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Details, Details

Snowy winter getaways can be spent right at the Wisp Mountain base at the Wisp Resort Hotel & Conference Center (290 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD 21541, 800/462-9477). The hotel is not only close to premium cold weather activities, but boasts convenient ski in/ski out lodging and more value-conscious rooms. The 67-room slopeside hotel also offers families a fitness center, heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi and, for the teens, WiFi access. Larger families may book one of the 102 newly remodeled suites that overlook the slopes and, in warmer weather, the golf course. An extensive renovation of the property and soon-to-be mountaintop, self-contained village round this out as a premium value for the family.

Many also enjoy the numerous and cozy lodges, condos and townhouse rentals around the area – some units are even for sale for the truly committed. In addition to regionally surreal skiing conditions consisting of over 100 inches of fluffy snowfall annually, Wisp has a surprising variety of trails for its size, a full service lodge, rental facilities and instructional staff. The expanded and unprecedented choices of children’s programs complement the recently expanded 10-trail area, and the pipes, rails and terrain parks designed for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. Wisp also has premium rental equipment for novices, so no prior investment is necessary.

For a fantastic lakefront view and all the comforts, my favorite place to stay is the Suites at Silver Tree (565 Glendale Road, Oakland, MD 21550, 800/711-1719). This is waterfront seclusion at its best, including lodges, cottages and condos. Built in mountain lodge style with timber cathedral lobby ceilings, this elegant retreat is centrally located to all regional points of interest and boasts a restaurant, sauna and fitness facilities, marina and waterfront swimming. Don't forget to inquire about its ski packages and discounts.

The Deep Creek Lake Resort Vacation Rentals company handles sales and rentals throughout this part of Maryland. There is a variety of reasonably priced rentals, from lakefront properties with docks (nice in summer), to slopeside condos and accommodations at Wisp, to quiet cabins in the woods. If you book far enough in advance, you may find a group lodging facility right on Deep Creek Lake or in a mountain retreat, or an affordable family ski vacation house. The resort area is 2 hours' drive from Pittsburgh, 3 hours from Baltimore or Washington DC and about 3½ hours from Cleveland.

For more information about Deep Creek, shopping, year-round activities, lodging and more, visit Garrett County Chamber of Commerce(15 Visitors Center Drive; McHenry, MD 21541).

As an environmental consultant, Andrew Der writes for land development companies and government agencies requiring technical and scientific guidance. Over the last few years, his yearnings have led him to travel journalism and photography focused on creative and cultural family destinations, his children, Eastern Europe - his birthplace - and the occasional offbeat experience or unique niche uncovered in his travels.