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 I find the first few days of winter break rejuvenating. I nestle under the covers on my over-stuffed couch drinking giant mugs of hot chocolate and reading novel after novel. Watching the snow fall is comforting. I revel in the beauty of it, knowing that as an academic between semesters, I have the luxury of not leaving the house for days. But after day eight, I grow restless. My mind wanders; I have little desire to prepare for the coming semester, and my energy level begins to flag. And it’s not only me. The unrest is contagious. My dogs grow sullen, casting accusatory glances in my direction, frustrated that their long weekend jaunts are on hiatus. With the holidays behind us during one of the first real Frostburg winters we’ve experienced in years, cabin fever seems to be spreading steadily through the community.
Fortunately, we live in a region rife with possibilities. In western Maryland, hibernation is not our only option. Winter activities abound. Sledding—even dog-sledding, downhill skiing, snow boarding, cross country skiing, snow tubing, snow shoeing, ice skating and ice fishing, all await the adventuresome.
Coming out of my winter slumber, I think it’s time to leave couch and comfort behind and reenergize body and soul. So over the past couple of days, I’ve done a little research into the region’s bounteous winter offerings.
Crossing the bridge over Deep Creek Lake in January and February, visitors may be caught off guard by what has now become a familiar site in Garrett County—a handful of fisherman wrapped up in their winter gear staring ardently at a hole drilled in the ice waiting for a nibble. According to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, “Increasingly, ice fishing has become a favorite winter pastime on Deep Creek Lake and Savage River Reservoir.”
In support of this seasonal activity, Deep Creek Outfitters and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to host an Ice Fishing Contest. “The contest is open to everyone and fish must be caught in Garrett County waters.” Contenders can register at Deep Creek Outfitters in McHenry.
If sitting quietly in an anticipating pose when it’s barely 20 degrees outside doesn’t strike you as particularly enthralling, you may want to take on higher energy pursuits.
 Even the most casual visitors to our mountain region are familiar with downhill skiing options offered by the Wisp Resort. Experienced skiers and boarders looking for a challenge can take on The Face and Moguls, families can enjoy the intermediate downhill runs, and rank beginners can entertain themselves for hours on the Possum run. A great variety of lessons are available; in a one-on-one private format or group formats. Children as young as three can take advantage of the Willy Wisp learning program. Newly added is the Mini Rider and Mountain Rippers Children’s Programs.
As stated on its website, “If your kids are ready for the next level of snow fun, these programs are their destiny. If your 6-7 year old is begging to learn snowboarding, then we've just made your life easier - Mini Rider is a two-hour snowboard lesson and includes all equipment for your little rider. Mountain Rippers is a two-hour snowboard or ski class that will have your 8-14 year olds on the mountain longer and learning some cool techniques that will make even you envious.”
Adults needn’t feel left out. According to the Wisp, the Burton Learn-To-Ride Center For Adults & Children “is the most comprehensive riding program out there. Using the Burton technique, you'll learn all about snowboarding and equipment performance from certified instructors. You and your kids will get the best learning experience available today.”
Don’t look for me out on the slopes. I tried it once—in Indiana of all places, and ended the day kicking off my skis and hiking down the mountain with tears of frustration flooding my eyes. Instead, you’ll likely find me laughing hysterically at the Wisp’s Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park. No special skills required sounds like my idea of a good time. This family friendly activity caters to children and adults of all ages – though there is a 42” height requirement.
If speeding down the mountain isn’t your idea of a good time, you might want to consider taking a turn on the Wisp’s new Ice Skating Rink. The region’s newest attraction, the rink arrived by truck on Saturday, December 12, and by 5 PM the following Monday, ice was being made on it. The 50’ x 85’ oval rink fills a real void. Currently in development, the rink “will have the true ambiance of a winter wonderland with benches to rest on, twinkle lights hung, a bonfire area near and warm beverages to sip.”
But I can hear the chorus of voices now—“the Wisp is great, but oh the crowds!” If you’re not one for sharing your winter joy with hundreds of others, consider a few of the region’s hidden gems.
Husky Power Dogsledding has been operating out of Accident, Maryland, since 2004. Having served lengthy apprenticeships with dogsledding outfitters and kennels in Michigan and Colorado, owners Mike and Linda Herdering decided to open their own business in western Maryland, where Linda grew up.
Today, more than 20 Huskies call the Husky Power kennels home and for all of them, everyday is an adventure. For Huskies bred with a pulling instinct, providing a four footed engine to a weighted down sled appears to be a purely delightful experience. According to the owners, their dogs, “just love it… and cannot live happily without it."
Visitors can take advantage of a number of activities including everything from a short kennel visit to an afternoon’s immersion in sledding, including instruction on harnessing and mushing. This intensive hands-on experience gives participants a chance to try their hand at guiding the sled.
The business’ website explains, “Our business philosophy centers on the educational endeavor to promote the unique sport of dogsledding to visitors and local residents alike. We want our guests to experience the joy of mushing ... along with learning some of its varied skills, history, and lore. Our goal is in direct opposition to many dogsled-touring companies around the world that push large numbers of people through for rides on an hourly basis. A few visitors have called their experience here "Fun-ucational."
Those who prefer maneuvering atop the snow under their own momentum may want to check out Backbone Ski Farm, a wintertime destination that has become a favorite of Garrett County locals and visitors alike. Its website boasts that, “located on 520 acres of field and forest at the base of Backbone Mountain you will find 15 K plus of maintained nordic ski trails, including 8 K of groomed ski trails. Cross Country ski your way up Backbone to one of the finest views in the county, then swoosh back and warm yourself by the fire.”
The Ski Farm, which doubles as a CSA during the growing season, offers equipment rentals, lessons, and group activities – including snow shoeing. And, according to their most current posted note, this is one of their best winters in recent years. “What a way to start the year, it has been the best winter so far for several years! 10-12" hard packed, solid base, 6+ inches of fresh powder, and still coming.”
Backbone Ski Farm is open Saturdays and Sundays, with lessons offered regularly on those days at 11 AM and 1 PM. They can be open on additional days by appointment.
If the trek out to the far west hinterlands of Garrett County seems too daunting for Allegany County residents, the Savage River Lodge offers a rich alternative.
“We have almost 15 miles of trails thru beautiful snow covered pines, the beauty of our trails speak for themselves,” said Guest Services Manager Carol DiCenso. “What is great about the Lodge, is while your here to ski, you can warm up by the bonfire, come in the Lodge and warm up around our two sided fireplace, have a warm drink or something to eat.”
A $5 facility fee provides access to all groomed and ungroomed trails and a trail map. And you needn’t have your own skis—the Lodge provides equipment rental and ski lessons are available by appointment.
Most appealing to those with dogs with a bad case of winter blues may be the fact that the Savage River Lodge is pet friendly (pets are expected to be on leashes). Although not allowed in the lodge itself, “dogs are allowed on our trails,” said DiCenso. “We even offer them a Bone Appetite Menu to take home with you. Our warm and inviting Lodge makes everyone feel at home, both local outdoor enthusiast as well as our cabin guests.”
Visitors are strongly encouraged to call to check road conditions before making the drive out to Savage River Lodge—four wheel drive is often required to enter the property.
New Germany State Park also offers exciting possibilities for cross country skiers of all levels. A $3 day fee use provides access to trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. According to the Park’s website, trails will be groomed throughout the week, but visitors should, “always contact the state park for current snow and trail conditions as well as current service charges.”
Although lessons and equipment rental is available, New Germany State Park differs significantly from locations such as the Wisp in the amount of hand holding one encounters there. That being the case, with safety in mind, the Park’s website offers the following suggestions:
- Ski Rentals and lessons are available in the park through Allegany Expeditions by calling 1-800-819-5170 or emailing them at
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. The ski concession is located in the Recreation Hall and is open when ski conditions are acceptable from 8:30 AM - 5 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and holidays with weekday rentals available by appointment.
- Always dress appropriately, as frostbite and hypothermia can be cause for concern during periods of extreme cold. Inexperienced skiers are cautioned against trail-use on steep slopes. The trails are marked according to their level of difficulty.
- As the snow base becomes packed, skiers should become adept at turning and stopping before attempting the more challenging downhill runs on the Blue, Purple, Red, and far end of the Green Trails. Melting of snow and packing of the snow base can create extremely fast and challenging runs on steeper slopes. If you have not yet perfected your stops and turns, you are best advised to stay on flatter trails.
- Some trail sections may have a thinner coating of snow cover for short distances, especially those sections with heavy canopy cover from hemlock trees or runoff from hillside springs. This can cause damage to ski bases from underlying rocks, or put less experienced skiers off balance. Skiers should be prepared to stop when descending hills where these conditions exist.
- Trail etiquette is of primary importance during the winter months to optimize the use of snow covered trails for all users within the park. Skiers are required to keep to the right of the trail, using and/or setting established tracks (unless passing) to accommodate two-way travel throughout the park's trail system. Hikers and snowshoe users are reminded not to walk in cross country ski tracks as this hinders the skiers' use of trails. Hikers and snowshoe users should use the center portion of the trail for travel. Skate cross country skiers may use the middle section of the trail also, but must defer to snowshoe users and hikers. Single file travel is recommended whenever there are other trail users in the vicinity. Trail users are reminded that if stopping, they should step off the trail so as not to interfere with other recreational users.
- Mountain bikes are prohibited from New Germany's trails once the trails become snow-covered. Pets are not permitted in the park or on its associated trails, due to the potential for conflict with other visitors.
If equipment isn’t an issue, snow shoe enthusiasts and cross country skiers can find plenty to do in Allegany County. Although it’s known mainly for its thaw time activities such as hiking and biking, the Great Allegheny Passage provides ample snow laden opportunities. And at least one friend of mine has been singing the praises of snow shoeing in Frostburg’s own Glendening Park. Midland and Lonaconing readers may want to take advantage of the winter time offerings of Dan’s Mountain State Park.
For many, like my colleague whose family has constructed an elaborate sledding run in their own backyard, one hardly needs to leave town to experience some winter wonder. The surrounding countryside is splendid for sledding. Last winter, I watched mesmerized as my own FSU students played with their snowboards on some of campus’ steeper inclines.
And on a recent drive along route 40, I couldn’t help but notice several snow mobiles jockeying for prime terrain on the gently sloping hills. 
Of course, when I put out a Facebook query asking folks to share their favorite wintertime activities, their responses weren’t all about pursuing vigorous outdoor activities. Several mentioned the allure of snuggling next to a warm fire and sipping hot chocolate. One pointed out the merits of making snow ice cream “snow ice cream - snow, vanilla, sugar, milk – stir.” And at least one friend admitted that his, “favorite wintertime activity in the mountain region is leaving to go somewhere warm.”
For those of us planning on weathering the winter at home, let’s make the most of it and start exploring the area’s hidden riches.
The AppIndie would love to hear what you do to combat cabin fever.
All photos courtesy of Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.
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