McHenry in Garrett County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Wisp Ski Resort
| | Hidden Heritage of Garrett County | |
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 12, 2025
1. Wisp Ski Resort Marker
Wisp Ski Resort first opened up in the winter of 1955-1956. In the winter of 1966-1967, the first snowmaking was active on the mountain. From 1971 to 1979, Wisp resort added 16 slopes, more lights and more snow makers. A hotel was also added during this time period at the base of the slopes. Over the years the resort has grown from a former cow pasture into one of the premier destinations in the Mid-Atlantic. Below are some of the many historic landmarks:
Winter 1955 - 1956: Mr. Heise forms Recreational Industries, Inc. and offers skiing on Marsh Mountain for the first time.
A cow pasture owned by a local farmer becomes a makeshift ski area. A one room hut with a pot-bellied stove serves as the first lodge and the bed of a pick-up truck operates as the first ski rental shop. One slope, The Face, is serviced by a rope tow.
Winter 1956-1957: Recreational Industries first attempts to make snow, using equipment resembling lawn sprinklers, which emitted frozen pellets of water.
1965: The first double chairlift (Chair #1) is installed. For the first time skiers are able to ski from the top of Marsh Mountain.
Erected 2022
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1955.
Location. 39° 33.47′ N, 79° 21.071′ W. Marker is in McHenry, Maryland, in Garrett County. It is on Mosser Road 0.1 miles east of Garrett Highway (U.S. 219), on the right when traveling east. Marker is located on the paved walking trail beside Mosser Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 226 Mosser Road, Mc Henry MD 21541, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region and in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: African American History (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 12, 2025
2. Wisp Ski Resort Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 114 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 17, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
