 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Winter Activities
Downhill Skiing Gets Even Better
Wisp Resort has been setting the standard for ski services since Ace Heise founded his dream way back in 1955. Over the last six years the present
owners have spent upwards of $32 million to make this already popular resort even better. And just last year, to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the
resort added an entirely new alpine trail system to its 22 existing trails. The new North Camp, on the northwest side of the mountain, offers ten trails
and a variety of terrain, from beginner to black diamond, welcoming skiers as well as snowboarders. It includes two new quad ski lifts and
state-of-the-art snow-making. Count on Wisp for the best snow conditions in the Mid-Atlantic. With one of the most extensive snowmaking systems in
the East and additional water from Deep Creek Lake. Wisp can keep 90 percent of the trails open without Mother Nature.
Cross Country Skiing Gives a Much Different Pace
If quiet forests are more of your skiing style, there is plenty of opportunity in Garrett with well-groomed trails in several state forests. New Germany
State Park (301) 895-5453 with in the Savage River State Forest offers a perfect spot for novices on two trails along the Poplar Lick Run (more
challenging trails also available). Herrington Manor State Park (301) 334-9180 also offers groomed trails; all the parks also provide warming lodges
(in addition to safe haven and toasty woodstoves, they also have trail maps and information on weather and snow conditions). Reasonable rentals
are also available at concessions at the parks.
Several local lodges are near groomed trails within the Savage River State Forest; some even rent equipment; some golf courses and farms also
open their grounds to cross-country skiers during the winter.
Dogsledding/Sleigh Rides
Non-skiers can still schuss through the snow - and let beautiful dogs do all the work! Two companies have recently brought dogsledding to the Deep
Creek Lake area for those times when a good snow cover is on the ground (six inches and up). But there are even dog cart rides (on wheels or
specially designed "dry sleds") for those times when the snowfall doesn't cooperate.
You can also snuggle up under the blanket as you dash through the snow on an old-fashioned one-horse open sleigh ride. And it's even dreamer at
sunset or across a moonlit field.
Ice Fishing/Ice Climbing
Check with local outfitters for those deep winter activities, available only during extremely cold winters.
Sledding and Tubing
Be a kid again and jump on the Flexible Flyer for pure winter joy. If you forget your sled, don't worry. Stop at Herrington Manor State Park (301)
334-9180 and rent one for $3 half day; $6 full day. Pick from several of the sled hills in the park.
If you want the thrill of the ride down, but hate the walk up, head to the Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park at Wisp Resort, where two surface lifts pull tubes
and their riders up the hill. And no special equipment is required-just warm clothes and smiles! (No scarves or loose clothing, please!) Children must
be 42" tall to ride. The park is open seven days a week through the winter season; two hour sessions are the norm. It's also available for private
parties and group sessions.
Snowboarding
Get extreme with the fun runs at Wisp. The Pro Terrain Park offers high-adrenaline fun for everyone; the park has hosted a series of competitions,
including the Terrian Park snow series. A set of thrilling fun boxes and rails, from small potatoes at five feet to more towering forty-foot jumps, make
Wisp the spot for snowboarding prowess - check out the Terrain Gardens, the Super Pipe (with its overall length of more than 400 feet and a 17-foot
radius), and the Whip Saw Terrain Trail. Snowboarding is allowed on all of the Wisp downhill ski runs; snowboard rentals are available there as well
as off-resort at several sports equipment outlets.
Snowmobiling
Surge through snowbanks and forests with a touch of the throttle on a snowmobile. They are permitted in state forests - Potomac and Garrett - on
specific trails
Wisp Resort has been setting the standard for ski services since Ace Heise founded his dream way back in 1955. Over the last six years the present
owners have spent upwards of $32 million to make this already popular resort even better. And just last year, to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the
resort added an entirely new alpine trail system to its 22 existing trails. The new North Camp, on the northwest side of the mountain, offers ten trails
and a variety of terrain, from beginner to black diamond, welcoming skiers as well as snowboarders. It includes two new quad ski lifts and
state-of-the-art snow-making. Count on Wisp for the best snow conditions in the Mid-Atlantic. With one of the most extensive snowmaking systems in
the East and additional water from Deep Creek Lake. Wisp can keep 90 percent of the trails open without Mother Nature.
Cross Country Skiing Gives a Much Different Pace
If quiet forests are more of your skiing style, there is plenty of opportunity in Garrett with well-groomed trails in several state forests. New Germany
State Park (301) 895-5453 with in the Savage River State Forest offers a perfect spot for novices on two trails along the Poplar Lick Run (more
challenging trails also available). Herrington Manor State Park (301) 334-9180 also offers groomed trails; all the parks also provide warming lodges
(in addition to safe haven and toasty woodstoves, they also have trail maps and information on weather and snow conditions). Reasonable rentals
are also available at concessions at the parks.
Several local lodges are near groomed trails within the Savage River State Forest; some even rent equipment; some golf courses and farms also
open their grounds to cross-country skiers during the winter.
Dogsledding/Sleigh Rides
Non-skiers can still schuss through the snow - and let beautiful dogs do all the work! Two companies have recently brought dogsledding to the Deep
Creek Lake area for those times when a good snow cover is on the ground (six inches and up). But there are even dog cart rides (on wheels or
specially designed "dry sleds") for those times when the snowfall doesn't cooperate.
You can also snuggle up under the blanket as you dash through the snow on an old-fashioned one-horse open sleigh ride. And it's even dreamer at
sunset or across a moonlit field.
Ice Fishing/Ice Climbing
Check with local outfitters for those deep winter activities, available only during extremely cold winters.
Sledding and Tubing
Be a kid again and jump on the Flexible Flyer for pure winter joy. If you forget your sled, don't worry. Stop at Herrington Manor State Park (301)
334-9180 and rent one for $3 half day; $6 full day. Pick from several of the sled hills in the park.
If you want the thrill of the ride down, but hate the walk up, head to the Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park at Wisp Resort, where two surface lifts pull tubes
and their riders up the hill. And no special equipment is required-just warm clothes and smiles! (No scarves or loose clothing, please!) Children must
be 42" tall to ride. The park is open seven days a week through the winter season; two hour sessions are the norm. It's also available for private
parties and group sessions.
Snowboarding
Get extreme with the fun runs at Wisp. The Pro Terrain Park offers high-adrenaline fun for everyone; the park has hosted a series of competitions,
including the Terrian Park snow series. A set of thrilling fun boxes and rails, from small potatoes at five feet to more towering forty-foot jumps, make
Wisp the spot for snowboarding prowess - check out the Terrain Gardens, the Super Pipe (with its overall length of more than 400 feet and a 17-foot
radius), and the Whip Saw Terrain Trail. Snowboarding is allowed on all of the Wisp downhill ski runs; snowboard rentals are available there as well
as off-resort at several sports equipment outlets.
Snowmobiling
Surge through snowbanks and forests with a touch of the throttle on a snowmobile. They are permitted in state forests - Potomac and Garrett - on
specific trails
If you are experiencing any problems with this website and/or any of it's content please e-mail us.
Please visit websites terms of use. Copyright 2009 LakeStar LLC
Please visit websites terms of use. Copyright 2009 LakeStar LLC