In the Fall and Winter months there is a shift of activity around the lake to the Wisp Mountain. In September the leaves start showing color and this continues right through our Autumn Glory. Check out our web site for more information on that event.
Some of the activites you can find in the Winter months include Skiing, Tubing, Sledding, Snowboarding, Snow/mobiling, Showshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Ice Fishing, Carriage Rides, Mountain Coater and Dog Sledding to name a few!!!
Please contact us if you would like us to mail you some brochures about these activities. We are never to busy to be of help!
Wisp, the Western Maryland resort in Garrett County, is an easy-going less than three-hour drive from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Annapolis, and points between. Wisp has a long season, averaging 140 days (that's long for the mid-Atlantic), usually running from before Thanksgiving into late March.
One good reason for the longevity is what amounts to one of the biggest and most efficient airless snowmaking systems in the region. The skiing and riding is spread over 100 skiable acres on a comfortable 610 foot vertical, with the biggest batch of runs designated blue for intermediates. Novice skiers and riders quickly fall in love with Possum, a trail that stretches from the top of three chairs for 1.5 miles, covering more than 10 acres.
Snow tubers can enjoy the nine-chute Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park with its own rope tows to the top of the hill.
Two new triple chairs replaced the last of the doubles and extended both to the top of the mountain. A ski carpet services the beginners area.
No matter what the temperatures in the city, you should be able to enjoy a longer ski season at Wisp. New state of the art snow making machines make that possible. Over the past few years more trails and lifts have been added as well.
Let yourself go. Gravity will do the rest.
VARIETY OF TERRAIN: Beginner. Try Possum - one of Wisp's more famous trails. Ride this "beginners' dream" 1.5 miles over 10.6 acres of groomed corduroy.
More Difficult: Go Down Under and try the most popular trail on the East Ridge. This adventure includes skiing through a tunnel and is fun for the whole family.
Most Difficult: To feel the burn, you need to ski The Face. Moguls, moguls and more moguls - what else do we need to say?
QUICK STATS Vertical drop: 700 feet Top Elevation: 3115 feet Base Elevation: 2415 feet
Well, this is simple!! There are so many places to go to do this activity. If you would like suggestions, call Sam. He loves this sport and knows the hot spots!!
This is great fun and the good news is that you wont have to hike back up the hill. You must use the tubes provided. This sport is popular as everyone can do it. No lessons and expensive equipment. Just hop on a tube and connect to a rope tow that will take you to the top. Get ready to scream and laugh!!
In compliance with State of Maryland Regulations, in order for children to participate they must be at least 42" tall.
Dress appropriately, Warm clothing including gloves and winter footwear are advised. Loose clothing, such as scarves, are not permitted.
Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park opened in December 2001. The park is open seven days a week throughout the winter season. Snow tubing is conducted in specified two-hour sessions.
*Tickets go on sale 1/2 hour prior to the park opening each day, please arrive early. Session Times do sell out on weekends and holidays, Advance Sales are recommended. Please book in advance by calling 301.387.4911 - Advance sales only one week prior to date. ** There are no refunds or exchanges on dates or times of tubing sessions.
**Season Pass Holders and Wisp Card Holders please call 301.387.4911 or visit the Tubing Park to purchase your discounted tickets. *Discounts not available Holidays.
Phone: 301-387-4911
SLEIGH RIDES
There are movies and television shows that have highlighted sleigh rides.
Once Upon A Sleigh Ride, Santa's Sleigh Ride, The First Sleigh Ride, The Santa Clause, an Ugly Betty Episode, a Seinfeld Episode and so on.
Now you can experience an Old Fashion Sleigh Ride at Pleasant Valley Dream Rides. Some of the views of Pleasant Valley and Backbone Mountain will take your breath away. We would love to hear about your experience and would also enjoy seeing any personal photos.
Reservations: Advance reservations require a credit card and can be made by calling 301.387.4911. Day of the tour reservations require payment. Non-refundable 48 hours prior to your scheduled reservation. All reservations are weather permitting.
Tour Check-In: Check in at the Performance Rental Shop located on the lower level of the Lodge at least fifteen (15) minutes before your scheduled tour. Here you will pay for the tour and complete a snowmobile release form. Those under 18 must have a parent or guardian signature on the release form. You will also be fitted for a helmet. Please note that all tours will start on time. If a guest does not arrive on time for his or her tour, the tour will start as scheduled to avoid delays for other riders and for additional tours.
Tour: At the beginning of the tour, each guest will be given a warm up tour on the basic operation of the snowmobile. Once each rider is comfortable with basic snowmobile operation, the tour will begin. The guest will be required to learn forward, back, left and right to successfully drive the snowmobile around the course. Please note that the tour is both driver and rider active. All snowmobiles must follow the guide, single file. The tour speed is the same speed as the slowest rider.
Please note that guests who do not follow the Guide, rules or ride in an unsafe manner will ride back to the Lodge on the back of the guide sled and will not be refunded for the tour.
Rules for Snowmobiling:
Drivers must have a valid Drivers License to drive the snowmobile.
Drivers and riders must sign the release. A parent or guardian must sign for riders or drivers who are under 18.
Every person on the tour must wear a helmet.
Only one adult rider per snowmobile.
You must be at least 16 years old with a valid Driver's License to drive the snowmobile.
You must be at least 6 years old to ride as a passenger on a snowmobile.
The combined weight of the driver and the passenger cannot exceed 350 pounds.
Warm clothes including gloves and snow-appropriate footwear are strongly recommended. A full-face helmet will be provided for each driver & rider so goggles and hats are not necessary.
Any rider or driver who has been drinking alcohol or is under the influence of drugs may not drive or ride the snowmobile.
Unsafe operation of the snowmobiles or disregarding any of the rules will result in the guest(s) being returned to the Lodge without a refund.
Phone: 301-387-4911
DOG SLEDDING
We hear these dogs don't need snow to pull a rider!! See our UTUBE video on our web site under Videos at Deep Creek Lake.
Also we can send you information about this and other lake activities. Just give us a call or send us an email.
Carol and Sam
A great movie to rent is 8 Below. It really highlights the dogs and the job they do!
