Ecotraveler....

WESTERN MARYLAND'S DEEP CREEK LAKE

AND WISP RESORT

The mountains of Western Maryland are a mid-Atlantic secret. However, word is spreading quickly about the unmatched beauty and recreational opportunities for familes at Wisp Resort and all around Deep Creek Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the state.

Deep Creek Lake and the area's large outdoors-oriented community make Wisp a unique mid-Atlantic skiing experience for the entire family, as well as a great mountain getaway year-round. Because of the lake and the residents, there are many more options than most stand-alone ski resorts typically offer.

The skiing at Wisp and the entire Deep Creek Lake experience won't be a secret much longer. Situated in the westernmost portion of Maryland, an entire four-season sporting lifestyle has developed around Deep Creek Lake, making it a great place for many forms of family-oriented outdoor recreation, accommodations, restaurants, shopping, and much more.

The skiing is just part of any Wisp outing. Wisp is a very rural four-season resort, with much of the activity situated around Deep Creek Lake and all of the accompanying amenities.

The ski mountain offers lots of variety, with sprawling runs and some steep sections. There is a large mix of intermediate terrain, making up about 50% of the trails.

Possum is definitely one of the Mid-Atlantic's best runs for beginners. It's over 1 1/2 miles long and provides great places to stop along the way. Skiers can find great views from almost anywhere on the mountain.

Wisp also welcomes skiing families with open arms. Possum is perfect for young children, while Down Under is ideal for more experienced older children. Daycare is available and is handled separately from ski school. All programs are a good value.

The night skiing at Wisp is also definitely an asset to the resort. All of the ski terrain is covered, offering some stunning views of Deep Creek Lake in the evening.

Unlike some mid-Atlantic ski areas, there's much more to this mountain than skiing and standard ski resort amenities. The area around Deep Creek Lake and the rest of pretty and peaceful Garrett County have blossomed into a successful outdoors destination.

Off the mountain, there's lots to do without skis. One of the most popular activities is snowmobiling through the beautiful countryside. The state parks in the area are also open and active in the winter, with cross-country skiing a favorite family activity. Finally, warmer weather makes Deep Creek Lake a perfect playground for outdoors kids and kids at heart.

For further information, contact Wisp Resort at P.O. Box 629, McHenry, MD 21541, 301-387-4911 or 800-462-9477 or the Deep Creek Lake-Garrett County Promotion Council at 200 S. Third St., Oakland, MD 21550, 301-334-1948.