Wisp Ski Resort - Pittsburg, Maryland

Address:Pittsburg, Maryland
Tel: (301) 387-4911

Ski-in and ski-out lodging, a first-class spa, thirty-two slopes, and three terrain parks that include a superpipe. Is there anything not to love about Wisp Resort in Deep Creek, Maryland? Just a short 2 hour drive from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wisp serves up a healthy dose of fresh, corduroy snow for skiers and snowboarders who want their snowsports just a quick jump away from the city, and a fantastic way to get outdoors and wear the wax thin on their equipment.

As Wisp is East Coast skiing, the weather can be quite unpredictable, but Wisp makes up for it with their state of the art snowmaking abilities that are there to help out when mother nature doesn't provide powder on her own. Open seven days a week from 9am to 9pm, 90% of the thirty-two trails are open for night skiing. All trails are serviced by seven chairlifts that will zoom you up and down the mountain. Wisp's summit is not exactly stunning at 3,115 feet, however there is great diversity in trail difficulties, from the gentle beginners' area to the "Face" with its nonstop moguls. In addition, their new "North Camp Extension" adds on another 10 trails spanning over 33 acres!

Snowboarders can pump out the adrenaline as they slide down the rail park, with over 20 different layouts, and hit major air in Wisp's superpipe which propels riders 40 feet high in the air. Jibs, jumps, funboxes, and plenty of other features can be found in the Pro Terrain park, located near the front of the mountain.

It can get very crowded on the weekends, so plan accordingly. Your best bets would be to get there at 9am to beat the crowds, and leave around mid-afternoon when the snow can get a bit slushy. However, there are morning, night, twilight, and all day lift passes available for purchase to fit your time schedule. Adults, from age 12 and up, and juniors, from 6 to 12 years of age, have their own rates. Children under 6 and seniors over 70 get to ski or board for free.

Wisp's ski school offers Learn-to-Ski or Learn-to-Board classes on their beginner terrain. Snowboarders looking to amp up their skill set are invited to check out the Burton Learn to Ride Center with an individualized style of teaching unique to Burton. Children also have their own programs from ages 3 to 14 that include a lift ticket, rental equipment, and lunch. Reservations are required for both the Burton Center and the children's programs, and can be taken over the phone with a credit card deposit.

Wisp Outdoors is the hub for all non-alpine activity. It offers cross-country and snowshoeing on groomed trails, as well as snowmobile tours which must be reserved in advance. Wisp Resort also invites visitors to relax and be pampered in the first class Sewickley Spa, replete with everything from manicures to a full body massage, and staffed by certified therapists trained to put you at ease after a long day on the slopes. Kids can stay occupied at the arcade, fit out with such classic games as Pacman and air hockey, to pass the nighttime hours.

Over 165 rooms and suites are available on site at the Wisp Resort Lodge, which features ski-in and ski-out access, wifi internet, a fitness center, heated indoor pool and Jacuzzis in select rooms. Why stay anywhere else? A bar and restaurants with live music, delectable steaks, and seafood make this an all-inclusive stay. However, that being said, in the neighboring towns, all which can be found within a 40 minute drive, skiers can find a wealth of B&Bs, cabins, condos, hotels, and motels, such that finding where to lodge offsite will not be a problem. If you are spending a long weekend, and are of drinking age, you'd best buy all your alcohol before Sunday, as Maryland has a ban on any sales of alcohol on Sundays.

A quick ride from the major cities of Pittsburgh and Washington D.C. offers skiers and snowboarders a top-notch resort that is constantly improving and evolving, creating ever more slopes to keep their visitors happy and coming back for more. With that attitude and beautiful snow on acres of terrain, why go anywhere else this winter?

Nestled in the scenic mountains at Maryland's northwestern edge, Wisp provides one of the region's most superb settings for winter activities. Here, the excitement never stops. Take on the challenges of the Savage Super Pipe. Enjoy the convenience of our five triple chairs that increase our lift capacity and your time on the slopes. Thrill the entire family at the exciting Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park.