Imagine gliding through the slopes as the crisp wind blows through your hair. From skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and much more, there is never a dull moment in the winter at Deep Creek Lake. The beautiful, mountainous terrain and high elevation of Garrett County make it a prime location for a ton of snow, and of course, wonderful downhill skiing. Locals, as well as many travelers, come every year to partake in the exciting ski season. With an average of 100 inches of snow annually, the natural snow and high elevation make Deep Creek any skier’s dream.
Wisp Ski Resort
If you are looking for a beautiful mountain getaway, look no further. Wisp Resort is a hidden gem in Western Maryland. It is just a few short hours away from Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Ohio, and even New York City. Wisp Ski Resort is a four-season resort, located on the shores of Deep Creek Lake. The resort offers many different activities, like learning to snowboard or ski. This winter wonderland is the perfect place for a family snowboarding or skiing trip.
With over 170 acres of terrain and slopes, Wisp Resort is able to capture the essence of any skier. From beginners to advanced riders, there is a large variety of groomed trails and 12 lifts, so skiers have plenty of choices. No worries, if you are not a fan of going downhill right away, there are three terrain parks for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. This way everyone in the family can enjoy a day on the slopes.
Wisp Resort has cross country skiing available at the Nordic Center, located in the Appalachian Yurt in Sundown Village. All of the trails rely on natural snowfall and are located on the Fantasy Valley Golf Course terrain. The most popular trail for beginners is the Little and Big Dipper. If you are looking for a longer ride, try out the Wisp Trail or the Possum Trail. For those looking for a bit more of a trail, common favorites are the Down Under Trail, Deer Run, and Ace’s Run. For the most difficult trails, try out Devils Drip, Main Street, or Over The Edge. There is also freestyle terrain located right next to the Sunset Blvd trail.
Winter Activities
Deep Creek Lake is home to Maryland’s only ski resort. It has been growing and expanding since 1955. With over 172 acres of ski terrain and 34 downhill slopes, this area has become a must-visit during the winter season. The fun doesn’t stop at just skiing though. Deep Creek offers cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even snow tubing. For those who are wanting a thrill that doesn’t involve snow, try out the mountain coaster. There is something for everyone in the family to do.
For those wanting to take part in additional cross-country skiing, here are a few of our favorite slopes outside of Wisp Ski Resort. The New Germany State Park offers miles of trails and is the most well-known among frequent visitors. They have trails for all experience levels, as well as the flat green trail that parallels Poplar Lick or the Three Bridges Trail. Herrington Manor State Park is a snow-filled wonderland with over 52 acres of lake. There are over 10 miles of easy to intermediate trails to explore as well as a nice fireplace to warm up inside the lake house. The Deep Creek Lake State Park offers hiking trails that are ungroomed but are open to any cross country skiers. They have a 5.5 mile Meadow Mountain trail that enables you to catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife.
Lodging
If you are visiting the area and are interested in a more premium vacation rental or a space that can accommodate a large group, Red Barn Vacations is a perfect match. We have a portfolio that represents only the finest properties at the lake. Bring your whole family, business retreat, or even just your closest friends. Each home within Red Barn Vacations is designed exquisitely while keeping comfort in mind. Our homes offer many amenities, depending on where you choose, however, the high-quality standards remain intact no matter where you book.
Many of our properties come with a lake view, mountain view, ski view, and even some lakefront view. Some of the homes are located within a short walk of Wisp Ski Resort, making the trip to head to the slopes only a few minutes. Imagine waking up to the sight of the beautiful, snow-covered Wisp Mountain. Come the fourth of July, you can even see the fireworks set off at Wisp from the comfort of your own vacation rental.
To find your next Red Barn Vacation property search all of our properties here.
Deep Creek Lake is a wonderful place to visit year-round, however, there is just something about the winter season that is so special. With so many different parks and ski areas to choose from, as well as other activities, the fun truly never ends. So grab your lift tickets, and we will meet you at the chair lifts for an exhilarating time. We hope to see you soon in Deep Creek Lake.
