McHenry, Md., 301-387-4000
Miles from DC: 179
Number of slopes and lifts: 32 slopes, 12 lifts
Vertical drop: 700 feet
Terrain parks: 2
Weekend lift ticket: $60 for adults, $40 for ages 6 to 12
The scene: Wisp is one of the region’s most economical resorts. Geared primarily toward families, it offers low-cost ski/stay packages at the on-site hotel and at numerous condos, cabins, inns, and B&Bs surrounding Deep Creek Lake.
Best beginner trail: Possum—at 1½ miles, one of the longest beginner runs in the region.
Best intermediate run: Down Under—you ski through a tunnel.
Best expert slope: The Face—very short and very steep.
Coolest fun off the slopes: Mushing at nearby Husky Power Dogsledding.
Best restaurant: Santa Fe Grille, a Tex-Mex treat with good nachos and margaritas.
Insider tip: Start your day early—lifts open at 9 AM—and you’ll likely enjoy uncrowded runs. It seems to take most families until 11 AM to get themselves together and head to the slopes.
This article appears in the December 2012 issue of The Washingtonian.
