Wisp Resort in McHenry, Maryland — Live Webcam

Maryland's Only Ski Resort

Wisp Resort holds a special place on the map of the US East Coast — it is the only operating ski resort in Maryland. Located in McHenry in the western part of the state, in Garrett County, it attracts skiers and snowboarders from several major cities at once. The distance from Washington, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh is less than three hours by car, making the resort accessible to millions of East Coast residents.

The live webcam allows you to assess conditions on the slopes before your trip — check trail status, lift traffic, and the overall resort atmosphere.

Location and Surroundings

The resort is situated in the Appalachian Mountains, near Deep Creek Lake — Maryland's largest inland body of water. This creates a unique combination: the slopes operate in winter, while in summer guests switch to water sports, fishing, and hiking around the lake. Above the resort rises Wilcox Mountain, with sufficient elevation change for proper skiing.

Garrett County is known for its forests and state parks — around McHenry lie the Garrett State Forest and several protected natural areas. This means that even beyond the resort, views open up of untouched ridges and dense forests characteristic of western Maryland.

Slope Infrastructure

The Wisp Resort ski area includes 33 trails across 132 acres. This is enough to comfortably accommodate skiers of all skill levels — from beginners on gentle slopes to experts on steep runs. The lighting system allows skiing after dark.

The lift infrastructure consists of 10 lifts, including 7 chairlifts. This provides good capacity even on peak days. The average season length is 121 days — one of the best figures for East Coast resorts, where the climate is less predictable than in the Rocky Mountains.

In addition to traditional alpine skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers snowtubing — descending on inflatable tubes along specially prepared lanes. This makes Wisp Resort attractive for families with children and those who aren't ready to strap on skis.

Year-Round Resort: Summer Activities

One of Wisp Resort's key features is its year-round operation. When the snow melts, the slopes don't empty: the resort launches the Mountain Coaster, which runs along a track built directly on the mountainside. It's similar to a roller coaster, where the cart moves by gravity and the rider controls the speed.

In summer, the Aerial Adventure Tours rope parks operate — routes of varying difficulty between trees at height. The resort also features an 18-hole golf course and mini-golf. All this makes Wisp Resort not just a winter destination, but a full-fledged vacation spot any time of year.

History: From Founding to 70th Anniversary

The resort was founded in the mid-1950s and has gone through several stages of development. In 2024, Wisp Resort celebrated its 70th anniversary with the slogan "70 Never Looked This Good." Over these decades, the resort has seen changes in ownership, infrastructure modernization, and trail expansion.

The resort's history included a period of bankruptcy, after which the property passed to new operators. The resort hotel changed its name and underwent renovation — part of a comprehensive upgrade program that new owners carried out to enhance Wisp Resort's appeal amid competition with resorts in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Despite all challenges, the resort has maintained its status as Maryland's premier ski destination and continues to invest in development — upgrading snow guns, expanding skiing areas, and improving service.

Who Visits Wisp Resort

The resort's main visitors are residents of Washington, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Pittsburgh. For all these cities, Wisp Resort is the nearest ski resort with full infrastructure. A three-hour drive is an acceptable price for the chance to ski real slopes without flying to Colorado or Vermont.

Families with children appreciate the resort for snowtubing and gentle beginner trails. Experienced skiers find interesting sections on the upper slopes, where trails approach dense forest. Summer vacation enthusiasts discover the mountain coaster and golf surrounded by the Appalachians.

What the Camera Shows

The camera is positioned to cover the central part of the resort. In the center of the frame is a large lodge building with a gable roof, which serves as the main landmark on the property. In front of it is a parking lot where you can usually see guest vehicles and construction equipment — the resort is constantly upgrading something.

In the foreground is an open area with canopy tents and a large white shade sail — this is a gathering spot for guests between runs. Rows of hay bales and a red-and-blue inflatable attraction structure indicate that the resort caters to family recreation.

In the background is a mountain slope with groomed ski trails, residential homes, and trees. Below, part of a building roof with green metal roofing is visible. The live camera shows current conditions on the slopes — snow cover status, lift traffic, and the overall weather situation in McHenry.