Not A Skier? Not A Problem! | Winter at Deep Creek Lake

Many folks visit Deep Creek in the winter for our outstanding ski opportunities. That’s understandable; with such a wide selection of ski-in/ski-out rentals and gorgeous trails right nearby, why wouldn’t you? We’re here to prove that skiing is not the only thing there is to Deep Creek in the winter, though.  While the slopes of Wisp Resort are one of the main draws to our area during the winter months, there’s so much to do that’s not skiing or snowboarding! To help paint Deep Creek with a broader brush, we rounded up some fun things to do during the winter months, other than skiing. Anybody can have fun when they visit in the winter!

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In this piece:

• Tubing
• Ice Skating
• Sledding
• Hiking
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Inside Activities

What is the Weather Like in Deep Creek in the Winter?

First things first: You’ll want to know what the weather is like in Deep Creek so you know what to expect and what to pack! Be ready for some winter weather, because honestly, Deep Creek gets cold.

Read More About Deep Creek in the Winter

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Tubing

Snow tubing is fun for the whole family – seriously. Tubing takes little to no athletic ability (for those of us too uncoordinated to ski!), and Wisp Resort’s tubing park features two magic carpets to carry you to the top and groomed tubing lanes! Hook up your tube to other people in your group for a faster ride or race each other down the lanes. During the weekends and busy holiday times, tubing is scheduled for two hours sessions. During the week, you can tube all evening! You can view more information on tubing at Wisp Resort, including ticket prices, height requirements, and hours of operation here.

INSIDER TIPS:

You absolutely MUST make reservations for tubing on the weekends – especially holiday weekends!! The tubing times sell out days or weeks in advance! It’s best to book your tickets right after you secure your housing so you know you’re set!

Wear old boots! If it’s cold outside, the lane will be ‘faster’ than a warm, sunny day. In that case, the attendants will have you drag your feet towards the bottom to help slow your tube down. Take it from us – don’t wear your favorite boots – they might get a little banged up! It’s also important to note you cannot tube in ski boots.

Hiking

We know what you’re thinking – no way! It’s freezing out there!! And while the temps don’t seem like perfect hiking weather, our landscape is so incredibly beautiful in the winter. Swallow Falls State Park takes on an entirely new definition of natural beauty when Muddy Creek Falls starts to freeze. It’s a good way to get out of the house for a few hours without it being too physically demanding or extreme. In addition to Swallow Falls, other great parks to visit in the winter include Deep Creek Lake State Park, Herrington Manor State Park, and New Germany State Park. All offer miles of trails for hiking and beautiful winter landscapes!

Ice Skating

Glide across the ice and channel your inner ice hockey or figure skater! JTf1 ice rink is open on weekdays from 4-6 PM, and admission is only $6, with $3 rentals available. On the weekends, skate times are broken up into 2-hour segments. The rink offers the option for private parties, group skating lessons, and even a learn to play hockey clinic! Also, for the first time in recent memory, there have also been several sightings of skating and ice hockey on the frozen lake itself, too! Remember to always check ice depths before venturing out on the lake – despite freezing in the winter, the ice is usually thinnest along the shore.

Sledding

Sledding is probably the most nostalgic winter activity, and it requires nothing but snow and a sled. On average, Deep Creek gets around 110 inches of snow, so you’ll have ample opportunity to sled! Last year, we saw 107 inches, and we don’t expect this year to be any different.

If your rental doesn’t have a great hill or yard and you’re up for a little adventure, Blackwater Falls offers a sledding park with a lift to the top, and it’s only about a 45-minute drive from the lake. Thomas and Davis, West Virginia, are neat little towns nearby to Blackwater Falls and are a great way to spend an afternoon if you’re looking to get out of the house.  Herrington Manor State Park is another incredible option that’s only a few miles from the lake and has a dedicated sledding hill! Before venturing out, make sure your car can handle the snow if it’s recently fallen!

Cross-Country Skiing

Okay, so this is still technically skiing, but it is so much different from downhill skiing! Runners, hikers, and even downhill skiers all love the physical challenge of cross-country skiing. Several of our local state parks offer trails (some groomed!) and rentals. Check out Herrington Manor and New Germany State Parks for trail conditions and more info! After a few tries, you’ll get the hang of the motion and be gliding across the snow in no time. If you have your own gear, feel free to venture over to the Meshach Browning trails just outside the lake area for more great cross-country skiing trails. You’ll also see many locals gliding across the snow on the frozen lake! As we mentioned earlier, always check ice depths before venturing out.

Snowshoeing

What if you were able to take a tour of Deep Creek on snowshoes? Sounds fun to us! For just $60 a person, you can rent snowshoes, get a guided tour of the area, and have a cup of hot cocoa to warm up at the end when you adventure with All Earth Eco Tours. We love this option because in the chance there isn’t enough snowfall, the tour converts to a regular hike and the price drops to $40—and it’s still incredibly beautiful! You can also rent snowshoes from Deep Creek Lake State Park & the Discovery Center if you want to venture out on your own across the trail systems there. Many people will also snowshoe across the frozen lake! Always check ice-depths before venturing out and remember that the ice is usually thinnest closest to shore.

Ice Fishing

Deep Creek is a great fishing destination in the summertime, but you can cast a line in the winter, too, when you go ice fishing! Deep Creek State Park is the most popular place to go ice fishing in the state, and many guests have had tremendous luck there (or at least, plenty of fun trying!). Perch are the most popular winter catch here. Just make sure you have proper equipment before you head out and check ice depths! There are guided ice fishing tour opportunities through Western Maryland Angler.