Preparing for a Great Winter Season with Snowmaking + Infrastructure Investments

As winter unfolds in Deep Creek, Wisp Resort is taking significant steps to ensure the mountain is primed for skiing and snowboarding. With cold temperatures forecasted through Monday, the snowmaking team is ready to refresh and expand the available terrain for guests visiting over the holiday period.

Snowmaking at 100% Capacity

The early season presented challenges, including pump control module and pressure sensor malfunctions. These issues have been fully resolved, and the snowmaking system is now operating at 100%. Every snowmaking opportunity is being utilized, with the team producing snow whenever conditions allow.

Wisp’s ability to make snow has been bolstered by substantial upgrades to snowmaking equipment and infrastructure. Over the past five years, 52 new TechnoAlpin snow guns have been added across key slopes, including Possum, Squirrel Cage, and The Face. These modern snow guns are 45% more energy efficient and highly automated, ensuring faster, more sustainable snow production. Additionally, major pipe replacements and system upgrades have strengthened the overall snowmaking operation.

Infrastructure Investments Totaling $6 Million

Significant investments—totaling approximately $6 million over the past three years—highlight Wisp’s dedication to maintaining and improving the mountain experience. These improvements include:

• Snowmaking System Upgrades: Replacement of snowmaking pipes along with new and upgraded snow guns across multiple slopes, to enhance reliability and snow coverage for beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain.
• Slope Enhancements: Additions such as new LED slope lighting on Down Under for better visibility.
• Upgraded Grooming Equipment: New PistenBully grooming machines, which play a critical role in delivering smooth, high-quality surfaces.
• Guest-Focused Amenities: A revamped Axess ticketing system and online store, a fully updated hotel with new siding and updated pool area, and additions like the miniature golf course, new mountain coaster carts, and the new Last Chair Bar & Bistro.

These investments demonstrate Wisp’s long-term commitment to providing exceptional experiences for both season passholders and first-time guests.

Terrain Readiness and Improvements

Wisp’s Mountain Operations team recently completed a rebuild of Central Park, the resort’s popular terrain park. The refreshed layout, which opened this week, features enhanced elements designed for skiers and riders of all levels.

Efforts are also focused on Down Under, a vital ski-in/ski-out run for the Villages of Wisp community. The recent upgrades to snowmaking pipes and electrical systems on this slope address prior challenges, ensuring it will open sooner during this cold snap. Guests can also expect improved snow surfaces and lighting.

Continuous Improvement and Communication

While the weather in the Mid-Atlantic remains unpredictable, Wisp’s investments in snowmaking infrastructure and slope enhancements are paying off. For example, last season saw 32 of 33 slopes open during peak conditions, rivaling larger resorts in the region. The resort also averaged 20 open slopes and all lifts running throughout the core ski season, a testament to the team’s ability to maximize conditions.

Ready for the Holiday Season

As the temperatures drop, rest assured Wisp’s snowmaking system will blanket the slopes with fresh snow and terrain will be expanded as quickly as possible. We look forward to welcoming guests during the busy holiday period and a season filled with winter fun.

Let’s make this season one to remember!