all-day lift tickets will be $42 for adults and $29 for children. Lift tickets for Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday will be $70 for adults and $42 for children. Three-day holiday weekend tickets will be $105 for adults and $65 for children.

In a move to reduce lift lines at peak times, Wisp will no longer be offering half day and night tickets on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.