By: Jay Ferguson jferguson@railey.com 301-501-0420 September 2nd, 2011 Category: Deep Creek Lake, Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Deep Creek Lake Events, Wisp Ski Resort

Sep 2 - Sep 5 41st Annual Rudy’s Labor Day Sale
Celebrate the official kickoff to the 2011 ski and board season at the 41st annual Rudy?s Labor Day Sale! The area’s largest ski & snowboard sale offering an extensive selection of wintersports equipment, apparel & accessories at discount warehouse prices.
Date: September 2, 2011
Website: http://www.rudysclothing.com
Location: Wisp Resort in the Main Lodge
Contact: 301-387-4640
EMail: info@rudysatwisp.com
Date/Time Details: Friday & Saturday 9am to 8pm
Sunday 9am to 6pm
Monday 9am to 4pm
Fees/Admission: None

Sep 2 - Sep 5 Wisp Outdoors Used Equipment Sale.

Date: September 2, 2011
Website: http://www.wispresort.com
EMail: info@wispresort.com

Sep 2 Little Yough Summer Music Festival
Concerts are free…..bring your lawn chair & enjoy the music. Food Vendors On Site 6:00pm - ?. Tonight - Remedy
Date: September 2, 2011
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: MountainFresh Pavilion, Second & Alder Streets, Oakland
Contact: Lillian Steele (301) 616-9790
EMail: steelebeatrice@gmail.com
Date/Time Details: September 2, 2011 - 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Fees/Admission: Free

Sep 4 Dogsledding Presentation and Kennel Visit
Enjoy an educational and entertaining dogsledding presentation. Grill mushers; see equipment; hug Huskies; watch films. No reservations needed today.

Date: September 4, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Website: http://www.HuskyPowerDogsledding.com
Location: Husky Power Dogsledding at Mountain MD Kennels, LLC
Address: 2008 Bumble Bee Road, Accident, MD 21520 — Three Miles from Wisp – near the Airport in McHenry
Contact: 301-746-7200
Date/Time Details: 10 am - noon
Fees/Admission: $20

Sep 4 Family LEGO SuGO Event
Come design, create, and build a LEGO robot that will push your opponent off the SuGO ring. All ages are welcome. The G-FORCE FTC team also demonstrates their robot. http://sugo.gearsinc.org/.

Date: September 4, 2011
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Website: http://sugo.gearsinc.org/
Location: GEARS Center in Accident

Sep 10 Art & Wine Festival
Benefiting the American Red Cross, the festival includes wine, regional artists, children’s area, silent auction, live music and lots more!
Date: September 10, 2011
Website: http://www.deepcreekwinefest.com
Location: Garrett County Fairgrounds

Sep 11 Dogsledding Presentation and Kennel Visit
Enjoy an educational and entertaining dogsledding presentation. Grill mushers; see equipment; hug gorgeous and friendly HUSKIES; watch an exciting film of them working/pulling (or see a real team run if it’s cold enough) and learn a lot! No reservations required this day. It is a two hour program starting at 10 am. Price: $20 each.

Note: We offer this same tour (but by reservation only and with a minimum price) almost every day. Please see our website for more info: “Tours” page.

Date: September 11, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Website: http://www.HuskyPowerDogsledding.com
Location: Husky Power Dogsledding at Mountain MD Kennels, LLC
Address: 2008 Bumble Bee Road, Accident, MD 21520 — Three Miles from Wisp – near the Airport in McHenry
Contact: 301-746-7200
Date/Time Details: 10 am - noon
Fees/Admission: $20

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 August 25th, 2011 Category: Garrett County News, News, Wisp Real Estate, Wisp Ski Resort

Here is a link to the latest article released to the public on the potential sale of Wisp Ski Resort.  The owners of nearby Seven Springs Ski Resort appear to be the most likely candidate to purchase the Wisp. The family that owns Seven Springs also own a majority of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team.

Contrary to any rumors the Wisp Ski Resort is NOT bankrupt and in NO danger of shutting down or closing. In fact, in recent years the Wisp has experienced a record number of skier visits. The current ownership group has actually made the Wisp a year round profitable venture with the addition of new attractions like the mountain coaster and zip line canopy tour. It’s very likely that any new ownership group or the current ownership group will continue to add new attractions and expand the ski slopes at the resort.

The article is a little misleading in blaming “low nearby home sales.” The number of nearby Deep Creek Lake home sales are actually trending upwards - they have been since the end of 2009.  More likely to blame for this potential sale are lower than anticipated building lot sales around the new Lodestone Golf Course atop Wisp Mountain and the high cost to build such a high end 18 hole golf course.

Many people think of the Wisp as one entity but it’s actually comprised of two separate companies - Recreational Industries and DC Development.  Both companies are owned by the same group of people. Recreational Industries is the Wisp Ski Resort and all it’s attractions - ski slopes, lodge, tubing park, and mountain coaster. DC Development is the real estate development company that builds and develops neighborhoods atop Wisp Mountain.

Since 2001, DC Development has been very successful in developing and selling out such neighborhoods and subdivisions atop Wisp Mountain like Boulder Ridge, North Camp, Highline, and Deep Creek Highlands. Those neighborhoods continue to be popular with vacation home buyers in the area.

Wisp Ski Resort will continue to be a huge draw for the Deep Creek Lake area regardless of who owns it. The ski area is a big part and reason why families purchase vacation and second homes in this area. The Deep Creek area is a true four season resort with endless activities and attractions for vacationers and second home owners alike.

If you are interested in pursuing real estate opportunities in the Deep Creek Lake area or at the Wisp Ski Resort please give us a call or stop in our office. We are the local experts and have the largest selection of properties for sale in the area.

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 January 27th, 2011 Category: Community Profiles, Deep Creek Lake, Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Vacation Rentals, Wisp Ski Resort

Sonya Lowery’s World Next Door TV recently featured a TV episode about Deep Creek Lake and the Wisp Ski Resort. The video crew and host stayed in a rental house located on the lake that is managed by Railey Mountain Lake Vacations.

The episode features all the fun, great wintertime family activities in the Deep Creek and Garrett County resort market - skiing and snowboarding at Wisp Ski Resort, snowmobiling, snow tubing at Bear Claw Tubing Park, the mountain roller coaster, dining in or out, and relaxing with your friends and family after a long day of playing outside. The video also shows Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland’s largest natural waterfall.

The rental house in the video is called Timber Lodge located at 773 Glendale Road. This house features an indoor pool and 9 bedrooms! Railey Realty was both the listing and selling broker for this house when it sold in 2003.

As Deep Creek’s leading real estate brokerage, we have the largest selection of Deep Creek Lake vacation and second homes for sale. Give us a call, stop in our office, or send us an e-mail to schedule a time to see any houses for sale and real estate in the Deep Creek Lake area.

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 December 3rd, 2010 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Garrett County News, News, Wisp Ski Resort

After a week of cold temperatures and snowfall, the Wisp Ski Resort announced today it will be opening for 2010/2011 ski season on Saturday, December 4, 2010. The only trail that will be open the weekend of December 4th and 5th will be Belly Flop and the conveyor carpet. Reduced rate lift tickets of $10 will be available this weekend.

The Wisp expects to have many more trails open and have an official “Grand Opening” on Thursday, December 9th, 2010.

Snowmaking efforts remain in full gear as cold temperatures and more snow are expected over the next several days.

Here is a picture taken today of the Wisp (The Face and Squirrel Cage slopes) from my office - cold and snowy!!

By: Carol Wills cwills@railey.com 571-214-3544 June 30th, 2010 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Wisp Ski Resort

The newest craze in transportation and touring, offered at Deep Creek Lake’s Wisp Resort are Segway Tours. The Segway is an upright, self balancing people mover. The movie “Paul Blart Mall Cop” featured the Segway and so did the movie “10 MPH”. In the movie 10 MPH, two guys quit their corporate jobs to take a road trip across America on a Segway traveling 10 mph.

My husband Ted has been exploring Deep Creek Lake since 2008, at 12 1/2 mph on a Segway - and folks on the

mountain call him the Segway Man. Ted has logged over 3,000 miles on his 2 personal Segways.

He has been a local consultant for the tours and is in his second year of giving tours each Saturday at Wisp Resort.

What a fun way to explore Deep Creek Lake and support going green!

Basic Tour $39.00 for 1 hour

Advanced Tour $79.00 for 2 hours

For more information call 301-387-4911

www.deepcreeklake360.com highlights places to explore when visiting Deep Creek Lake including lodging, restaurants, shopping, places to hang out and of course the latest in real estate news.

By: Jay Ferguson jferguson@railey.com 301-501-0420 April 23rd, 2010 Category: Community Profiles, Deep Creek Lake, Deep Creek Lake Real Estate, Wisp Ski Resort

Ski Harbor is a lakefront condo & townhouse community at Deep Creek Lake. One of the coolest features of this community is the land it sits on - a 1,200+ feet peninsula on the shores of Deep Creek Lake. You can always find a quiet spot to sit and read, picnic or just think. Lots of different amenities: indoor swimming pool, sauna, tennis court, beach volleyball, basketball court (I’ve even witnessed street hockey!), swing sets, benches, canoe & kayak racks and more. There are dock slips available, lake views from almost anywhere on the property, 2 no-wake zones (great for kayaking & fishing), and acres of grassy, level lakefront common area. You have MEGA views of Wisp Ski Resort & the Bear Claw tubing park, as well as wide body views of McHenry cove from the point of the peninsula.

There are 2-4 bedroom condo’s & townhomes available for sale or for vacation rentals. Its location near Wisp & on the water offers a ‘rental friendly’ location that is sure to impress your visitors, family & friends. You can get a 2 bedroom condo in the low $200k’s!

Another great perk is a front row seat to fireworks. The Wisp always sets off the 4th of July fireworks from the Bear Claw tubing park, and I as I mentioned, the view is AMAZING! McHenry cove fills up with hundreds of boats, all lit up at night, and it’s quite a sight to behold.

If you are in the market for a great lakefront vacation home or centrally located condo, Ski Harbor is one place that you will definitely want to explore!

Properties for Sale in Ski Harbor

Railey Realty Real Estate Blog - Ski Harbor

Ski Harbor News, Updates, Rentals

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 April 23rd, 2010 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Deep Creek Lake Real Estate, Garrett County News, News, Wisp Real Estate, Wisp Ski Resort

The Wisp Ski Resort at Deep Creek Lake recently announced a new attraction. Construction of a Zip-line ride near the Bear Claw Tubing Park is expected to begin shortly and should be open to the public in the summer of 2010. The new attraction is going to be named the Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour.  A Zip-line is basically a pulley on a cable that allows a rider to traverse down an incline using gravity while holding on to a pulley. The riders are attached to the pulley and cable with a safety harness. The new Zip-line, which is very popular in other resort areas, will add to the area’s many other diverse activities and continue to make Wisp a popular year round destination.

Hale Irwin Lodestone Golf Course & Wisp Real Estate Update

All 18 holes are now complete. The front 9 opened last fall to play and will re-open again May 1^st of this year. The back 9 holes are scheduled to open in June 2010.  Reviews from golfers who have played the course say its “spectacular”.  The scenery is incredible as some holes feature breathtaking views of Deep Creek Lake. A temporary clubhouse will be set up this summer and Hale Irwin himself will be here on July 10^th for a reception and to play the course. Lodestone is also offering a Trial Use Membership for 2010 (pdf).

All roads are now complete in the Greenbrier subdivisions at Lodestone.  Construction of two new residential houses fronting the golf course is expected to begin shortly.

Including the new golf course home sites, DC Development has developed 540 building lots atop Wisp Mountain since 1994. There is a potential for a total of 2,301 home sites atop Wisp.

Other recent Wisp news and updates;

• The 2009/2010 ski season was very good. The Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County area received record amounts of natural snow. The Wisp reported that skier visits were up about 2% over of the previous winter season. The ski area closed for the season on April 4^th of this year.
• The Mountain Coaster continues to be very popular with tourists and visitors.
• The Wisp plans to continue its annual Easter Sunrise Service. Visitors can ride the chair lifts to the top of the mountain for free and watch the sunrise as Easter services are conducted.

Please contact us if you would like to explore any real estate opportunities at Wisp and the new Lodestone Golf Course - including home sites, building lots, townhomes, or existing houses for sale.

Click Here for all Railey Realty listed Home Sites, Building Lots, Real Estate, and Houses for Sale at Wisp Ski Resort.

(Photo courtesy of D. A. Horchner/Design Workshop)

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 February 19th, 2010 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Garrett County News, News, Wisp Ski Resort

Garrett County Maryland and the Deep Creek Lake area has received about 225 inches of snowfall this winter season according to the State Highway Association. The all time record is right around 230 inches. The heavy amounts of snow started falling on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 - about 40 inches that day - and it hasn’t really stopped since then. Another large blizzard hit Wednesday, February 10th - about 30 inches of snow accompanied by strong winds. After these two storms impacted the area, the northwest winds kicked up again on President’s Day resulting in lake effect snow all week. It finally stopped snowing today. Here is a graphic WBAL ran on their nightly news. Keysers Ridge is about 12 miles north of Deep Creek Lake.

While the locals have been complaining about the snow it’s been an absolute boon to vacationers, tourists, and skiers. Ski conditions at the Wisp Ski Resort have been excellent the past few weeks - along with cross country skiing! The Wisp has been extremely busy the past few weeks and expects to have another busy weekend. The strangest thing is that it’s been too much snow for snowmobiles - many of the snowmobiles are getting stuck in the fields and on Deep Creek Lake needing to be dug out.

If you do travel to the area, the main roads, such as Interstate 68, Route 219, and most of the county roads are fine. However, most roads still have snow cover and aren’t fully widened yet. In fact some of the more remote country roads are still closed as of today. Most driveways have been plowed but you should be advised to bring a 4WD or AWD vehicle if you do travel to the area.

The snow record will probably be broken soon as another major storm is expected to hit early next week! Once again, the weather is proving why Deep Creek Lake is such a wonderful, true four season resort area. If you would like to explore purchasing real estate in the Deep Creek area - please contact us - we’ll be more than happy to show you all their is to do in this winter wonderland!

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 January 29th, 2010 Category: Community Profiles, Wisp Real Estate, Wisp Ski Resort

If you are just starting your property search in the Deep Creek Lake area, Wisp Ski Resort can be a little confusing with its many subdivisions and neighborhoods - each with different features and amenities. Some of the communities have ski-in/ski-out slope access - some don’t, some have lake access - some don’t, some have lake views - some don’t, some have slope access, lake access, and lake views - or a combination of the three. Confusing to say the least! Below is a quick summary for those of you considering buying home or building lot atop Wisp Mountain.

BOULDER RIDGE

A small gated community of single family residential homes adjacent to the Eye Opener ski slope, Main Street slope, and Chair lift #4. Great ski slope access from this community! Plus most of the building sites and homes have stunning views of Deep Creek Lake and the mountains of Garrett County. Easy walk to the ASCI Whitewater Course and Wisp Mountain Village.

• Ski-In/Ski-Out - Yes
• Lake Access - No
• Lake Views - Yes, most with stunning views!

Click here for real estate and homes for sale in Boulder Ridge at Wisp

KENDALL CAMP

A small gated community of duplex style residential townhomes that also have easy ski slope access. Each unit features 4 bedrooms, 1 car garage, and a log home architectural appearance.  Located very close to the top of the Main Street ski slope and Chair lift #4. Easy walk to ASCI and Wisp Mountain Village.

• Ski-in/Ski-Out - Yes
• Lake Access - No
• Lake Views - Generally No

Click here for real estate and town homes for sale in Kendall Camp at Wisp

NORTH CAMP AT WISP

A larger ski-in/ski-out community of single family homes and building lots located adjacent to Wisp’s North Camp ski slope expansion. From North Camp it’s a pretty easy walk to ASCI and Wisp Mountain Village. Most home sites and homes have expansive mountain views.  Neighborhood also includes the smaller community of Ridge Run - duplex style townhomes similar to Kendall Camp.

• Ski-in/Ski-Out - Yes
• Lake Access - No
• Lake Views - No, but expansive mountain views that go on forever!

Click here for real estate and homes for sale in North Camp atop Wisp

HIGHLINE AND HIGHLINE II

Smaller, non-gated communities of residential single family homes with ski slope access. Highline is located adjacent to the Main Street ski slope. Most of the homes in Highline have stunning views of Deep Creek Lake and McHenry Cove! Highline II is located across Wisp Mountain Road but still has slope access. A few homes in Highline II have lake views - most of have pretty good mountain views. A little farther walk to ASCI and Wisp Mountain from Highline. ASCI is probably too far of a walk from Highline II.

• Ski-In/Ski-Out - Yes
• Lake Access - No
• Lake Views - Some with really good lake views!

Click here for real estate and homes for sale in Highline and Highline II atop Wisp

DEEP CREEK HIGHLANDS

A larger, gated premier community of single family homes - many with stunning views of Deep Creek Lake. Community features an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, pavilion, lockers, paths, trails, and unique rock outcroppings.

• Ski-in/Ski-Out - No, you’ll have to get in your car and drive to the lodge at Wisp.
• Lake Access - Yes, a dedicated area on Marsh Hill Road - some boat slips available
• Lake Views - A good many of the homes and lots have great views of Deep Creek!

Click here for real estate and homes for sale in Deep Creek Highlands atop Wisp

OVERLOOK MOUNTAIN VILLAS

A town home development that is part of the Deep Creek Highlands association but not located within its neighborhood boundaries. Owners at Overlook Villas can use the outdoor swimming pool in the Highlands but are not allowed to use the lake access area. Many of the townhomes have great views of Deep Creek Lake.

• Ski-in/Ski-Out - No, you’ll have to get in your car and drive to the lodge at Wisp
• Lake Access - No
• Lake Views - Most have really good views of Deep Creek Lake!

Click here for real estate and town homes for sale in Overlook Mountain Villas atop Wisp

VILLAGES OF WISP

The original and first ski-in/ski-out development at Wisp Ski Resort. Most of the buildings were built in the late 80’s and early 90’s. All units have slope access, some have year round lake views, and all have lake access at a lakeside park along Marsh Hill Road. Some transient boat docks are available.

• Ski-in/Ski-Out - Yes
• Lake Access - Yes
• Lake Views - Some with year round views

Click here for real estate and town homes for sale at Villages of Wisp

You are probably still confused! That’s ok. That’s why we are here - to help you! If you would like to see any real estate, townhome, or building site for sale atop Wisp Ski Resort - give us a call or drop us an e-mail. We are experts on these communities and neighborhoods atop the mountain. We’ll help you find that perfect vacation home, townhome, or condo. Remember, we can show you any listed property for sale in the Deep Creek Lake area - even those listed with other real estate companies.

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 December 30th, 2009 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Wisp Ski Resort

If you are looking for some activities on New Year’s Eve in the Deep Creek area - the Wisp Ski Resort will once again display fireworks at midnight over the ski area that the whole family can enjoy. Much like the annual Fourth of July show, the fireworks will be viewable from most of McHenry Cove but from my experience the best viewing area is usually near the Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park. The Wisp is also having a New Year’s Eve Party inside the lodge that includes drinks and a live band. Advanced reservations are recommended!

For something  a little more relaxed, Pleasant Valley Dream Rides is once again offering horse drawn sleigh rides. Blankets are provided and the cold, crisp mountain air is sure to leave you rejuvenated. Reservations are required. Call (301) 334-1688 for more info and current conditions. Pleasant Valley is about 20 minutes south of Deep Creek.

With more snow predicted this weekend, if you are seeking a place to snow sled or toboggan in the Deep Creek and Garrett County areas I’ve found that Herrington Manor State Park usually is the best public spot and has some really good sledding hills and trails for kids and families to enjoy. The park’s concession stand does rent sleds along with cross country skis and snowshoes. The park’s concession will NOT be open on New Year’s Day but you can still bring your own sled and use the trails.

(Photo courtesy of Marcia Warnick of Four Wheels Photography - Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County Photography.)