Wisp Resort

Wisp Resort sits above Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County, at the western edge of Maryland. The state’s only downhill ski resort benefits from a mountain climate that frequently brings more natural snow than areas closer to Washington and Baltimore. Its 33 trails extend across the front side of the mountain, North Camp, and East Ridge, offering a variety of terrain within a 700-foot vertical drop.

Wisp is a destination for weekend and longer stays, with the Lodge at Wisp at the base and a wide selection of vacation homes and condominiums around Deep Creek Lake. Beginners can explore long, winding trails such as Possum, while more experienced skiers and snowboarders can head to steeper runs on the front side and East Ridge. Night skiing is offered on much of the mountain, and the resort also has terrain parks, a snow tubing park, and a mountain coaster.

Snowmaking is central to Wisp’s winter operations. In recent years, the resort has replaced snowmaking pipes and installed new snow guns on several major trails. Improvements for the 2025-2026 season included work on Grouse Way, Possum, and Sunset Boulevard. For 2026-2027, Wisp is upgrading Little Dipper with 12 permanent snow guns and associated infrastructure, allowing portable equipment previously used there to be deployed elsewhere on the mountain. The resort has also completed a property-wide conversion to LED lighting, including slope lighting.

Deep Creek Lake adds to the appeal of a visit, with restaurants, shops, and lodging throughout the surrounding communities. When natural snow permits, the region also offers opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing away from the downhill slopes.

Photo provided by Wisp Resort.