Wisp Resort is a four-season mountain resort at 296 Marsh Hill Road in McHenry, Maryland, on the slopes above Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County — the westernmost and highest-elevation county in the state. The resort is approximately 175 miles west of Baltimore and 190 miles from Washington D.C., reached by car via Interstate 68 and Maryland Route 219. Deep Creek Lake, Maryland's largest freshwater lake at roughly 3,900 acres, lies immediately below the resort, and the surrounding Garrett County landscape provides the closest approximation of a New England mountain-and-lake environment within a few hours' drive of the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area. In winter, Wisp operates Maryland's only downhill ski area, with 34 named trails spanning beginner through expert terrain, eight chairlifts, a dedicated terrain park, and a snowtubing park. Snowmaking equipment supplements natural snowfall to extend the season typically from mid-December through mid-March. The ski school offers group and private lessons for all ages and ability levels. Summer and autumn transform the mountain: a scenic chairlift offers uphill rides without skis, an 18-hole golf course replaces quiet fairways, mountain biking trails open across the terrain, and the adventure park adds zip lines and climbing walls. Accommodations range from standard hotel rooms in the main lodge to condo suites, luxury townhomes, and ski-in/ski-out chalets positioned on the mountain. Multiple on-site dining venues serve the resort throughout the year, ranging from casual slope-side bars and a base lodge grill to a full-service restaurant with lake and mountain views. A spa offers massage and facial treatments, outdoor pools operate in the warmer months, and extensive meeting and event facilities accommodate corporate retreats and weddings. Deep Creek Lake's kayaking, paddleboarding, motorboat rentals, and fishing operators provide additional recreation available through lakeshore businesses below the resort.
Room types
- Standard Hotel Room
- Condo Suite
- Luxury Townhome
- Chalet
Amenities
- Ski slopes (winter)
- Golf course (summer)
- Outdoor pools
- Spa
- Multiple dining options
- Ski rentals
- Mountain bike rentals
- Event spaces
Location
296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD 21541
39.5339, -79.3777 View on map
Highlights
- Maryland's only downhill ski resort with 34 trails, eight chairlifts, and a terrain park
- Four-season mountain resort above Deep Creek Lake, Maryland's largest freshwater lake
- Accommodation from hotel rooms to ski-in/ski-out chalets on the mountain
- Summer activities including golf, mountain biking, a scenic chairlift, and adventure park
- Spa, outdoor pools, and meeting facilities for corporate retreats and weddings
Tips for visiting
- Ski weekends in January and February are the busiest; mid-week stays offer shorter lift lines and often lower lodging rates.
- Summer bookings for July 4th weekend and Labor Day should be made 3–4 months ahead.
- Deep Creek Lake activities — kayaking, pontoon rentals, and paddleboarding — are available from operators on the lakeshore below the resort.
- Weather at Wisp runs 10–15°F cooler than Baltimore year-round; bring mountain layers regardless of season.
- Ski-in/ski-out accommodation is limited and sells out early for prime winter weekends — check availability well in advance.
Accessibility
Wisp Resort offers ADA-accessible hotel rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars. The main lodge, ski rental facility, and resort restaurants are accessible to wheelchair users. Mountain terrain and ski slope access inherently limits mobility for guests with physical disabilities; the resort can advise on adaptive ski programmes available through the ski school.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Wisp Resort primarily a winter destination?
While Wisp is best known as Maryland's only ski resort, the property operates year-round. Summer and autumn offer golf, mountain biking, a scenic chairlift, and access to Deep Creek Lake activities. Winter brings alpine skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
Can guests ski in and ski out of their accommodation?
Ski-in/ski-out access is available for chalet accommodations positioned directly on the mountain. Standard hotel rooms and most condo suites require a short walk or shuttle ride to the ski lift base area.
How do guests reach Wisp Resort from Baltimore?
The drive from Baltimore is approximately three hours via I-70 west, then I-68 west toward Cumberland, and south on MD Route 219 to McHenry. No direct public transport reaches the resort; a car is essential.
Are ski lessons available for beginners?
Yes, Wisp Resort offers group and private ski and snowboard lessons for all ages and ability levels through its ski school. Lessons can be booked in advance through the resort; advance booking is recommended for weekend visits.
What water activities are available at Deep Creek Lake near the resort?
Deep Creek Lake offers kayaking, paddleboarding, motorboat and pontoon rentals, fishing charters, and swimming. Rental operators are located on the lakeshore below the resort; the front desk can provide referrals and directions.