Tucked away in the mountainous panhandle region of Maryland, lies Wisp Resort. As Maryland’s only 4-season ski, golf and recreational destination, Wisp has been welcoming adventure sport enthusiasts, playful families and relaxing couples for decades with an ever-growing list of outdoor activities. With the sparkling waters of Deep Creek Lake just a stone’s throw away and the world’s only mountaintop whitewater course on top of Wisp, there are plenty of ways to get wet in the summertime.
The Adventure Sports Center International was first concepted after the 1989 World Slalom Championships, was the second whitewater course built in the United States and continues to be the only mountaintop whitewater course in the world. This 1/3 mile-long gravitational course is powered by 3 pumps, features numerous wave-shapers throughout and connects the landing reservoir with the starting pool via a custom conveyor belt made to fit whitewater rafts. The course is ideal for paddlers new to whitewater sports with a consistent water flow and Class II to III rapid setting, course monitors and trained raft guides. Spectators will have just as much fun watching the action on the Island accessible by bridge over the course with trails that meander along the entire man-made river.
Splash in the refreshing waters of Deep Creek Lake at the Deep Creek Lake State Park. The only public sandy beach in the area, this family-friendly location offers paddleboard, kayak and canoe rentals to paddle around the lake or mountain bike rentals to tackle the newly opened trail system. The water is cool and clean and the views are spectacular.
The Mountain Park at Wisp Resort is the center of fun with an almost endless list of outdoor adventures from mild to wild. Fly down the mountain on the ever-popular Mountain Coaster, test your nimbleness on 3 different Canopy Tour Zip Lines, zoom around on a Segway, take in the views on a Scenic Chairlift Ride, concur the mountain on a Downhill Mountain Bike and the list goes on.
If your passion lies on the links, Wisp Resort offers two distinct mountain golf courses – Lodestone Golf Course and Fantasy Valley Golf Course. While Lodestone is the newer of the two courses (opened in 2009), it has garnered top accolades in its short history including ‘the #2 course in Maryland’ by GolfWeek Magazine in 2012-2015, 2018, 2019. Soaring mountaintop views, glimpses of Deep Creek Lake, dramatic rock outcroppings and stunning flora and fauna all set Lodestone apart from other mountain courses while it’s bent grass tees and fairways really impress the most discerning golfer.
A growing calendar of events filled with live music, festivals, markets, movie nights and more will keep the entire family entertained during each season. Summer highlights include the free midweek Stage Wisp Concert Series featuring the mountain-side as a natural amphitheater with live bands performing under the saddle-span tent. The concert is preceded by a Farmer & Art Market offering fresh produce, local artisans and crafters to promote a ‘Buy Local’ movement. End of summer is marked by Tunes & Brews on Labor Day Weekend – a craft beer and music festival in the mountains of Maryland.
After a day of play, the newly renovated Lodge at Wisp is the ideal place to rest your head. The $3.7 million renovation project was completed in fall 2018 and encompasses all 169 rooms, a new fitness center, cozy outdoor firepits, renovated meeting spaces, a new entrance and modern lobby with various gathering spaces. Special lodging packages at The Lodge at Wisp combine resort activities and accommodations including the Stay & Play Golf Package and the High-5 Overnight Adventure.
