Things to Do This Winter in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

A magical landscape blanketed in snow, hot tubs, fire pits, and some of the best winter activities around. There is so much more to winters in Deep Creek than just skiing (although that certainly is a HUGE reason to come)! Let’s break it down:

Activities at Wisp: OPEN NOW FOR THE 2021-2022 SEASON

Skiing and Snowboarding: There is no questions as to why the skiing and snowboarding at Wisp Resort is the classic Deep Creek winter activity. With tons of great runs in a variety of different skill levels, these slopes are well-worth the visit! If you are an expert skier, you’ll love trails like Squirrel Cage and Main Street. If you are a novice, you’ll love the ability to learn from the resort’s instructors as you harness your craft. Not so into the whole “winter sports thing?” No worries! The lodge has hot cocoa, beer, and tons of yummy food to keep you warm, happy, and full!

Photo courtesy of Wisp Resort
Snow Tubing: How does snow tubing down 750 feet of snow sound? How about having access to twelve chutes, an automated conveyor system, and large, comfortable tubes? Sounds pretty awesome to us! This is a great way to try something new or get your feet wet trying out winter thrills. This is a great activity for adults and kids alike (so long as your little rider is at least 4 years old at 42″ tall).
Photo courtesy of Wisp Resort
Mountain Coaster: Chances are, you’ve never experienced anything quite like this. The mountain coaster at Wisp Resort is a unique attraction billed as a “gravitational hybrid of an Alpine Slide and a Roller Coaster.” With 3,500 feet of downhill track, these carts are a year-round attraction for adults and kids. If you are a thrill seeker or wild child, go ahead and ignore the handbrake on the cart to zip down the mountain through a series of twists, turns, and dips. If you are nervous, you’ll be pleased to know that each rider is 100% in control of their individual carts brakes, so you can go as fast or slow as you want. This activity is particularly fun in the winter, as you get to see the skiers and snowboards zipping along the mountain beside you!

Photo courtesy of WVNews

Other Outdoor Activities

Hiking + Snowshoeing: Don’t let a little snow stop you from getting out and exploring western Maryland! Even if you know and love our many hiking trails and state parks in the warmer seasons, you’ll want to put an outdoor trek on your list for winter, as the view and experience is TOTALLY different blanketed in snow. Deep Creek Lake State Park, Swallow Falls State Park, New Germany State Park, Snaggy Mountain Rock Maze, the Cranesville Swamp Trail, the Kendall Trail, and Fork Run are some of our very favorite spots to hit. If you want to try snowshoeing, New Germany State Park and Wisp Resort both offer groomed trails and equipment rentals. Want to go with a local expert? All Earth Eco Tours will will lend you some equipment and take you on a guided experience!
Sleigh-Ride by Horse: This activity is just too much fun! Circle R Ranch, known year-round for their stellar horseback riding experience, offers a snowy sleigh ride, complete with a stunning Draft Horse and blankets for cuddling up in! Just imagine how cute the pictures will be on next year’s holiday cards!
Photo curtesy of Circle R Ranch

Indoor Amusements

Simon Pearce Glassblowing Tour: Simon Pearce, luxury glassware artisans, are one of the leading national authorities on exquisite glass-blown homware and decor. Not only is there a Simon Pearce store in Mountain Lake Park, within nearby Oakland, but the art is actually produced on site with daily view and tour opportunities from 10am to 2pm. Fascinating and beautiful!

Photo courtesy of Simon Pearce on Tripadvisor
Discovery Center: Located near the entrance to Deep Creek Lake State Park, the Discovery Center is a hands-on, interactive showcase of the flora, fauna, and wildlife of Deep Creek! Learn more about bears, fossils, birds, and water dwellers from this large, free indoor facility. The birds of prey housed in the facilities Aviary are especially fascinating!

Photo curtesy of WVNews

Breweries and More

Short Story Brewing Company:

Photo curtesy of Short Story on Facebook
Mountain State Brewing Company:

Photo curtesy of Mountain State on TripAdvisor
Branch Bender Cidery:

Photo curtesy of WVNews