Deep Creek Lake Winter Vacations
When snowfall blankets the mountainsides, the Deep Creek Lake area is transformed into an idyllic winter wonderland. It's not unusual for Garrett County to receive 100 inches of snow in a season!
You can bundle up and enjoy the outdoors or stay warm and cozy in your Timber Rock Village vacation home. Wisp Resort is the focal point of winter fun, but there are lots of ways to keep your entire crew entertained. Every member of the family can find a way to have fun and unwind in the Mountains of Western Maryland.
We put together some of our favorite winter activities that will suit all ages and interests. Not a skier? No problem! There are lots of easy ways to play outside too.
Skiing and Snowboarding: Wisp Resort is Maryland's only ski resort! It has 172 acres of ski terrain with 33 runs and 11 lifts. There's a great mix of slopes for all ability levels: 27% beginner runs, 42% intermediate runs, 30% advanced runs.
Visiting on a holiday weekend? Be sure to purchase your lift tickets in advance. They sometimes sell out during peak season.
Snow Tubing: Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park at Wisp Resort is a blast for the entire family! Two conveyor carpets take you up the hill. From there, you slide down one of twelve tubing chutes. Each one is 750 ft. long!
Tubing is a favorite activity. Make your reservations early to save your spot on the hill!
Cross Country Skiing: Deep Creek Lake cross country skiing is a great way to get some exercise and the learning curve is quick! Both Herrington Manor State Park and New Germany State Park offer miles of trails as well as rental equipment. Give them a call to check conditions before you head out. Experienced cross country skiers might want to check out White Grass Ski Touring Center in neighboring Tucker County, WV. It's only an hour from Deep Creek and has 50KM of maintained trails.
Sledding: Herrington Manor State Park has a designated sledding hill that is right beside the park office. You can also experience the longest sled run on the East Coast! Head to nearby Blackwater Falls State Park to race down a quarter mile sled run. Purchase tickets in advance for your two-hour session.
Celebrate the Holidays: A Deep Creek Lake vacation is the BEST way to make holiday memories with family and friends. There are a variety of local events that will help you catch the spirit of the season.
Festival of Trees Garrett County: Held the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. Enjoy beautifully decorated trees, children's activities, crafts vendors, artisans, and more. You can even get tickets for breakfast with Santa!
Christmas in the Village: Held the first full weekend in December, this delightful celebration is held at Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville, MD. Tour the artist studios, listen to traditional holiday music, and make crafts with the kids.
A Great Small Town Christmas: Held in early December, it's truly magical time in downtown Oakland. A variety of free and family-friendly activities happen throughout the weekend including a holiday light parade and visits with Santa.
Snowshoeing Tours: If you're looking for a "no skill required" outdoor activity, consider a snowshoeing tour. All Earth Eco Tours leads guided trips through snowy woodland trails. They will teach you everything you need to know and will share info about the area too. You'll get to enjoy some yummy hot chocolate too! If there isn't enough snow for snowshoeing, the trip turns into a guided hike.
Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort: Open year round, the Mountain Coaster is a thrilling ride that twists and turns for 3,500 feet downhill!
Arcades and Axe Throwing: Deep Creek Fun Zone has a variety of games in their arcade along with an indoor laser tag arena. Right down the street, you can test your skills at Deep Creek Axe Throwing Co.
Deep Creek Dunk: Held the last Saturday in February at the Honi Honi Bar/Uno's, this is a popular event for locals and visitors alike. Deep Creek Dunk participants brave the lake's icy waters to raise money for Special Olympics Maryland. It is a festive day filled with fun including crazy costumes and music.
The night before the Dunk, you can enjoy live music and taste wine and beer at Goosebumps, Grapes, and Growlers. Also, held at the Honi Honi Bar, it is the kick-off event for Dunk weekend.
Warm Up with Food & Drink: There are lots of places to dine where you can stay warm and cozy. At the lake, Firewater Kitchen & Bar, Uno's, Pawn Run Bar & Kitchen, and Dutch's at Silver Tree are a few of the options. In Oakland, 206 Alder Bistro & Bar and The Vagabond Taproom are favorites. The Deep Creek Lake area has lots of great coffee shops too: Trader's Coffee House, Espresso Alley, Moonshadow Cafe, Black Hawk Coffee Company, Shoofly Java, The Root Cafe, and The Travel Mug.
Reserve your Deep Creek Lake vacation rental with Timber Rock Village. Our luxury properties are within a short drive from Wisp Resort, restaurants, shops, and more. Each one is well-appointed so that you are completely comfortable throughout your stay.
